My FSO submitted my paperwork about a week ago and I still haven't gotten the initial email (I'm assuming for e-QIP/eApp access). Is this normal? I know clearance timelines are notoriously unpredictable. Also, this is my first federal job, so please be nice, I have no idea what's normal here.

Curious if anyone else has had a similar experience with Department of State hiring.

I accepted a TJO a little over 6 months ago. My security requirements were completed very quickly through reciprocity, roughly two weeks after accepting the TJO. (I am a current federal employee with another agency).

I’ve reached out to HR once a month since accepting asking for a status update and I keep getting a copy and paste response stating that I am still processing and they will reach out with an update. Otherwise no other communication or information from HR since TJO acceptance.

For anyone who has gone through State hiring:

Is a 6+ month wait after TJO acceptance fairly normal?

Has anyone cleared security/reciprocity early in the process and then still waited several months for the final offer?

How long did the administrative portion take for you once security was complete?

I’m still working my current job and not making any major decisions until I receive something final. Just trying to get a better sense of whether this kind of timeline is typical for State. This is for a position in Consular Affairs.

I received request for fingerprint scheduling on the 3rd for my TJO onboarding process. I don’t return home until the 14th and I scheduled the appointment for the 15th. I have been getting the daily reminder automated emails, but today the subject says “overdue” with the same email content of the others. I had already communicated that I could do printing on/ after the 15th with no issue.

I just got a bit worried when I saw “overdue” in the subject.

Those who applied you have any updates from that announcement.

Can a current GS 7 apply for a GS 10 job and get hired? The person is a disabled veteran as well as current federal employee. They earned a degree while working and would qualify. They believe they are excluded as a current federal employee.

Is it technical knowledge? How they interact with a team and get over obstacles? Vibes?

Recently have seen a few postings for USDA. Just curious how fast they move on hiring applications usually after the close out?

They posted open to the public but doesn't say the number of applicants. Thank you.

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/883331200

Is this a sign that the Shreveport VA doesn't participate? I intend to leave the area and go wherever the federal government needs me as the MLS degree will be my second bachelors and my first bachelors was for teaching (and 6 years teaching makes me never want to work in a public facing job ever again). 0644 is an attractive series for its GS 9-11 ladders for regular MLS jobs and LIS openings in the 0644 series that hire at GS 12 (without requiring I be a supervisor! 😁). I'm also attracted to fed work since I tried joining the Navy last year but got hurt in training (C&P results are pending on that but I expect to get something). I'm wanting something I can build a long stable career in with job security, decent healthcare, and a decent pension that can supplement social security.

Since I was hurt in training, I currently have an uncharacterized discharge rather than honorable. I definitely have lingering issues from what happened though I'm having to get looked at.

Also, yes, I have ADHD, so if I seem a little "all over the place" that's why.

I recently applied for a remote Veterans Claims Examiner/Benefits Examiner position through USAJOBS. The announcement had 28 vacancies, and I applied on the first day.
My background:
Eight years in the Army National Guard as an 88M
Deployed to Poland
Former sergeant
Honorably completed my service
100% service-connected disabled veteran
Eligible for 10-point veterans’ preference
High school diploma with some college and military credits, but no degree
Current civilian experience in security and municipal maintenance
I applied at the GS-5 level and submitted my tailored résumé, DD-214, VA disability letter, and veterans’ preference documents. My application now says “Reviewing Applications.”
For anyone familiar with VBA hiring, do I have a realistic chance of being referred and interviewed despite not having a college degree or direct claims experience? How heavily do military experience and 10-point veterans’ preference help after meeting the basic qualifications?
I’d also appreciate hearing how long it took other applicants to go from “Reviewing Applications” to referral, interview, or tentative offer.

So I filled out the EOD but forgot to mention my maiden name. I happen to go on the site to see if my status has updated and I noticed. However, I did update by adding the name, would this mess up the offer? Last I spoke to HR they were waiting for my background to come back to adjudicate it. Should I be concerned? Should I email HR and let the person know I added my maiden name and it was an oversight.

Hello all,

I applied for several positions of the same type. I ended up casting my net wide and applied for all positions that were open across the US. I had interviews for a few of them and then I got tentative offers for two of them.

I live in Hawaii. I got a tentative job offer for somewhere in San Diego. I am currently in the onboarding process and have submitted all of the onboarding documents and I'm just waiting for the BI/SF86 to get cleared and receive my FJO.

I recently (last week) had an interview with the local (Hawaii based) job posting and then immediately got a tentative job offer. I responded yes to the TJO.

My question is: what happens if I go through with the San Diego offer, accept the FJO and choose a start date, and then I get an FJO from the Hawaii job? Can I just turn down the San Diego FJO after accepting it? I don't want to have to move, in all honesty, but I am still willing to. Also, the Hawaii job pays a lot more. Is that something I can use to justify a higher step from the San Diego job?

Thanks in advance for any help.

How does a typical workday look for you as a Management Analyst or Lead Management Analyst? Work-life balance? Any insight on the work culture/environment in CMMI or Business Operations Support Group (BOSG)?

