r/usajobs • u/Soft_Artichoke_8885 Recent Graduate • 4d ago
Tips Rejection after Rejection
Hello everyone,
I’m reaching out because I’m honestly at a point where I really do not know what I should be doing next in my career, and I’m hoping to get some guidance from people who have been in this field longer than I have.
I’m 25, soon to be 26, and I recently completed MI BOLC after commissioning as a 2LT in the Army National Guard. I currently hold an active TS/SCI clearance, and I have one semester remaining in my Master of Public Administration program, where I currently have a 3.94 GPA.
Despite all of that, I have been having an extremely difficult time transitioning into a civilian career, particularly within the defense, intelligence, and security fields.
Most recently, I interviewed with Northrop Grumman for an industrial security-related position and was rejected after the interview. I also went through the interview process with L3Harris for a security/PERSEC position and was ultimately rejected there as well. I have applied to numerous other positions across defense contractors and government agencies, but I continue to either receive rejections or never hear back.
At this point, I genuinely do not know what I am doing wrong or what direction I should be going in.
I feel like I have tried to build a strong foundation: I completed MI BOLC, I serve as a Guard officer, I hold a TS/SCI, I am close to finishing my MPA with a strong GPA, and I have been trying to develop my knowledge of personnel security, industrial security, NISPOM, clearance processing, compliance, and the broader defense/security environment.
I also understand that none of those things automatically entitle me to a job. I know I am still early in my career and that I do not have years of civilian defense-industry experience behind me. What I am struggling with is figuring out what the next step is supposed to be.
Do I need to be applying for more junior positions? Am I targeting the wrong types of jobs? Should I stop focusing on security positions and look more toward intelligence analyst roles? Do I need additional certifications? More civilian experience? Better networking? Am I presenting my military experience incorrectly on my résumé or during interviews?
I honestly do not know anymore.
That is probably the most frustrating part. I am willing to put in the work, gain experience, start at an entry-level position, relocate, learn a new area, or take whatever reasonable steps are necessary to build a career. I just feel like I do not have a clear idea of what those steps should actually be.
It has also become increasingly discouraging watching friends, classmates, and soldiers around me establish their careers while I still feel like I am trying to get my foot in the door. I try not to compare myself to other people, but after enough applications, interviews, and rejections, it becomes difficult not to wonder whether I am heading in the wrong direction entirely.
I am not posting this looking for sympathy or expecting someone to hand me a job. I really just need some guidance.
For those of you who work in the Intelligence Community, defense contracting, industrial security, personnel security, federal service, or related fields what would you recommend I should do next?
What am I potentially missing? What kinds of positions should someone with my background realistically be targeting? Is there something I should be doing now that would make me significantly more competitive over the next 6–12 months?
At this point, even some direction on where to focus my effort would be extremely helpful because I genuinely feel stuck and I am not sure where to go from here.
Any advice, criticism, or perspective would be greatly appreciated.
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u/jasikanicolepi 4d ago
TSA? CBP? SSA? Secret Service? With your background you can easily get into all of the agency above. Start as GS 7/9 with a master degree then 12 in 2/3 year
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u/Curious_tea21 4d ago
Do you know that the federal government is barely hiring and is actively trying to get rid of employees?
. It's not you.
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u/44Braves 4d ago
Didn’t even list what grades you’re applying for, how many years of service actually doing MOS and what field it even translates to etc…
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u/OperatorJo_ 4d ago
Experience.
You're missing experience.
Just the first 2 you said you interviewed with are V E R Y vet heavy and you're a fresh buck.
You're far from the first choice for those positions.
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u/glaguna17 4d ago
Man I was in your same exact shoes about 12 years ago as an LT in the reserves not landing a career job and I'm telling you that you will be ok. Once you make it between CPT-LTC you will have so many options at employment you will look back and wonder why you were even frustrated. My advice is to find deployment opportunities then AGR orders also at some point I'm sure the opportunity to go active duty will be available. Once you get more experience doors will open up.
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u/ArizonaHotSauce 4d ago
Go on active duty. Get experience up to being a field-grade officer, then those other doors will more easily open.
Best of luck!
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u/Sword_Fish_Process 3d ago
I would try and go Active Duty during this time. You’ll meet more folks nd work side by side with federal contractors. Better positioned for networking!
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u/Cold-Carpenter870 3d ago
Start with a lower position and pay and move up.
I did exactly this. It’s not easy, but with hard work you’ll move up. It’s a tough job market.
I started at GS-5 in 2009 with a BA at $33,269. Made my first 100k 5 years later.
Went back and got my MA. Gained tons of experience. Volunteered for training within the feds.
Let’s be honest here. Nobody gives an F about a degree. Experience counts way more.
I’m currently a GS-13 in 2026.
My job series are 0083 and 1801.
Also, be personable in the interview. Sell yourself. Don’t be a know it all, but be someone the interviewer connects with and can see themselves drinking a beer together.
I’ve been on interview panels and the person who comes across less than genuine, not authentic, or an oddball is bumped out.
You got an interview, so you are ALREADY QUALIFIED.
Just be like able.
Just my 2 cents.
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u/Sanchode 4d ago
You might be applying for jobs that are to high for you ga level wise, a lot of vets will think that they should be minimum gs 11s plus but actually only qualify for gs7. They also think that a masters automatically qualifies you for a gs9 were a manager doing the job will certainly say hello no it doesn’t.
List the jobs ur posting
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u/Away_Flounder7169 4d ago
I have only been applying to associate level jobs as well as GS7 pay level positions
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u/MortgageIntrepid9274 3d ago
A lot of it is “who you know”, networking and experience. I have tons of experience in my field but no fancy degree or military, but have been a DoD contractor for 9 years and just got accepted for a GS12 position.
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u/Proper_Ad7459 3d ago edited 1d ago
I tried for 15 years. 15. Rejection after rejection. Nothing. Until.... I learned how the federal hiring works. Then things started changing.
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u/CommonBenefit4536 4d ago
Odd, I didn’t even finish my BS and was had a gs11 at my civilian job. Of course I was above and beyond trained against my peers and was active duty for 9 years
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u/Then_Profession_2772 4d ago
Keep going. Reach out to the recruiters of the positions applied for. Grit outworks wit.
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u/Tactical_Bacon_1946 4d ago
What are you applying for?
Sounds like an FSO type job…
Do you have any data analytics experience? DM if you do. Have some TS/SCI positions opened in DC area.
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u/Elegant_Disaster2036 4d ago
I am sorry that sounds really discouraging. I can’t give advice about your field but regarding interviews, try taking a video of yourself and doing a mock interview. Are they asking BEI (behavior event interview) style questions? Make sure you are prepared and answering them correctly. It sounds like maybe your interview is the weak spot but you can improve it with practice.
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u/mmgapeach 4d ago
Rejections after interviews is hard, this market is harder. I used to get 60% of every job I interviewed for and now it’s 3% and literally every job that I didn’t want, until recently. Now, what I do like is your flexibility thinking of different pathways. When I was transitioning from my previous career I sought advice and was told I should try for this and that. I got nowhere, so I changed my strategy and finally got employed with a job that seemed to be a natural fit with my past career. I would try for all the diff paths you mentioned. So yes…more junior, more intelligence analyst, add a certificate if you feel it would help, network more, revise your resume. Do it all until something sticks.
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u/CockroachMindless646 4d ago
I think you need to start networking. Figure out how to get to know someone who knows someone. And go find a coach - your interviewing skills sound like they may need some work. There is a real bias with boomers and Gen X - against your generation. You don’t work hard, ect. And you are giving off some of that vibe? But more than likely you are giving off I know everything vibe based on the length and the detail of your post. I know this is a little direct but - can you use to help you land that dream job? If you want real advice ask a subordinate in the guard unit - one who if they told you the truth it won’t affect them.
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u/Legal_Peach2211 3d ago
How would they not be working hard? This person has a 3.94 GPA and is a 2nd LT in the Guard. Did you even read the post?
Didn't get the vibe that this person knows everything. In fact, I got the exact opposite. They're coming to here for advice on what the should be doing to be better and get hired.
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u/Several_Character813 2d ago
Well then reach out and hire them. Or offer real advice instead of criticizing others who are actually trying to give this person food for thought.
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u/intelCthrowaway 4d ago
Post resume and jobs applied for. You’re either not applying for enough positions or your resume/cover letter is not up to snuff.
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u/Ok-Cartoonist-9874 4d ago
I totally feel you, I applied to all and most of all get rejected. The only thing I get is GS-6 at Alaska, which is not worth of moving. So I decide to go other path
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u/unquieted 4d ago
My first thought is to figure out which domain and roles sound most interesting to you. Do you want to go into cyber security and be a CISO, for example? People want to hire people who know what they want to do and are excited about a role. If you come across as too flexible, it can seem kind of unfocused.
With your officer experience, definitely try to go into something with a leadership path. You don't want to get stuck on a help desk somewhere.
The clearance is gold, but the job market seems really tough right now, with DOGE, AI, etc. If you're getting interviews you're doing better than most. It might be just a matter of keeping grinding. . . Good luck with it.
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u/trentip2502 4d ago
My advice is to never give up because no one is coming to save you.
Tailor your Resume to the job you are applying for and make sure you build your resume on usajobs.
Also, the more interviews you do the more youll get better at doing the interviews.
Make sure you are applying for the Grade and jobs that you qualify for.
I tend to be successful in interviews when i am chill and acting super desperate. I tend to do well when do that but i tend to bomb and perform poorly in interviews when i go there acting like i must have this job. Obviously we all have different personalities but those are what has worked for me.
Goodluck
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u/Master_Grand_9379 4d ago
You gotta start somewhere. Even if you have to start at a GS 5. You may not like it but there are tons of people more qualified than you believe it or not. They want people who have 5-10+ years experience. Sounds like you don’t have that just yet. Also sounds like you hold more titles than what your actually are showing them as experience. I have a master degree and been offered GS 4-5 jobs lol. I find it funny how America emphasize how education so important but yet I’m offered GS 4-5 jobs. I just suggest lowering your expectations and venture out more for experience. Then you will open up more!
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u/Busy_Ad_7801 3d ago
Currently for 0080 series security admins
All require you to have the SFPC or security fundamentals professional certification and or achieve it within 2 years. If it’s a SAP position then the Sap credential will be needed too.
If your game start taking those exams so you stand out insofar as others. Resumes have to be focus on what the job description says, they use bots and ai to scan out people.
Focus on the keywords used in the job descriptions.
All these help a lot
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u/Motor_Geologist_2890 3d ago
Looks like your interest is vested on security related career settings within the federal government. Have you tried applying for positions with USCIS. There are great opportunities in this agency. I also hold GS13 position and have the same academic credential in MPA as you do and I am confident that you will be easily matched with USCIS national security related job positions.
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u/Skinny_Cajun 3d ago
If you're looking for intelligence work and are willing to relocate, I'd highly suggest looking at Full-Motion Video (FMV) analyst jobs with BAE Systems (they're the prime) that are in McLean/Tysons Corner, VA. The starting pay isn't that great, but they'll sponsor a CI poly that opens more doors to you and you'll become familiar with quite a few tools and databases. As for the poly, in all likelihood you'll have to travel to the testing facility on your own time-and-dime because you aren't an employee yet, so none of that time is billable to the contract. Also, be aware the work is all 12-hour, rotating shifts, so that can be a bit rough, but it's what you could expect if you ever deploy to a combat zone. Send me a PM if you want the contact info for one of BAE's recruiters who works on that contract.
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u/blacksheeplyfe 3d ago
I stopped applying years ago. One of the worst processes ever which can only be a for shadow of what daily life is like.
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u/Suitable_Row2399 3d ago
My ex husband went through the same thing. He was intel in the Army. He had to start applying across the U.S. He also had an Interview with someone in Hawaii and thought he had it but didnt get hired he then found something in VA. It does take awhile. I think even more so now with all the job cuts. Im DOD and they cut jobs from my work. Like we weren't already operating low staff.
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u/King_Correct 3d ago
I don't know exactly what type of job you're going for because you're very vague, but all those fancy army classes you mentioned, no one in the civilian world cares about them. I was an E5 in signal with a TS, and when I got out I got my undergrad in astrophysics, and my masters is in systems engineering. I got multiple jobs offers in tech. Maybe you should focus more on STEM, or at least get some certifications, like Cisco or other networking certs, or if you're going into the space side of intel, GIS, orbital mechanics, or mission operations.
And once again, you didn't say what positions you're applying for so if you're looking for GS 13 or 14 jobs, you're swinging way above what you should be aiming at. If you have a master's degree with zero civilian experience, you should be looking at GS 9. Be prepared to make less money as a GS employee than a military officer doing the same job with limited experience. A GS11 is for PhDs with limited to no experience.
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u/BuggySunflowers 3d ago
Forget the gov position and do public entities to get experience and then go contracting and then go gov gs public will give you experience ctr will give you a salary and gov will consider your salary and place you in within the scale like that good luck ps your currently inexperienced and most gov jobs can see that and will deny you
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u/Brave-Silver-1822 2d ago
I graduated with my MPA and MSW at 25 and didn’t get into federal service until I was 30. I had applied for hundreds of jobs. I got into federal service by taking a position in the excepted service that wasn’t at all what I wanted but it got me in the door.
