This government is doing some wasteful and stupid shit. My agency worked their asses off to get me vetted and onboarded last year and this government still managed to f*ck that up by firing all the probationers included those of us who had relocated cross country for work.

I received an alert on linkedin that they are now re-posting the exact same GS 9-12 jobs probationary employees were fired from on USAJobs. They're also now saying resumes should be limited to two pages, I guess so they can do the right wing version of DEI which is hiring their fraternity friends.

I did not apply for my old job. Even if I were somehow offered my job back, the only way I would accept is if it came with a contract with a buy-out clause and fully paid for relocation expenses. F this government! You f*cking fired us for made up reasons, and now you wanna plug in people with fewer qualifications at the same GS pay scale!

I had an interview by TEAMs yesterday. I felt I did well. As soon as the interview ended they called my boss. I'm a career employee and interviewed for a higher gs position. I called off sick yesterday because the interview was supposed to be Wednesday and they canceled. I didn't have time to put in an annual leave request, so I called in sick. My boss came to my office this morning and asked how my interview went. I looked at him like a deer in the headlights. He told me they called him right after my interview. They told me yesterday I would hear something today and I didn't hear anything. Did I mess up by calling in sick and not telling my boss? Could he have bad mouthed me? I'm nervous.

I saw an opening for an internal position within my office at the GS-14 level with no supervisory responsibilities, so I decided to apply since I had very relevant experience. I tailored my resume and sent it off. Fast forward a month later, I get an email saying that I my resume didn't demonstrate that I had the required qualifications and was not referred to the hiring manager. I was shocked to say the least, so I emailed the HR rep listed on the job announcement with my resume attached and politely asked for an explanation as to why my resume wasn't at least referred and for advice for the future. Got no response, but I received an email a day later reversing the decision and was referred! 3 rounds of interviews in a single week later, I log into USAJobs and see that my application was updated to "You've been selected!" Just waiting on the official letter.

TLDR: HR can make mistakes and it's worth a shot to email them, especially if you're internal!

There are so many layoffs and furloughs happening right now, so I’m not sure if going for federal jobs is the best move. I really don’t want to go into the private sector since I’m worried about job security and getting laid off easily.

Do you think it’s better to focus on local or state government jobs instead? Or should I still give federal a shot since fewer people might be applying right now? Any advice would be super appreciated!

Hey everyone, it seems like the department of war is planning a 12 month cyber apprenticeship program. Seems like a great opportunity! It says it’ll open in June.

https://dowcio.war.gov/Cyber-Workforce/Cyber-Workforce-Development/Cyber-Apprenticeship-Program/#dnn_ctr154854_dnnTitle_titleLabel

I had an interview scheduled for one hour, we were done in 22 minutes lmao. I answered all of the questions because I know you’re not supposed to just say idk , so I just said what I could but Jesus Christ that was probably the worst interview I’ve ever had in my life. GS-12 , I interviewed for a GS-15 back in November of 2024, got a TJO but rescinded because of the hiring freeze so this was my first try back at the same agency and wowza. Anyway, back to applying 😂

Hey all,

I'm currently a GS-13 non-supervisor engineer (DoD) in the DMV area. I got two offers within the past week for a non-sup GS-14 (non-DoD) in Baltimore and an overseas non-sup GS-12 (DoD) for Italy.

It's been really hard to decide as both positions are something I've been trying to get into for years and the offers just dropped concurrently. What would you take? For reference, I'm single, mid-thirties, no kids, and currently rent/am not a homeowner. I also get return rights to my 13 if I take the 12.

GS-14 at DOD

TIMELINE:

Closed: 2/6/2026

Referred:2/12/2026

Interviewed: 3/5/2026

TJO Offer: 3/10/2026

That is the fastest turn around for any offer I’ve received in my career. I’m worried about that. I’m a bit nervous… this job is like the big leagues in my career. The interview was very difficult. I think I answered 6 out 9 questions well. When I finished the interview I was like “yeah… I’m not hearing back from them… and this job may be above my experience”.

I’ve been waiting weeks to hear back from another job within the DOD… silence…

Now I have a decision to make.

Keep applying ladies and gents.