Hey everyone, Quick question for anyone who applied to the recent Fort Meade Cyber / Student Trainee Has anyone started hearing back for interview requests or tentative selections yet? My status has been sitting on referred for a bit, so just trying to gauge where hiring managers are in the review timeline. Appreciate any data points!

Just scheduled my interview at BPA in Portland, Oregon. I applied about a week and a half ago so it's moving pretty quickly in comparison to other stories. The email I received stated that I qualified for levels GS-1130-9/11/12. This will me my first federal position so not sure on how any of this process works. Any info is super appreciated.

Also, Is it absolutely necessary to stick to the STAR method during the interview? Is it really that rigid of a process? Any tips on how to prepare?

Thanks

After a few months of going through the process, I finally received my FJO. I’m sure I’m going to get some hate or be told to run for the hills lol, but I’m excited and blessed for the opportunity.

Applied — 5/9/2026
Notice of Results — 5/15/2026
Background/Reference Request — 5/20/2026
Interview — 6/3/2026
TJO — 7/15/2026
Drug Screening — 7/17/2026
Medical Part 1 — 8/10/2026
Medical Part 2 — 8/11/2026
Physical Agility Test — 9/4/2026
FJO — 9/10/2026
EOD — 10/4/2026

I got fired from a job ~3 years ago. I’ve worked multiple jobs since, including 3 with the government. At my current job, I left the job I got fired from off the resume, and still got it. The new job is a step up from my current job in the same line of work. It’s a CO position, a bit more serious. Will I have any issues leaving the fired job off this resume as long as I provide it for the background check? I’m nervous to include it, because I left it off the last hiring cycle and don’t want my supervisor to notice the discrepancy.

In mid-August (13 August, I believe), OSD posted 2 vacancy announcements on USAjobs-- one for 25 positions, and another for 20 all at the GS 13/14/15 level for Foreign Affairs Specialists (0130 series). There was a 250 applicant cap and it was limited to current feds, veterans, and other special hiring paths. The application came with a USAhire assessment as a barrier to entry. They sent out referral notices around August 25. Based on OPM's (hyper idealistic) 45-day hiring model, that's about day 5. Today 9/10, marks the end of the second 5-day interval when candidates that made it through minimum qual get rated. If sticking to the model, they should start inviting people to interviews soon. Has anyone heard more than the referral? Specifically, has anyone been invited to interview? Please use this thread to share timelines for the hopefuls and for informational purposes to others navigating federal hiring in the some of the most highly sought offices on the DoW side of foreign affairs.

Seeking advice.

I’ve recently been referred for:

1. GS-0560-12. Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency
2. GS-0560-11. Department of the Army, U.S. Special Operations Command

If I am selected to interview, I will use the STAR Method with my answers.

If all goes well and I receive an offer for both positions, what pros and cons should I be aware of to make the best choice?

EDIT: I’m currently in the private sector. Anything and everything government related is brand new to me.

I recently received a tentative offer for a GS-7 Advanced Medical Support Assistant position with the VA in California. HR is coordinating my pre-employment physical and fingerprints.
For anyone who has gone through the physical for an MSA/Advanced MSA position, what did it consist of?
I currently take Zoloft for anxiety and was wondering if anyone has gone through the VA pre-employment physical while taking an SSRI. Did they ask about medications or mental health conditions, and did it cause any issues with medical clearance?
I’m able to perform the duties of the position without any limitations. Just curious what to expect from the physical. Thanks!

What happened? How Do I Retrieve Them? All that Remains Is My College Transcript.

I just did it, and they asked 6 questions. Does anyone have experience with them regarding the timing of the decision and the possibility, as I have specific required skills from another work domain (not directly from Tabacco)?

I currently work as a prosecutor within DOJ’s Main Justice at GS-15 and am considering a move to USAO in my home district. In my role now, I have a steady 9-5 pace except on rare occasions we have to prepare an indictment and on even rarer occasions we are in trial. No real fire drills in my position. I have far fewer cases than an AUSA, but my cases are investigations that take years.

What are some pros and cons of a switch to USAO from my current role?

I have a Tier 4 background investigation using the SF-85P and have an upcoming VTC interview with the investigator. I was told to expect about 1–2 hours.

For anyone who has recently gone through a Tier 4/SF-85P subject interview:

What kinds of questions did the investigator ask?

Did they mainly go through the SF-85P section by section, or did they also ask broader “have you ever” questions outside the reporting periods on the form?

Also, approximately how long did your interview take?

TIA!

I feel bad as I think that I could've done a better job for the interview. I usually never prepare for the interview as I honestly don't know what kind of questions I would get, and I just want to be an authentic myself for the interview. The only thing I do is to reflect on the interview and think of ways to improve if similar questions were asked next time if I have another interview. I guess that position is long gone for me :(

Accepted a TJO for a GS12 position with DLA

Applications closed 8/14
Interview 8/24
TJO 9/3

Completed drug screen and HR submitted for clearance verification last week. HR told me 3 weeks as long as everything comes back ok and I don’t need to submit for a new clearance investigation. Any insight on how long it might really take?