Suntory BOSS posted:

USAJobs needs a 'stay logged in' option and a better search function. I'm tired of searching for jobs in Country X and half of the results are Countries Y, Z and Nebraska.

Konstantin posted:

Be prepared for a very long wait time, I applied for a Federal job in February, interviewed in June, and am still in the system, with the HR people telling me it will take at least another three months for the background check and medical to clear (after an hour and a half hold time before someone answered at their helpdesk.) I know it will be worth it at the end, but don't expect it to be like the private sector where you get a decision fairly quickly. I hear that for some agencies, the processing time between your initial contact and hiring can be as much as 18 months.

Zoo posted:

It's true they're hiring a lot right now and a job fair is a good way to get in. If it's an invite-only fair, though, then don't expect to be interviewed at the fair if you aren't called (but there's still time).

Ramms+ein posted:

I went to an invite only job fair in St. Louis for a Geospatial Analyst position...

Gravel Gravy posted:

Oh god how I hate USAjobs. And the entire hiring process for the government. But damned if I don't keep trying. Gonna watch this thread closely.

What can be a good career to start out as and to look for if you plan on sticking with an agency? Is it possible to start as an office assistant or a janitor and work your way up from there?

spcefrk posted:

I think there was a thread around here that linked to a site which publicly listed real past reasons people had security clearances denied. It's apparently public domain. Most were boring, some were hilarious. I don't know where it is or what the link was but maybe some goon with better bookmarks than I can find it.

Pompous Rhombus posted:

Do you have any tips on applying preference? I've got a Schedule A hiring exemption but I can't really figure out how to make anything out of it. Wasn't good enough to get me a DoS intern gig, at any rate

Skandiaavity posted:

All over this, thanks a bunch... been trying to get into UN for 3-some years now! Are there any UN goons? competition go~

postin from my phone, that job fair was okay, wayyyyyyy too many people, did not realize how many people actually don't have jobs :/. and I just spent an hour or so chatting with a nice girl from state, while she explained to me all about the civil service :/. The CIA lady did seem overly interested, though. She asked me a lot of questions.

GreySkies posted:

I wish the fair had been today! I would have driven to DC for it. Has anybody ever gotten a bite while applying before graduating? I'm getting out in December, so my plan was to start applying in October to gauge interest levels in employers, but being in another state and still in school feel like stumbling blocks.

Pompous Rhombus posted:

Just got done scanning my transcripts for this. I'm applying for the Foreign Affairs Specialist (yeah right) and the Passport Specialist (maybe?). I figure I'll put down Detroit for the latter; hopefully it'll increase the odds since presumably it's the worst place on the list.

Gravel Gravy posted:

Well sent the application materials. Concerned that my scanned transcript might not make it for whatever reason. Hoping for the best, but not expecting to hear from these people until the end of times.

Gravel Gravy posted:

Got an email for thr passport specialist job. Got back to dc and I'm without power at the house. So much for filling out that questionnaire.

Gawain The Blind posted:

You and me both. Admittedly, this was for a GS3 clerk gig. Maybe they didn't care. But other employees i've talked to told me that's what everyone does. A lot of them laughed when I told them I filled it out honestly, and I got the "sigh, noobs" look.

SWATJester posted:

Ugh, why would you go to law school.

Did you not read the megathread?

CherryCola posted:

I have an M.A. If I remember correctly, some just start with Univ. That thing is pretty picky. Try experimenting with different abbreviation.

edit: Just talked to the recruiting lady and accepted a VERY NICE offer. Kinda sucks that I can't actually start for at least six months, though. Welp, back to applying for other crap.

double edit: A bit terrified of this security clearance process though. I've been pretty much a goodie-goodie for most of my life, but I'm worried some old, forgotten and misconstrued crap will come back to bit me on the arse.

Gravel Gravy posted:

I know right? I am pale, male, but no Yale. And 2/3 ain't bad damnit!

Pompous Rhombus posted:

I picked two useless majors, studied a useless language, and didn't work for free as an intern when I was a student/have connections where I could make nepotism work for me upon graduation.

Gravel Gravy posted:

^^^^ What he said. (Edit: New page, new leaf)




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.

Gravel Gravy posted:

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.

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.

On another note, I'm moving to DC in about a week and a half to try to make it out there and find something. Anyone want to meet up at some point or another and share "it sucks being unemployed" stories? Perhaps a few of you gainfully employed folks can show up and assuage us with "don't worry, you'll get a job....someday" pats on the back.

Tyro posted:

Yes you are OK. I know a lot of people who have taken the BEX. But you can only do it every year and they stagger the job postings so it's really more like every 2 years. I would've tried to do it personally but you know your situation best!

Gravel Gravy posted:

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.

Kase Im Licht posted:

Guys who got the DSS BEX call, or thought you got the call, mind saying what location you would be interviewing in? I've heard they go location by location in scheduling. Trying to figure out if I should spend the day staring at my phone waiting for it to ring.

Kolodny posted:

Toshimo posted: