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TCD posted:Also. there should be a recent aldac that explains the Mustang process. It looks like there were a few changes that really make it worse compared to previous years. What changed? The only thing I read on the official State page was that if you pass the OA and clearances and turn down your initial A-100 offer (in the first available class), your name then enters the register according to your actual OA-determined ranking. So if you got a 5.3 at the OA, you could go to the next A-100 automatically, but if you decline that bid, your name goes on the register with the other 5.3s. I'm not sure how this was before, but that would really stink if this is a new policy.
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Oct 19, 2015 04:00
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Had a long conversation with someone in the app process last night about strategy and the overall entry system. Can't reiterate enough -- please don't try to "game" the system by making your cone selection wholly dependent on what you think will get you in. Also POL work is the loving tits except when its awful like when you have visitors which is most of the time
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Oct 19, 2015 06:17
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the_chavi posted:Hey, I volunteered to serve in both Saudi Arabia and Libya. When I say shithole, it's usually not an insult. if you come to moldova, it's close by, and uh, wine. All the wine you can ever want.
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Oct 19, 2015 07:19
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zzonkmiles posted:What changed? The only thing I read on the official State page was that if you pass the OA and clearances and turn down your initial A-100 offer (in the first available class), your name then enters the register according to your actual OA-determined ranking. So if you got a 5.3 at the OA, you could go to the next A-100 automatically, but if you decline that bid, your name goes on the register with the other 5.3s. I'm not sure how this was before, but that would really stink if this is a new policy. Yeah you should probably read the cable. It's changed and eliminated one of the huge incentives.
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Oct 19, 2015 10:06
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TCD posted:Yeah you should probably read the cable. It's changed and eliminated one of the huge incentives. Interesting. I only saw information on Diplopedia. Must. Read. Cables.
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Oct 20, 2015 12:04
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TCD posted:Yeah you should probably read the cable. It's changed and eliminated one of the huge incentives. I just read the cable. No me gusta. I guess the Sounding Board will be the next thing to read because I don't think these changes will go over well at all. Even adding .23 bonus points would be preferable to this.
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Oct 20, 2015 14:24
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Dudes. Starting at FSI today. Will be here until May. So is there a goons only lunch table or something?
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Oct 22, 2015 13:10
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Bruxism posted:Dudes. Starting at FSI today. Will be here until May. So is there a goons only lunch table or something? Most fitting would be in one of those ridiculous angular rooms on the ends. Horrendous use of space (just like goons!)  Or somewhere down the linoleum hall where all the tech people hang out. I am not there, but will be with you in spirit.
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Oct 22, 2015 13:42
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Bruxism posted:Dudes. Starting at FSI today. Will be here until May. So is there a goons only lunch table or something? I am probably gonna swing by next week for a flu shot if you wanna grab a coffee or something.
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Oct 22, 2015 13:51
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Bruxism posted:Dudes. Starting at FSI today. Will be here until May. So is there a goons only lunch table or something? I'm here until mid December. Most days I'm in the lunchroom with a few other IMS in my class, you're more than welcome to join!
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Oct 22, 2015 20:30
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Bruxism posted:Dudes. Starting at FSI today. Will be here until May. So is there a goons only lunch table or something? Happy hour again?
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Oct 23, 2015 04:47
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Bruxism posted:Dudes. Starting at FSI today. Will be here until May. So is there a goons only lunch table or something? BRAH I'll be on the east coast for training starting in April, so we'll have to chill out at some point.
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Oct 23, 2015 13:50
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Bruxism posted:Dudes. Starting at FSI today. Will be here until May. So is there a goons only lunch table or something? Welcome back, friend! Drinks soon?
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Oct 23, 2015 16:40
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Tyro posted:I am probably gonna swing by next week for a flu shot if you wanna grab a coffee or something. I think it will be tricky to meet up around class schedule. Next time! Blooregard posted:I'm here until mid December. Most days I'm in the lunchroom with a few other IMS in my class, you're more than welcome to join! Right on, thanks for the invite. Once I get my daily routine down I'll come crash your IMS lunch one day. I'll PM when I get a chance. HiroProtagonist posted:Happy hour again? Yea, I would be up for that. If people are actually interested and willing to show up? Homie S posted:BRAH I'll be on the east coast for training starting in April, so we'll have to chill out at some point. Chakas! Let me know when you get into town. It would be awesome to catch up. the_chavi posted:Welcome back, friend! Drinks soon? Let's do it. You ever come to Rosslyn?
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Oct 25, 2015 18:03
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Bruxism posted:Let's do it. You ever come to Rosslyn? Only for a good reason. You count.  Is that where you're staying?
