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How viable is it to work for a janitorial contractor that requires a TS clearance to help in getting your foot in the door?
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Sep 22, 2010 22:01
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TCD posted:Will they sponsor you for a TS? I am sure that there will be a certain number of years that I would have to work for them to keep people from getting cleared and dumping them though. Pompous Rhombus posted:Anyone ever hear back from the CEP Passport Specialist Position? Was supposed to be a yea or nay at least a week ago... Yeah I have not heard a single thing from them. I've pretty much written that prospect off at this point. Gin and Juche fucked around with this message at 08:14 on Sep 23, 2010 |
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Sep 23, 2010 04:54
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TCD posted:So this would be a local hire at an Embassy then? No, its an American embassy in a foreign country. Weird, I agree. Pompous Rhombus posted:88 (honest to a fault) Hear hear integrigoon. I got an e-mail this morning as well, and unfortunately I received an 80. Gin and Juche fucked around with this message at 20:45 on Sep 23, 2010 |
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Sep 23, 2010 20:40
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Got an e-mail from the HR people. Basically if you scored less than a 97, you are right out for everything.
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Sep 24, 2010 01:04
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I know right? I am pale, male, but no Yale. And 2/3 ain't bad damnit!
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Sep 24, 2010 01:16
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^^^^ What he said. (Edit: New page, new leaf)grover posted:I got a call yesterday from a colleague at another command wanting to hire me for a job I hadn't even applied for. Not the first time this has happened, either. All ya'll really have to do is just be awesome at what you do and opportunities will just roll on in! suboptimal posted:I'd agree with you, except that I find myself in the "can't get a job without experience, can't get experience without a job" miasma that so many others in this thread are in as well. But being good in what I am doing now doesn't mean poo poo. I am working for a cokehead manager that can not spell "first aid KIT". He mispelled KIT as "KITE". Although when we get that for the store, it is going to be fun in the sun. Edit 2: Not going to be a sour puss. I have been applying to these jobs since September, graduated in December and have basically been doing dick since then. Going to keep on walking. Besides guys, State Dept. is probably one of the most difficult places to actually get into. Keep your it in your pants and keep loving that chicken. Gin and Juche fucked around with this message at 04:32 on Sep 24, 2010 |
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Sep 24, 2010 04:21
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Boondock Saint posted:No you're wrong you jackass. Obviously it's a kite you fly in the event of a medical emergency in order to signal for help. Duh. No actually and my more literate employee have decided that it is a kite that rains pixie dust on you that fixes injuries. (Back story, got myself a nasty gash cleaning stuff and there wasn't a first aid kit in the store.)GUESS WHO JUST SOLVED THE HEALTHCARE PROBLEM IN THE US! I will be honest with any of my embittered peers though, I am getting there. I've an education that leaves me little other opportunities for any other employment. And the job application I sent in September culminated in an interview for a courier position with the DoD that would have put me on a good path. Instead they gave it to some 55+ y/o guy. So much for that entry level program too. Keep your options open is what I am saying. Also, Human Resources is the scum of the earth. Gin and Juche fucked around with this message at 07:00 on Sep 24, 2010 |
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Sep 24, 2010 06:15
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Business of Ferrets posted:I'm guessing it's with PA&E -- major contractor for custodial services at some overseas facilities. We've had them at every post to which I've been assigned. Yeah, that is the ticket. Quick question about them since you are somewhat knowledgeable about them. It seems odd that they would just give away a clearance, I am wondering if the only way I could keep it is if I stayed with the contractor. How conceivable is it that I can just use it, finish my contract, leave with a TS clearance, spend a couple years in Russia to improve my language and knowledge of the country, finish and use the TS to improve my chances of getting a federal career. Because that is pretty much my reason for wanting to do it. Gin and Juche fucked around with this message at 05:24 on Sep 28, 2010 |
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Sep 28, 2010 05:15
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Business of Ferrets posted:If you're going to spend time in Russia, you might as well keep your job with PAE as long as you can and take language classes or get a tutor on your own time. That way you will have a job and a place to live (also, a visa to stay in the country). Sorry, looks like my question is a little confusing. I didn't mean that I wanted to stay in Russia, I was listing the benefits that this job would have so that I can improve upon the language that I learned in university. Honestly, I should have just left that bit out, the clearance is all I was concerned about. So the contractor can't hold the clearance hostage or anything like that after I do my two years?