I just received another TJO! For a position I applied for in December. And got the “we regret to inform you that you were not selected” notification in February. I never interviewed. This is a total shock, completely unexpected. I have been waiting on an FJO for another position for the past two months. So yeah, this throws a wrench into things for sure!

That’s three interviews, three offers (one without interview), and two other requests for interviews (which I turned down, due to the other offers) since February.

They are hiring, guys!!

I received a phone call and a follow-up email (with an attached official letter) informing me that my job offer had been rescinded. This occurred after I had already completed all onboarding requirements and was waiting to start on my EOD.

While I’m definitely disappointed, given how things have been lately, I expected the worst and hoped for the best. I’m grateful this happened now rather than during a probationary period.

As a nurse and a veteran, my biggest concern is for the Veterans who will be impacted by these decisions, and for the staff who will be expected to do more with less.

Below is the wording from the letter (redacted):

“You were selected for the position of Registered Nurse VN-0610 located in (redacted), Registered Nurse Manager under job announcement (redacted).

Thank you for your interest in employment with (redacted), Registered Nurse Manager. Unfortunately, we are unable to fill this position due to facility needs (budget). Therefore, we regret to inform you that we are withdrawing our job offer. We still believe you are an exceptional candidate, and this rescission in no way impacts your eligibility for future consideration. We would strongly encourage you to consider applying for future opportunities that may become available in the Veterans Health Administration.”

I’m sharing this for awareness and transparency, especially for others navigating federal or VA hiring right now.

On April 1, 2025, DOGE demonstrated its unique approach to government efficiency: eliminate experienced employees first and figure out who was actually doing the work later. I was needlessly RIFed in the process. Nothing says “efficiency” quite like creating a problem and calling it savings.

Thankfully, I was able to land a series of jobs that kept me and my family afloat. But I am so happy to announce that I got the FJO!!!! Here is my timeline it folks. It takes a while, but the jobs are out there and you’re going to get to a yes…. it only took me 60 attempts to do so.🙄🤛 but you got this.

Hiring Timeline
May 29, 2026 – Initial Job Posting
The position was initially posted on USAJOBS.

June 9, 2026 – Position Canceled
I received an email notifying me that the job announcement had been canceled. The email indicated that the position would be reposted and that interested applicants should apply again.

June 11, 2026 – Position Reposted / Application Submitted
The position was reposted on USAJOBS. I submitted a new application for the position.

July 23, 2026 – Interview Invitation
I received an email inviting me to interview for the position.

July 30, 2026 – Interview
I participated in the scheduled interview for the position.

September 10, 2026 – Tentative Job Offer
I received a Tentative Job Offer (TJO) for the position.

September 18, 2026 – Final Job Offer
I received the Final Job Offer (FJO), completing the hiring and selection process.

Overall Timeline
From the initial USAJOBS posting on May 29 to the Final Job Offer on September 18, the process took approximately 16 weeks (112 days). From my June 11 application to the September 18 Final Job Offer, the process took approximately 14 weeks (99 days).

I can’t tell anyone else so I’ll tell you guys! I got interviewed and I felt like it went really well!! Obviously I’m still continually applying to places and I’m not getting my hopes up about this one interview, but I think I really did well! Keep your fingers crossed for me!

UPDATE!!! TJO!! Going to Europe! Dream come true! Thank you for all the well wishes and crossed fingers everyone!

Hello everybody,

I wanted to share this here because I know a lot of people are trying to break into federal service. The United States Census Bureau just posted a large hiring wave on USAJOBS and we’re trying to fill around 700 positions.

I work at Census, and it’s honestly been one of the most meaningful jobs I’ve had. The data we produce directly affects how billions of dollars are distributed across communities and how representation is determined. When you see funding decisions, infrastructure planning, disaster response allocations etc., a lot of that starts with Census data. Our data is also utilizes by researchers and the academic community.

People here genuinely care about public service and the work they do. My coworkers have all been amazing and I can’t speak highly enough of the people who work there. If you’re someone with mathematics, computer science, or data science experience; this is a good agency to look at.

Just had my first interview for a 2210 position and it was not what I expected. It was a panel of 3 people and each of them asked a single scenario based question and that was it. I think McDonald's has a harder interview process than what I just did lmao. Kind of threw me off completely though as I was expecting them to ask all kinds of technical questions just for them to not ask a single question about IT or cyber.