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Oct 25, 2015 23:05
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I may or may not be able to make a happy hour, it will be a game day decision, so schedule whatever works for y'all and I will try to make it.
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Oct 25, 2015 23:21
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Tyro posted:I may or may not be able to make a happy hour, it will be a game day decision, so schedule whatever works for y'all and I will try to make it. I'm not going to organize another happy hour if people are going to decide on the day of. Maybe another time. Chavi - PM'd.
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Oct 26, 2015 01:49
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I'll be at FSI from November 2-6. I'll send smoke signals.
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Oct 26, 2015 02:59
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Bruxism posted:Maybe another time. Sounds good!
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Oct 26, 2015 11:22
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man sometimes i really loving love this job 
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Oct 28, 2015 08:12
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Other than the Boren Fellowship and the PMF, what other stuff should I be looking at. Any summer break opportunities of note for a grad student? Other than the State Department internship which I already applied for?
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Oct 28, 2015 08:46
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So it sounds pretty lame and civil side folks can correct me if I'm totally off base, but I would come up with a plan to try and meet as many relevant state people as you can. I don't mean try and shake an assistant secretary's hand once -- more like look at the state bureaucracy, and see if you can meet the working level people who will likely have some input on your application. Not in a super sharky way, but it's a small world and if you're social and go to events you might come across people who are a few steps away from those who are currently doing whatever job you want. Either way it'd give you good exposure/conversations. Also this may be terrible advice idk
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Oct 29, 2015 04:30
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The Mantis posted:So it sounds pretty lame and civil side folks can correct me if I'm totally off base, but I would come up with a plan to try and meet as many relevant state people as you can. So who here wants to go grab food in D.C. sometime eh? I figure you guys are all probably super busy though. Thank you for the input. I'll try and do what I can. Recently went to a CSIS panel for the first time and despite the heavy-DOD-centric talking points it was still enjoyable and a new experience.
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Oct 29, 2015 04:48
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Woke up to my scores this morning: Job Knowledge:61.06 Biographic Questionnaire:51.28 English Expression:59.87 Multiple Choice Total: 172.21 Your Essay Score: 8 Passed! Wish I did better on the essay though.
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Oct 29, 2015 12:24
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kenner116 posted:Biographic Questionnaire: 42.3 Still was weak on the Biographic section, but at least I passed this time! Job Knowledge: 65.8 Biographic Questionnaire: 46.49 English Expression: 59.87 Multiple Choice Total: 172.16 Your Essay Score: 7
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Oct 29, 2015 12:40
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Fell Fire posted:Woke up to my scores this morning: Grats! Good thing is, it totally doesn't matter! I got a six and none can tale i cant right im the only one who noes
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Oct 29, 2015 12:43
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Fell Fire posted:Woke up to my scores this morning: Samesies: Job Knowledge:59.48 Biographic Questionnaire:47.86 English Expression:58.02 Multiple Choice Total: 165.36 Your Essay Score: 8 Third attempt, first time passing.
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Oct 29, 2015 16:14
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Passed too. Only 169 though (I poo poo the bed on the essay, mostly because I just wanted to get out of there). Second time passing the FSOT, third attempt overall. Never gotten past the Personal Narratives. So I'd appreciate any help on that front, because apparently I am terrible at it. EDIT: These are the actual scores. I'm an idiot. Job Knowledge: 61.06 Biographic Questionaire: 58.13 English Expression 50.61 Multiple Choice Total: 169.8 Essay: 6 Shageletic fucked around with this message at 20:09 on Oct 29, 2015 |
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Oct 29, 2015 20:06
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I passed for like the fourth or fifth, and likely final, time. Hoping the PNQs go better this time than the last few. On the plus side, I scored really high on the multiple choice and didn't even need to study!  quote:Passed too. Only 169 though (I poo poo the bed on the essay, mostly because I just wanted to get out of there). If they put the essay first or in the middle I bet scores would improve. I know mine would.
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Oct 29, 2015 23:01
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Shageletic posted:(I poo poo the bed on the essay, mostly because I just wanted to get out of there). Hope you're not pol/econ coned, as wanting to dump the writing in order to get out of there is pretty much the description of the job.
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Oct 29, 2015 23:30
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Congrats to the FSOT passers! Chavi helped me out when I was at the PNQ stage, and now I'm willing to pay it forward. If anybody would like a second set of eyes on their PNQs, please feel free to send me a PM!
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Oct 30, 2015 16:54
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Nutrimentia posted:Hope you're not pol/econ coned, as wanting to dump the writing in order to get out of there is pretty much the description of the job. Haha I'm pol cone. EDIT: ^^^ That's so nice of you! Once I've gotten it to a place I feel comfortable, I'm going to have to take you up on that.