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Sep 28, 2010 18:50
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Want to hear something funny? I'm working as a delivery driver for a pizza place near NASA. Had an order late at night, brought it to them, with my resume. "New special tonight, a free copy of my resume with each order". The guy was sort of amused at first, but he was reading it when I left. That is likely the 3/100+ resumes/applications I have sent to the govt. that has ever been seen by human eyes.
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Oct 4, 2010 04:49
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suboptimal posted:It's pretty hilarious that you're using the same tactics to get yourself hired in DC that aspiring screenwriters use in Hollywood to get themselves noticed. This is no joke, before I started to try getting into the government I wastrying to become a screenwriter, but gave up because I heard about the bs they had to do to get noticed.
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Oct 4, 2010 20:02
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So I finally got another phone interview set up with an entry level program within the DoD. I really hope this works out. I need something damnit!
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Oct 13, 2010 00:01
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Just got done with my phone interview, I am pretty hopeful except for that line about "competitiveness". Usually competitive when it comes to government employment means not a snowballs chance in hell.
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Oct 14, 2010 14:26
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Question. If you were under investigation for a security clearance before, but was neither confirmed nor denied midway during the investigation due to the position being retracted, would that give me some sort of edge? I mean I guess their work is already halfway done.
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Oct 19, 2010 07:06
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Unfortunately I don't have PM but could you hit me up at [redacted]? Edit: Thanks, I appreciate it. Gin and Juche fucked around with this message at 07:03 on Feb 13, 2011 |
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Oct 19, 2010 22:59
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Boondock Saint posted:So DSS just called me asking me if I wanted to come in and take a written and oral exam in December. Holy hell I think they just called me too, but I was in the other room and they didn't leave a voicemail. Number says private so I can't say for sure. I really hope they will call back, whoever they are.
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Oct 20, 2010 01:13
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Boondock Saint posted:I'm in the DC area. As am I. Haven't gotten the call back though. drat why did I have to cook that chili?
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Oct 20, 2010 20:32
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Still no call back from the DSS. No "Oh he must be cooking chili right now," only "Oh he didn't answer his phone, he must not be interested."
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Oct 22, 2010 04:52
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So since I missed that phone call from the DSS is there a way I can call them back, since they seem absolutely disinterested in leaving voice mails? I won't let a batch of chili be the reason that I missed taking this test.
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Oct 25, 2010 00:43
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So I finally heard back from that embassy job in Moscow, I've been approved and now they want me to go through the clearance process. Problem is that I have that other job interview in December for a much better job (though the contractor job does have a couple perks). I am curious how I can work this. I am tired of sitting around doing nothing, but the job I may get with the DoD would be so much better. I wonder if I can get them to move the interview forward? Edit: Wait a minute, I still have your number. Gin and Juche fucked around with this message at 15:47 on Oct 29, 2010 |
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Oct 29, 2010 05:45
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So I am taking a career qualification battery for the DoD later this month. Anyone know of any ways to prepare for this particular type of exam?
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Nov 6, 2010 04:03
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Well just finished with that Eqip for the PA&E job. For the 6th time. Man those people are picky. And just finished a test for another job I am in the process for. I am cautiously optimistic on that front. But if that fails, PA&E. Top Secret clearance for grunt work and polishing my Russian? Yes, please!
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Nov 14, 2010 07:35
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Zoo posted:The other thing is that while you aren't doing it by asking these questions, they'll ask whether you've ever researched how to "beat" the polygraph. Maybe it is just my experience but they never asked me that. It was just your standard fare of questions regarding my truthiness and whether or not I ever tried to destroy the US. And I did too. 7 was an awkward age for me.
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Nov 15, 2010 07:23
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psydude posted:A hiring freeze would certainly ruin my day. It would certainly put a damper on my job interview tomorrow.
