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deemickgee posted:Hey everyone. I recently passed the OA as an IMS and wanted to find out if the salary bonuses are still in place for eligible certifications? I haven't heard otherwise, but, anything dealing with  is subject to change.
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Mar 4, 2013 23:19
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deemickgee posted:Hey everyone. I recently passed the OA as an IMS and wanted to find out if the salary bonuses are still in place for eligible certifications? Still around but once you qualify you have to wait for somebody else to either retire or have theirs expire.
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Mar 4, 2013 23:39
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AKA Pseudonym posted:Still around but once you qualify you have to wait for somebody else to either retire or have theirs expire. Wait, what? And they're still doing OA for IMS-2012-0005? Also, I'd be more concerned with getting off the register now that the plan is to hire one person for every two from attrition starting in April.
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Mar 5, 2013 00:11
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problematique posted:Wait, what? As an IMS you can get either 9% or 14% extra pay for completing certain certifications. It's called the Skill Incentives Program or SIP. As it stands they aren't adding any additional people to the program but you can still get in when other people get out.
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Mar 5, 2013 00:35
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So you just queue to the back of the line after you pass approved certifications or do you get SIP authorization first and then certify in something?
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Mar 5, 2013 00:53
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AKA Pseudonym posted:As an IMS you can get either 9% or 14% extra pay for completing certain certifications. It's called the Skill Incentives Program or SIP. As it stands they aren't adding any additional people to the program but you can still get in when other people get out. Wait, is this a new policy from the sequestration?
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Mar 5, 2013 01:54
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problematique posted:Also, I'd be more concerned with getting off the register now that the plan is to hire one person for every two from attrition starting in April. What?! If that is the case then crap add another HUGE hurdle to the massive amounts of hurdles you have to jump through....
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Mar 5, 2013 02:28
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Barracuda Bang! posted:I know some people offered to proofread PNQs. If they're due March 20th, by when would you guys want to receive them by? I don't want to send them out the day before or anything. Would you guys think a week is enough time for you to look at them? Ten days? Yeah, I would shoot for March 10th or so. You want to get them back in plenty of time to submit them without waiting for the last minute. I can usually turn stuff around in a day or two, but more flexibility always makes it easier. Also, nobody wants to see a first draft. Make sure it's your best, edited effort so we can nitpick! (this goes for everyone.)
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Mar 5, 2013 02:31
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Saho posted:Wait, is this a new policy from the sequestration? First I heard of this...
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Mar 5, 2013 02:44
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TCD posted:Local Washington DC hires. Not FSNs or LES. Out of curiosity, where did you get that impression? Someone from HR said it applied to all FSN (I think it was more of a "it depends" issue; maybe post specific?) But the way they phrased it, it applied to all FSN period.
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Mar 5, 2013 06:37
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Skandiaavity posted:Out of curiosity, where did you get that impression? Someone from HR said it applied to all FSN (I think it was more of a "it depends" issue; maybe post specific?) But the way they phrased it, it applied to all FSN period. It is a "it depends" thing because embassies/consulates must abide by local labor laws in addition to USG dictates. Plus there's those of us who are considered "essential staff" who have to come in anyway. Consular emergencies and disasters (like Vesuvius erupting) mean a skeleton crew is always on standby. Business of Ferrets posted:Also, nobody wants to see a first draft. Make sure it's your best, edited effort so we can nitpick! (this goes for everyone.) Yeah, thanks for looking at mine, by the way.
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Mar 5, 2013 08:23
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The one out of two reduced hiring was in one of the memos recently, it's an actual thing.