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Oct 30, 2015 23:00
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I got back on the FSO carousel as well. Job Knowledge: 62.64 Biographic Questionnaire: 62.92 English Expression: 59.87 Multiple Choice Total: 185.43 Essay: 8 2011: Passed FSOT, Failed QEP 2012: Passed FSOT, Failed QEP 2013: Passed FSOT, Passed QEP, Failed OA 2014: Passed FSOT, Passed QEP, Failed OA 2015: Passed FSOT, ??? Now that I'm a State CS employee, the new Mustang guidelines make that program of limited use to me since the FSOT has not tripped me up so far. Hopefully the QEP will be kind.
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Oct 31, 2015 16:52
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qwertyman posted:Congrats to the FSOT passers! Chavi helped me out when I was at the PNQ stage, and now I'm willing to pay it forward. If anybody would like a second set of eyes on their PNQs, please feel free to send me a PM! Might well take you up on that if able. Will start hammering away at it after work next week. Hopefully be done with it next weekend.
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Oct 31, 2015 19:00
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zzonkmiles posted:I got back on the FSO carousel as well. Can I ask what things you learned between 2012 and 2013 that allowed you to pass the QEP? It seems like you have a pretty solid line of improvement in your testing.
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Nov 2, 2015 19:29
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Hey everyone. Long time no post. I am in Canberra now for my third tour. I thought I'd bring it up since people might be curious. The OMS vacancy has opened up. Good way to get your foot in the door at state/FS. I can answer any questions if you have any. Also, I can join the pity party on the mustang changes. I waited until I got to my new post before I was going to apply. Of course the cable came out right before I arrived. It's a major change with little benefit now other than allowing you to basically skip the regular QEP. I know I shouldn't ask but I will.... what are the registers like now? Are any reasonably shorter than the rest? I was considering trying to Mustang but the cable now is making me reconsider my options.
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Nov 5, 2015 01:55
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mtreecorner posted:Hey everyone. Long time no post. I am in Canberra now for my third tour. If it helps, we had an OMS at my current post become a generalist via the regular FSOT route. But yes I was really disappointed to see the changes too. Because I also waiting until this tour was finished.
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Nov 5, 2015 10:06
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So this whole hiring process has been really strange. Apparently my package was submitted to the Final Review Board back in June, but it just sat there. I found this out in October when I called to ask the status of my clearance and was told it had been closed because it was submitted months ago to the FRB and they never got a response back. I called the HR rep and they had no clue what was going on, and eventually came to the conclusion that somewhere in the process my stuff got lost and never made it to the final review board. So after a week of calling every day and emailing them, they found my package and resubmitted it to the board (this was about two weeks ago). I hadn't heard back, so I called today and they were like "oh yeah, you're on the register now, #3 or 4 out of 22), great! Then later today I get an email from the same HR rep that actually I'm not on the register because my clearance is still pending, even though I passed the review board, so I have to wait for them to give me the clearance before they can place me back on the register. I thought you couldn't even pass the review board without passing clearances? Does this sound out of the ordinary to anyone else?
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Nov 5, 2015 22:09
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Hungry Hippo posted:So this whole hiring process has been really strange. Apparently my package was submitted to the Final Review Board back in June, but it just sat there. I found this out in October when I called to ask the status of my clearance and was told it had been closed because it was submitted months ago to the FRB and they never got a response back. I called the HR rep and they had no clue what was going on, and eventually came to the conclusion that somewhere in the process my stuff got lost and never made it to the final review board. So after a week of calling every day and emailing them, they found my package and resubmitted it to the board (this was about two weeks ago). I hadn't heard back, so I called today and they were like "oh yeah, you're on the register now, #3 or 4 out of 22), great! Unfortunately, though this case sounds particularly bad, I'm not at all surprised. When I joined ds I originally deferred my first start date to finish graduate school. I understood that my name would remain on the registry until the next class opened up. As the next class for closer and closer and I heard nothing I finally got impatient enough and called to ask. After I asked where I was on the list and what the possibility of being in the next class, I heard the shuffling of papers on the other end of the line and she said " uhhh... Can you start in two days ". I'm convinced that if I hadn't called and followed up so often I never would have gotten the job. So... If sounds weird, but not really. Keep calling and don't be afraid to ask questions.
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Nov 5, 2015 23:13
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Looking back it's amazing I was able to get hired. The level of on-boarding HR incompetence is truly outstanding. It really taught me that in this job, if you want something to happen, you cannot rely on the system or bureaucracy to take care of you or do something in due course. She has her own agenda and she'll never love you back. You're on your own to fight for what you can get/deserve.
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Nov 6, 2015 06:11
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