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Really intriguing position came up in Dar. Anyone have any experience? That and Bujumbura are at the top of my list. Also A-100 is exhausting but god drat am I excited to be here.
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Jul 10, 2014 00:55
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The Mantis posted:Really intriguing position came up in Dar. Anyone have any experience? That and Bujumbura are at the top of my list. Check PMs. My first posting was in East Africa.
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Jul 10, 2014 07:54
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The June written test results are in and I passed with a 172.24 and 8! I am relieved, excited, and nervous. Any tips for completing the PNQs? The length restriction seems to be the biggest hurdle. Thanks in advance!
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Jul 10, 2014 12:50
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CoatPulls posted:The June written test results are in and I passed with a 172.24 and 8! I am relieved, excited, and nervous. I got a 155 and a 6. My bio score went from 44 last year to 37 this year??? Did I forget to answer a bunch of questions? I passed anyways but that could have been really bad.
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Jul 10, 2014 14:26
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ahaha, 154.04 on the multiple choice section, and I somehow got a 2 on the essay section despite that being just two or three sentences I wrote within three minutes. Now to just see if Pearson will follow through so we can get that essay bit redone... e: It's no longer Pearson's problem, I have to contact a state.gov email now. Hoo boy. Ofaloaf fucked around with this message at 15:09 on Jul 10, 2014 |
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Jul 10, 2014 14:49
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Aww, aww man. Passed the multiple choice, and got a 5 on the Essay. Goddammit, so close!
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Jul 10, 2014 14:56
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166 and a 6, which I'm ok with since I haven't seriously written anything other than reports in almost two years. Now for the fun part!
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Jul 10, 2014 14:58
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Congrats and condolences all around! Remember that the PNQ timeline is super compressed so line up your reviewers post haste.
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Jul 10, 2014 15:03
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Captain Bravo posted:Aww, aww man. Passed the multiple choice, and got a 5 on the Essay. Goddammit, so close! Hey man. If I were you, I would request a rescore. If you got a 5, that means one reviewer passed you with a 3 and the other reviewer failed you with a 2. Ask for a rescore! You might have to pay for it, but it's worrth it!
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Jul 10, 2014 15:13
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179.36 and 8. Good enough to move forward which is all I care about.
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Jul 10, 2014 15:51
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182.66 and a 10. Got bounced by the QEP last time, hopefully this year is the year.
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Jul 10, 2014 16:01
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Kids, you've heard of the "freshman 15". I'm personally working on the "R and R 15".
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Jul 10, 2014 18:20
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Captain Bravo posted:Aww, aww man. Passed the multiple choice, and got a 5 on the Essay. Goddammit, so close! Definitely get a rescore. It's only $25 and you might save yourself a year of waiting!
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Jul 10, 2014 19:04
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How do I request a rescore?
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Jul 10, 2014 19:05
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Captain Bravo posted:How do I request a rescore? Have you logged back into the Pearson site? Is there a form or link anywhere?
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Jul 10, 2014 19:09
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I passed too with 187.5 and a 9 on the essay. A significant improvement on last year even though the test felt harder to me. On to the PNs. Congrats to all the other passers and condolences to those who didn't make it this year.
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Jul 10, 2014 19:20
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Stolennosferatu posted:Have you logged back into the Pearson site? Is there a form or link anywhere? I can't find one. The only link on the page about my report is careers.state.gov to find out hiring information. No clue how I ask for a rescore. Edit: Nevermind. I called Pearson Vue and they said they don't allow requests for rescores through the website, you have to call in and request one via phone. The number I used was 866-389-8339. Rescore is on the way! Captain Bravo fucked around with this message at 20:05 on Jul 10, 2014 |
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Jul 10, 2014 19:43
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SCRwM posted:Kids, you've heard of the "freshman 15". I'm personally working on the "R and R 15". The home leave 30. Try to get married early on in a tour, and do something elaborate like a no-carb diet. You'll lose tons of weight, feel awesome about it, and then gain it all right back and wonder what the hell?
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Jul 10, 2014 19:46
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Leif. posted:Try to get married early on in a tour, and do something elaborate like a no-carb diet. You'll lose tons of weight, feel awesome about it, and then gain it all right back and wonder what the hell? 
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Jul 10, 2014 21:45
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Haha passed with 167 and 8. Did pretty well on all sections but the biographical one which I bombed with a 50.
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Jul 10, 2014 22:58
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I got an email on the 2nd that said I had passed the QEP (I applied for a specialist position in IMS in april) and would be scheduled an oral assessment within 6-8 weeks. I'm not really sure where to start studying for this though - I joined that yahoo group and then immediately realized this wasn't for specialists.
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Jul 10, 2014 23:57
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Congrats, all! Willing to review QEPs so long as you give me at least a week to review them. poo poo's busy in the Levant this summer. (Shockingly.) You know the drill - PM me your name/email address and I'll be in touch.
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Jul 11, 2014 02:25
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Captain Bravo posted:I can't find one. The only link on the page about my report is careers.state.gov to find out hiring information. No clue how I ask for a rescore. Awesome! Considering that you can only take this test once a year, a rescore is definitely in your best interest! You might be out a couple of bucks, but if you end up getting a 6, you won't have to wait until next June to try again!
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Jul 11, 2014 14:18
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I'm still really disappointed in myself, though. Considering how well I did on the practice exam, and the fact that a large part of my job means I practically write for a living, squeaking by the test and flunking the essay is kind of super depressing.
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Jul 11, 2014 15:47
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It sucks. There's no getting around that. Most people here (and everywhere) failed it at least a few times. You should take some solace in knowing that the test is looking for a very specific form of writing, not just good writing in general. Also the multiple choice portion is a lot easier once you know what they're actually looking for. The multiple choice (specifically the bio portion) was my strong suit, so I'd be happy to chat about that when your next test rolls around.