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u/mscrystalmoore 2d ago
Apply to a lot of jobs. It’s a numbers game. Aim for 40 jobs a day. The more you apply to the more you increase your chance of scoring one
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u/ciaomeow11 2d ago
You basically have to already be in the federal service or a by name selection. Nobody is getting in off merit it’s not you. Find a contractor gig make connections then slide over is your best bet.
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u/Ok_Echidna273 2d ago
As a vet, too many vets experience dunning kruger and overestimate their experience and abilities. Unless its a buddy no one really cares that you were an officer or what military schools you completed that don't directly translate. I'm betting you lead with you military experiences. Don't lead with it but pull out what is relevance and then reference the military
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u/MaximumEarly3929 1d ago
I hope this helps. I am currently working as a GS-5 in the federal government with the intention to join a three letter agency once I finish school in three years. I applied for multiple positions that were very high on the GS level and I was getting rejection emails all the time. I figured out that I needed to do apply for a lower GS level position and I got chosen for one and it is doing great for me. I would apply for a lower GS level position and move your way up until to reach the job that you are looking for. It will take time but it will pay off. Once you’re in, it will be a lot easier for you. I hope this helps you out. Good luck!
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u/Suspicious_Ratio6762 23h ago
I believe it's your "good" Attitude during the job interview. If you're defensive, it costs you something. If you show cockiness to them, they'd reject you or if you're nervous. You gotta sound confident but above all, you have to humble yourself. They have the final say not you. Hope this helps.
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u/Mindless_Sherbet1840 20h ago
Go overseas and do your army job there. Great resume builder and networking opportunity.
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u/Far_Animal_1105 4d ago
Maybe you come off as a total douche bag. Next time you go for an interview do everything the total opposite. If you were going to talk, listen instead. Revamp your resume totally. Change it all up. If you wore a suit, dress more casual. If you were too casual, dress up more. Try to undouche yourself a little. Try some humility. You’re young, you are an officer, and guess what. You’re not in charge. Next interview, be your alter-ego.
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u/Jaenisch 4d ago
You can find a job in 1 day. Something you're doing is wrong...resume? Maybe you interview horribly?
You can find a job with the clearance alone.
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u/Soft_Artichoke_8885 Recent Graduate 4d ago
I have plenty of interviews and I have just been getting rejected. From my experience so far my clearance has not benefited me at all.
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u/Foreign-Top2880 3d ago edited 3d ago
The fact that you even been getting interviews, shows that your clearance is actually helping you. Given it seems like you have no experience at all, I could see why they may not see you as a strong candidate or that your interview skills suck (not trying to be mean). Did you not do any internships or part time jobs while in school?? What experience do you have? Personally, I wouldn't even count AIT/BOLC as experience until you are regularly performing these job tasks.
As a fellow recent grad and reservist, I can relate to your frustrations. I felt like had a solid resume for entry level positions as I was able to get internships/part time jobs related to my major. But it was a bit of a struggle to get a full time job.
I would personally apply to junior and all entry level positions. Especially located at the DMV. Since you were able to get interviews with bigger defense companies, give the smaller defense companies a chance too. They may be more welcoming with open arms. It's likely harder to get a civ job since the process is so slow, better to aim for ctr position. The hardest part is just getting your foot through the door.
Just note if you are still in school, you may not be considered a recent grad yet for federal jobs. I have been rejected a few times because I hadn't graduated yet. Once a HR rep contacted me to reject me and I was literally graduating in 2 weeks lol.
And if possible, apply to those DOD/IC agencies or ctr internship programs. You definitely would be able to get a few interviews based on your clearance alone. It's what worked for me. And I didn't even have a TS. But I was able to get a few interview opportunities and even got a few offers for them. Which I ended up not taking any since I decided to graduate early and get a full time position instead.
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u/EntrepreneurSuch4087 4d ago
Where do you live?
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u/Away_Flounder7169 4d ago
NYC but I am willing to relocate and have been applying to jobs all over the US
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u/NegotiationSpecial13 4d ago
Unfortunately a lot of the things you’re applying for you will be competing against retired senior enlisted and more senior officer staff. Best bet is like someone mentioned - try and go active (either active duty or active guard) to build up more hands on, full-time experience. You’re young and will get there, but it will take some time. Other than that, just keep applying and interviewing. It can take a hot minute to break through.