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Mar 5, 2013 08:57
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Saho posted:Wait, is this a new policy from the sequestration? That policy went into effect a while back but I'm acutally not 100% sure it's been continued into the present fiscal year. I imagine it has though. problematique posted:So you just queue to the back of the line after you pass approved certifications or do you get SIP authorization first and then certify in something? The certs come first then you apply for SIP AKA Pseudonym fucked around with this message at 11:28 on Mar 5, 2013 |
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Mar 5, 2013 11:22
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Skandiaavity posted:Out of curiosity, where did you get that impression? Someone from HR said it applied to all FSN (I think it was more of a "it depends" issue; maybe post specific?) But the way they phrased it, it applied to all FSN period. Okay, as 1 person took my reply to somebody in this thread out of context, and editing my original post didn't seem to a difference, there’s OPM guidance that US direct hires can be furloughed during training/TDY. However, you’d still be paid per diem during those furloughed days. That would really hose over USDH local hires in DC during intake hiring (A-100) who are not paid per diem. My reply had nothing to do with FSNs. TCD fucked around with this message at 12:52 on Mar 5, 2013 |
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Mar 5, 2013 12:35
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Diplomaticus posted:The one out of two reduced hiring was in one of the memos recently, it's an actual thing. Is this as a result of the sequester? I'm wondering if this will effect Officers more than Specialists ( I'm guessing the Specialist register is smaller than Officers). At the same time that may make it a lot more difficult for those on the Specialist register since (I'm guessing) there are fewer Specialists in the field, so it could be entirely possible that only one (example) IMS could be hired for the remainder of the year. Or maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way..... *edit* So a recap of the memo was just posted on the DoS Forums. Seems like if there are two open positions, they will only fill one of them (that's how I read the recap). Moral of the story, hope Congress and the President do something about this sequester mess or hope to be at the top of the register... SCRwM fucked around with this message at 14:35 on Mar 5, 2013 |
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Mar 5, 2013 12:37
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AKA Pseudonym posted:That policy went into effect a while back but I'm acutally not 100% sure it's been continued into the present fiscal year. I imagine it has though. I'm fairly sure unless this is a new policy within the last few weeks SIP is still in effect and being handed out as normal. I just left FSI and we had several briefings with the SIP folks. I know that the total amount that they have available for SIP has been frozen for a few years, which is why the it was reduced to 9% and 14% to ensure they can keep handing it out
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Mar 5, 2013 13:53
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Saho posted:I'm fairly sure unless this is a new policy within the last few weeks SIP is still in effect and being handed out as normal. I just left FSI and we had several briefings with the SIP folks. I know that the total amount that they have available for SIP has been frozen for a few years, which is why the it was reduced to 9% and 14% to ensure they can keep handing it out That was my understanding too (the reduction of 1% per tier to keep the program open).
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Mar 5, 2013 13:55
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SCRwM posted:Is this as a result of the sequester? I'm wondering if this will effect Officers more than Specialists ( I'm guessing the Specialist register is smaller than Officers). At the same time that may make it a lot more difficult for those on the Specialist register since (I'm guessing) there are fewer Specialists in the field, so it could be entirely possible that only one (example) IMS could be hired for the remainder of the year. Or maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way..... I have my OA on Thursday (2 days!) in San Antonio. Good thing there's no additional pressure . . .
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Mar 5, 2013 14:39
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TCD posted:That was my understanding too (the reduction of 1% per tier to keep the program open). likewise. It'll still be around, just on a FIFO deal
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Mar 5, 2013 14:56
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Saho posted:I'm fairly sure unless this is a new policy within the last few weeks SIP is still in effect and being handed out as normal. I just left FSI and we had several briefings with the SIP folks. I know that the total amount that they have available for SIP has been frozen for a few years, which is why the it was reduced to 9% and 14% to ensure they can keep handing it out I sent an email to one of the SIP people and he says it's not directly related to the number of recipients but the total amount they're paying out
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Mar 5, 2013 15:00
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SCRwM posted:Is this as a result of the sequester? I'm wondering if this will effect Officers more than Specialists ( I'm guessing the Specialist register is smaller than Officers). At the same time that may make it a lot more difficult for those on the Specialist register since (I'm guessing) there are fewer Specialists in the field, so it could be entirely possible that only one (example) IMS could be hired for the remainder of the year. Or maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way..... If there are "100" needed spots, only 50 will be filled. The kick-in-the-rear end comes with "what cone"; which is entirely dependent on The Needs of The Service. Basically, only HR can tell you. It's also true for hiring blitzes; which is why in a Specialist orientation you can see like 15 IMS, 20 OMS and 80 DS SA/C's - those numbers could basically be flipped around easily depending on what is needed. So even on the register, you are still competing against everyone else
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Mar 5, 2013 15:52
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Skandiaavity posted:If there are "100" needed spots, only 50 will be filled. add another hoop to jump through in the seemingly never ending amount of hoops... You most definitely have to want to go in to this field and not have a passive "I'll try this out" just due to the sheer number of hoops and difficulty in just making to to be invited to a class. SCRwM fucked around with this message at 16:18 on Mar 5, 2013 |
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Mar 5, 2013 16:12
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Saho posted:I'm fairly sure unless this is a new policy within the last few weeks SIP is still in effect and being handed out as normal. I just left FSI and we had several briefings with the SIP folks. I know that the total amount that they have available for SIP has been frozen for a few years, which is why the it was reduced to 9% and 14% to ensure they can keep handing it out After a certification has been received during State employment when does one become eligible for SIP if there is space/funds - initial hiring, after FSI, tenure?
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Mar 5, 2013 16:22
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SCRwM posted:add another hoop to jump through in the seemingly never ending amount of hoops... State stated a while back they we're planning on hiring 45 in FY13 (now). I'd expect 20 in FY14, worst case. The real question is whether they'll open a new vacancy in the next few months. If they do, it doesn't bode well for those on register (there were 20 right before March class was invited). With your score I wouldn't be worried about not getting off the list, even at half hiring  With my score, I'm so concerned with these decreased budget talks I've taken it upon myself to try and learn russian within a year for for gosh sake to get the language boost. We're grandfathered in under old rules which oddly gives russian a .4 boost so I figure it's worth a shot (I speak another Eastern Europe language).