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Jul 11, 2014 16:24
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A Yolo Wizard posted:I got an email on the 2nd that said I had passed the QEP (I applied for a specialist position in IMS in april) and would be scheduled an oral assessment within 6-8 weeks. I'm not really sure where to start studying for this though - I joined that yahoo group and then immediately realized this wasn't for specialists. A Yolo Wizard posted:I got an email on the 2nd that said I had passed the QEP (I applied for a specialist position in IMS in april) and would be scheduled an oral assessment within 6-8 weeks. I'm not really sure where to start studying for this though - I joined that yahoo group and then immediately realized this wasn't for specialists. There's honestly no "studying" for the IMS position, if your qualified for the job you'll be do just fine during orals. This being said, make sure you understand how the testing is structured, what is expected of you, how the various components (interview, written portion, skills test) are scored. Understand the precepts well and relate to them during the interview. If I remember correctly the orals guide they give is a really comprehensive resource. Follow it and you'll do fine.
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Jul 11, 2014 20:52
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I was waiting until the work week was over but I passed! 185 and 6 on the essay, can't wait to write that PN!
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Jul 11, 2014 23:55
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A follow-up on the etiquette of persistence-- the FSOT essay case is no longer in Pearson's hands, and last week they directed me to the FSOA questions email contact, which in turn notified me that my email had been forwarded to the FSOT questions email. Should I be forcing contact with this state.gov email as often as I was calling Pearson for a resolution? I really want to see this all sorted out, but I don't want to upset the people involved in adjudicating the case. e: i spel bad Ofaloaf fucked around with this message at 19:58 on Jul 14, 2014 |
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Jul 14, 2014 19:50
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Anyone else tracking the shitshow that is Tripoli, Libya these days? If you're in HST, we are having mini-therapy sessions/support groups in 2808. Can't promise it'll help with the flashbacks, but misery does love company.
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Jul 16, 2014 03:01
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the_chavi posted:Anyone else tracking the shitshow that is Tripoli, Libya these days? I continue to follow it with interest.
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Jul 16, 2014 11:11
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Not seeing many reports but twitter says Marines evacuated the embassy?
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Jul 16, 2014 13:16
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With the PNs due on 7/31, when can we reasonably expect QEP results? The end of September? Thanks!
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Jul 16, 2014 13:57
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I remember it being September last year but I can't remember when in September.
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Jul 16, 2014 20:48
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Leif. posted:Not seeing many reports but twitter says Marines evacuated the embassy? The Libya desk [who all sit 10-15 feet from my particular corner of NEA] went home fairly early today, and there's no task force, so I would assume not (yet). Who are you tracking on Twitter?
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Jul 17, 2014 02:07
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FSOA questions informed me it had forwarded the incident report to FSOT questions a week ago today. On Tuesday, I sent an email myself to FSOT questions with details of the case and a request for at least some confirmation that the email had been received and/or the case was being looked at; I have not received even an automated response email as of yet. Am I in breach of some sort of protocol? Should I be waiting a month for any sort of response or something? Is it worth going back to Pearson and questioning them some more, or do I trust Pearson's word that the case is truly out of their hands and now strictly the affair of State?
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Jul 17, 2014 14:19
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If it was me, I'd always maintain a polite, appreciative tone and keep the emails short. I'd touch base weekly unless you were told that a response would be forthcoming, say, 2 weeks later. If you don't get a response, it probably isn't too bad to mention in your followup, something like "Hi, me again, I didn't see a response to my email on MM/DD so am reaching out to see if there was any news regarding..." You're not doing anything wrong by keeping the the issue afloat, just don't get snippy about anything (not that you would, just mentioning it  )
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Jul 17, 2014 14:36
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Had to run an errand to FSI today... Too bad I didn't have time to let some goons know to grab coffee.
Tyro fucked around with this message at 22:42 on Jul 17, 2014 |
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Jul 17, 2014 19:17
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not trying to scare you off, but be extra nice to the HR people because: Imagine a H.R. Job where you are processing recuitment and paperwork Imagine that job with fielding calls from concerned parties as well. Imagine that there are at least 20,000 people calling to inquire about a test result. Imagine there are also at least 5,000 people calling to inquire about their status on the registry. Imagine there are also at least 1,000 other people to call about an offer. Imagine there are also at least 500 other other people calling about security, medical, or final suitability clearances. Imagine there are also legitimate offers to process, deferred candidacies, orientations to set up, and salary negotiations. ..Imagine that all those people are frustrated by a 'lack of communication', no status updates, etc. So they're trying to be polite but the agitation shows. Now, imagine your office is staffed by 6 people. Some of those people go on vacation, get sick, or stuff comes up. That is the subdivision of HR who handle that portion, in a nutshell. And by the way, once you join the FS - stuff like that becomes like second nature. You will either go mad, or learn to cope. Probably every FSO understands your frustration - the process is very long and having bumps in the road this early is pretty aggrivating. Rather not the lack of communication, but the apparent incapability to answer "what's going on, i don't even care about who's fault it was, can't someone just simply answer my question?!" is what drives you up the wall.. ..you see, It Depends.
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Jul 18, 2014 09:10
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Skandiaavity posted:Imagine a H.R. Job where you are processing recuitment and paperwork After that, Imagine there's no Heaven. (It's easy if you try) Imagine there's no Country. (It isn't hard to do) Imagine no Possessions. Imagine all the people.
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Jul 18, 2014 09:17
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Having the ability to be polite, persistent, and congenial to people who owe you something or you need something from and are dragging their feet is essential to any form of government work. I think 60% of my job boils down to following up with people constantly.
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Jul 18, 2014 13:28
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