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Nov 29, 2010 23:26
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Welp, got denied for that DoD gig. Its become so typical they like me enough to bring me in to interview, test or whatever, then my file goes to HR and I hit a brick wall. The interviews went well, the tests went well. I know a critical foreign language, studied abroad, I even live in the area,but it seems without any sort of preference that just ain't enough. Yeah, I'm bitching and moaning, and I still have that contractor or police position to look forward to. Just sucks to get so close. Better luck next year  .
Gin and Juche fucked around with this message at 20:09 on Dec 15, 2010 |
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Dec 15, 2010 20:07
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^^^ The NGA position, did you get that from applying to the career fair events or future needs resume repository?Xandu posted:The bigger problem is that the hiring process is too burdensome and most interns who get hired end up becoming contractors. A new program seems like a good idea based on the WaPo article, but it'll be at least another year before it's up and running, which will screw with people currently looking. gently caress I'd commute for as long as it took. In other news though my investigation for the contractor gig finally started, the first of my references got interviewed today, though I am getting second thoughts about the job. Of course it would give me a TS clearance as well as two more years of experience working with Russian, but the work wouldn't really translate into anything I would want out of a career. Despite all that, would it really be that foot in the door I am looking for despite all that? Would the clearance be my key to getting a good career once I got back? It is also kinda funny that the DSS are finally getting in touch with me, never called me back for that DSS exam. Missed that call because I was making chili, and it wasn't even good chili. Gin and Juche fucked around with this message at 05:52 on Dec 30, 2010 |
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Dec 30, 2010 05:50
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Xandu posted:Oh I'm definitely taking it, I just wish it wasn't so drat far from DC. I don't even own a car. Find me a job and we'll carpool! I'll even let you touch my radio! But yeah, I would be a custodial engineer at a US embassy and later an immigration assistant. Grunt work pretty much. Edit: Thanks for the hiring event announcement, last one didn't work too well for me, ended up getting sick the night before. Gin and Juche fucked around with this message at 19:09 on Dec 30, 2010 |
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Dec 30, 2010 19:06
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Chadula posted:So by that templet, alot of college kids would say yes to number 1 and not work for the FBI. This makes since for the FBI; different departments have more stricter polices for sure. I'm going to be be working for a government contractor. Industrial clearances are different then that of the FBI's and CIA's. That always confused me about the FBI. CIA/DoD/DoS, etc. etc say that you need at least one year between your clearance and any drug use, but the FBI has three. Although I imagine that the FBI's function as a law enforcement agency has something to do with that. Edit: So my background investigation began today. He says that the investigation itself should be done within the month, although I am guessing adjudication is where most of the time sink is. Gin and Juche fucked around with this message at 04:56 on Jan 4, 2011 |
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Jan 4, 2011 04:54
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Pompous Rhombus posted:
Is that the test everyone received a call for back in October that I missed because I was making chili? I e-mailed those bastards about receiving another call to schedule it and I was just told to be patient. Guess who never received another call!
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Jan 4, 2011 05:24
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Xandu posted:No worries, companies like Lockheed and BAE are defense contractors. Hmm, any advice for going this route? I remember applying to countless contractor positions but never got as many interviews than I did applying for govt work. Except for that PA&E gig which is not an analyst position.
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Jan 19, 2011 19:19
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So the State Dept. has finally heard all my whining in this thread and have sent me a second invitation for the BEX yesterday. It has been so long, I don't even remember what the initial online exam entailed. I don't take the test until March, but what are absolutely vital subjects to study for this thing? I've read that keeping up with current events helps, but that is about it.
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Jan 30, 2011 10:45
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Pompous Rhombus posted:I trawled through 230+ pages on an officer.com forum about DSS and the BEX, the advice more or less boiled down to "know yourself and your work history and be able to sell it/put yourself in the best possible light". Thank you much, guess I'll have some reading to do for the test, and maybe see if I can't pump advice out of the DSS agents handling my background investigation (I doubt it  )
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Jan 30, 2011 19:03
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Xandu posted:Argh! Do you have a checklist of common errors for the SF-86? I was fortunate enough that they sent that along with me and I only had to resend it 6 times! 