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Mar 5, 2013 17:17
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Business of Ferrets posted:Yeah, I would shoot for March 10th or so. You want to get them back in plenty of time to submit them without waiting for the last minute. I can usually turn stuff around in a day or two, but more flexibility always makes it easier. Seconded. I'll take PNQs between now and 10 March.
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Mar 5, 2013 19:48
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problematique posted:State stated a while back they we're planning on hiring 45 in FY13 (now). I'd expect 20 in FY14, worst case. The real question is whether they'll open a new vacancy in the next few months. If they do, it doesn't bode well for those on register (there were 20 right before March class was invited). Do you know how many were called up from the IMS register for the March class? I think there were 3-4 on the Yahoo group that got called. Security interview done!
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Mar 5, 2013 21:13
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SCRwM posted:Do you know how many were called up from the IMS register for the March class? I think there were 3-4 on the Yahoo group that got called. I am in the IMS class currently going through training at FSI. We were informed a while back to expect 11 IMS total for the next class coming onboard on March 25th. Someone in the know about the class breakdown confirmed that only 6 have accepted invites so far. They are still waiting on confirmation from additional offers that have gone out but not sure what the breakdon of the remaining confirmations are across the various Specialities so it is safe to say the final IMS count is at least 6 but could be as high as 11.
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Mar 6, 2013 02:44
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This just went out today, so IMS are still fair game.Department of State posted:We are pleased to inform you that we are currently accepting applications for Foreign Service Information Management Specialist positions. Also: quote:You are invited to an Online Virtual Career Event with U.S. Department of State, Foreign Service, Information Management Specialists on Friday, March 8 from 11am to 2pm EDT. Register at http://goo.gl/n2EjS
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Mar 6, 2013 08:06
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Heard some other agencies just got furlough letters at Post. Including people normally considered essential... like HomieS types.
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Mar 6, 2013 13:56
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Skandiaavity posted:
I did this last year. Personally I didn't think it was worth it. Every question I asked the answer I got was "check the DoS website". But someone else may see some benefit from it. TCD posted:Heard some other agencies just got furlough letters at Post. Including people normally considered essential... like HomieS types. I'm expecting to get the notice within the next two weeks. SCRwM fucked around with this message at 14:27 on Mar 6, 2013 |
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Mar 6, 2013 14:16
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So, I've got a message waiting for my HR person, but since I'm likely to fall off the IMS register before getting invited to a class (I fall off July 1), can I/should I reapply to this new vacancy?
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Mar 6, 2013 17:19
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mute posted:So, I've got a message waiting for my HR person, but since I'm likely to fall off the IMS register before getting invited to a class (I fall off July 1), can I/should I reapply to this new vacancy? Yes, any new vacancy has no effect on a current one and is treated as totally separate.
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Mar 6, 2013 17:28
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Anyone need to go to language training (new language) after the 17+ weeks of IMS training at FSI? Seems like most deploy for post right after even though some posts require language (at least for FSOs).
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Mar 6, 2013 17:51
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deemickgee posted:Anyone need to go to language training (new language) after the 17+ weeks of IMS training at FSI? Seems like most deploy for post right after even though some posts require language (at least for FSOs). This depends if the position is language designated. However, my experience has been that most IMS positions are usually not language designated. They do exist, and yes, after the end of your normal IMS trianing you'll go into language training.
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Mar 6, 2013 18:16
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TCD posted:Heard some other agencies just got furlough letters at Post. Including people normally considered essential... like HomieS types. O RLY And I just posted elsewhere about not worrying about it... ...poo poo, better get that tenure EER submitted quick!
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Mar 6, 2013 22:45
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Homie S posted:O RLY We'll be fine.
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Mar 6, 2013 23:07
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Bruxism posted:We'll be fine. HOLD ME OH GOD Hey are you up for tenure this season or are you later this year?
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Mar 7, 2013 07:35
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Homie S posted:HOLD ME OH GOD Ha ha. "We'll be fine." That's what I'll be telling the bright young faces at the job fair tomorrow... I'll be up for it later this year. I feel pretty confident I'll get it the first go, but who knows.
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Mar 7, 2013 15:27
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Bruxism posted:Ha ha. "We'll be fine." That's what I'll be telling the bright young faces at the job fair tomorrow... WHAA!?! I leave the office for one month and they start letting you take my precious career fairs? How else am I going to meet college co eds legitimately?! I just submitted mine. Hoping to make it first go around too, we'll see.
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Mar 7, 2013 21:50
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Homie S posted:How else am I going to meet college co eds legitimately?! Fed LE singing telegram/stripper? I'm brainstorming here.
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Mar 8, 2013 01:12
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