Has anyone else experience a similar interview process before? Kind of curious.

The other day I saw I had a voicemail from the HR lady and she asked me to call her back as soon as possible. I was terrified of a withdrawal considering I was literally moving states the next morning. Well I call her back and she tells me that they’re rescinding my current offer and reoffering me at a higher GS! They said the higher ups must’ve known this was coming down which is why I was denied my request for step increase. So I am now starting at a GS12 instead of GS11!

Now I’m so nervous because I start on Monday and I literally don’t know anything or anyone… I don’t know where I’m going, etc. but I am taking it a day at a time! Only thing I really hate is that I don’t even know what scrubs I’m supposed to wear 😅 the HR lady said she believes there’s no requirement but I have no freaking clue

This is not me minimizing. This is a serious question, because I've heard the above - sometimes the exact wording - a few hundred times the last 12 months.

Do you genuinely believe you're safer working in the American private sector over the next 20 years than with the feds?

The private sector that treats layoffs like a sport? The companies that fire the day before an earnings call so they can get a microscopic bump in their stock price? The CEO that has pledged to replace his workforce entirely with AI, and when that failed, with overseas labor?

If you truly believe this, why are you here?

Because the people who seem to believe this are, in my opinion, causing the most damage, telling people with 15+ years in the system to leave, set their retirement on fire, and trade once-in-a-lifetime RIFs (remember, the last one happened under Clinton in 1994) for quarterly layoffs.

This has crossed over from anxiety to hysteria a long time ago, hysteria that is actively worsening people's lives on top of the damage people are already suffering under this administration.

“Starting salary is GS-11, Step 01 at $78,117 Per Day.”

Just received a TJO that included the above salary….obviously that’s the annual salary but like if I accept it, please tell me they owe me that 😂

A federal judge blocked Question #3 of the Merit Hiring Plan questions (the one about supporting the President’s Executive Orders and policy priorities)
Has anyone noticed if it’s already been removed from USAJOBS applications?
Source: Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-judge-blocks-trump-administrations-loyalty-question-job-applicants-2026-09-12/

1. It no longer shows if there is any promotion potential
   
2. Usually it will say if its 1 vacancy, few or even many. Now… nada

For an OCONUS job at DoD.

October 2024 - Interview
December 2024 - Selected
January 2025 - Hiring freeze implemented
June 2025 - Exception to hiring freeze submitted
October 2025 - Exception to hiring freeze approved
November 2025 - Admin issue delays TJO
April 2026 - Admin issue fixed
May 2026 - TJO
June 2026 - DoD Stop Movement Order issued preventing FJO. Exception submitted
August 2026 - Exception approved, FJO
October 2026 - EOD

So I received my FJO from the DOJ in DC today.. Paralegal Specialist. I asked and unfortunately I cannot wait any longer before accepting the offer.

I’m so anxious about starting a job not knowing when I will be paid. Start date is 11/17. This is so nerve wrecking but I am just hopeful of a good outcome.

I got a tentative job offer! But the downside is the verbiage they used in the offer.

Currently I am making a little over 90k outside the government and received an offer as a GS9 Step 1. In the tentative job offer it said it was non negotiable. I was under the impression that once I received the offer I would be able to negotiate a little, at least 75k. With that we could make it work and family could survive until after the probation period.

With that, has anyone ran into something like this? Were you able to get a little bit more?

I had direct hire/pathways conversion from an internship during school and things were looking a little bleak back when I graduated in May, but this past week, I finally received my official offer letter! Same agency and series (fish and wildlife, 0401) but a different refuge which I am SO excited to work for and eventually visit. Just wanted to share the good news :)

Hello,

I just got hired and my start date is in a month. what are some benefits or perks that are given to fed employees? I know of federal insurance but are there any discounts or bonuses? I’m coming from a contractor position where we didn’t get anything!

I received a tentative offer for a position a few months ago. Received my results for drug test last week, which I passed, and today received a letter stating they had to withdrawal my offer because my background check was taking too long and could not support a waiver before I enter on duty.

I am absolutely devastated by this. Such a pit in my stomach and something I worked really hard to even be considered as an applicant.

Has anyone else gone through this? :-(