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Feb 4, 2011 03:58
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Tyro posted:Um...share? I didn't get one and I'm afraid I may make errors. Sorry nevermind, misremembered. Wasn't a list of common errors, just sort of a checklist, so not much help. One useful tip they give is not to leave a thing blank. If you come to a question that doesn't apply to you, put N/A, and never leave a timeline gap. If you were unemployed for a month, include that, if you studied overseas, include the address, etc.
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Feb 4, 2011 05:32
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menpoop posted:I got notified last night that I wasn't selected and I was disappointed since I thought I was very well qualified apart from relevant workplace experience. I normally would've chalked it up to me having a lovely cover letter or writing sample but there was nothing subjective like that on the app. Do you mind posting a vague description of your friend's qualifications? I'm pretty sure my lack of internships or job-related experience is what held me back here. I got my rejection e-mail as well, even though I was selected for a previous hiring event. I am guessing that since this one was in DC the criteria was a bit higher because of the greater volume of federal employees and the like in the area.
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Feb 11, 2011 20:10
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Congratulations dude, glad to hear it. Now you can listen to my constant freaking out until I get cleared! (Met the investigator only a month ago, cue several months of hair pulling). So how long did it take you, from application sent to cleared? Gin and Juche fucked around with this message at 01:44 on Feb 15, 2011 |
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Feb 15, 2011 01:41
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Skandiaavity posted:See! that wasn't so bad! Now wait till you see the SF-86 And Bob help you if you have to use the E-Qip! If you are filling the thing out manually, just know that they hate blank spaces. If you come to a question that doesn't apply to you (military service? federal service? etc) put N/A or something.
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Feb 16, 2011 18:40
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Just e-mailed the HR rep for that State job that I didn't want to reschedule despite the rumor of a shutdown. I am terrified of mucking it up and either showing up to an empty building, or thinking that the govt. shutdown is still in effect but operations starting back up the day of my interview. Of course I'm worrying way too much and I imagine that a government shutdown and any announcements pertaining to it would be pretty apparent. This whole fiscal situation is bugging me. Just received a letter from the Montgomery County PD stating that though they will still conduct background investigations for all candidates, they aren't sure if they will be accepting candidates this year. Also e-mailed my contact in PAE as to whether or not the current fiscal situation will have any effect on their hiring needs, but she didn't seem to concerned with it. I am guessing that since it is a part of Lockheed Martin it would fall under the defense budget, which will never be cut.
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Feb 28, 2011 22:40
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Pompous Rhombus posted:This is turning out to be a huge loving waste of time, every chatroom is mobbed and I can't get a response from any of the recruiters. If they had some sort of a queue system it might work, but it's basically the IRL equivalent of a bunch of people walking up to a booth and starting talking while 1-2 dozen other people are already there asking questions. Ha ha, I just avoided the CIA and NSA booth, and the "public chat" is completely worthless. I did get some helpful info from the NGA booth, though It took recruiters about 15 minutes to respond to my messages. Kinda like the last job fair we went to, except without real people. Edit: I hit all the booths I meant to, the FBI Language Analyst and NGA, got some good information, filled out a few applications pretty quickly, and now I am waiting to see the live presentation coming up. All in all not bad, but yeah next year they need to add a queue. I feel so drat sorry for the employees that have to sift through these chat rooms. Edit 2: Just looked at my previous applications with the NGA on a whim, for the two earlier hiring events I got two different statuses "KC Final Screen" and "HD Preliminary Screen". Anyone have an idea what that means? It was my understanding that these hiring events were held a long time ago. Gin and Juche fucked around with this message at 22:24 on Mar 8, 2011 |
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Mar 8, 2011 21:14
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Welp just got out of the BEX, didn't make it past the QEP portion. Prepared for it as best I could, but my experience just wasn't competitive enough. As much as rejection stings (happens for me too much during this job search) I am glad that I was able to go. It was my first run, so now I know what to expect next time, and I will return. Didn't know too much about the job before I was invited, did a lot of studying of the job and now I know that that is what I want to do. So for now I will just have to find a way to make myself more marketable and examine what few options I have left, see what would make me a better fit.
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Mar 11, 2011 17:52
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