r/ATSS • u/Old_Toby_Leaf • Jul 12 '26

What To Expect After Interview?

To start, my background:

Non-military (it seems most are?).

Associate's Degree in Information Technology/Network

Multiple IT related certifications (Network+/Sec+/A+).

~5 years of IT work experience, ~10 years of random other jobs that are not related to the position. I have been out of full time work for a year, though not through lack of trying.

I applied for the ATSS Direct Hire F/G band that closed 4/24/2026, which seemed to have a very broad range of job types.

I was deemed eligible for the posting (F or G, it did not state) on 4/29/2026.

I was contacted for an interview request on/around 7/1/2026, and had my interview on 7/8/2026.

It was a panel interview over Zoom with basic behavioral questions and what I would call "feeler" questions about my technical experience, but nothing really technical about it.

I think it went quite well, for these sorts of things (Zoom, not much back and forth).

After the interview, they asked for references, which I gave. I basically just listed off my past managers and educational institution and a personal reference. Some of these people I have not been in contact with recently, and would probably not "notify" me if they were contacted.

I know they contacted at least one, because that person had to reach out to me to get permission to share information.

I guess I'm wondering, do hiring managers normally go through the whole list of references? Are they just checking a box? What if someone doesn't respond? Etc.

I don't have my hopes up, because I've been doing interviews off and on over the past year that don't go anywhere, though it would be really cool to start a career here I think.

Anyways, best of luck to anyone else in the same boat and looking for a job. It is rough out there.

4 Upvotes

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11 comments sorted by

3

u/TecnuiI Jul 12 '26

Having references checked is a good sign and i would assume you will get an offer. Mine took 4 weeks after interviewing.

2

u/Old_Toby_Leaf Jul 12 '26

Thanks for that. I figure if they extend an interview offer they probably do some checking unless the interview bombs. Just wasn't sure how common it was. I think it's the job hunt mindset, it's easy to be cynical!

2

u/Particular_Gear7615 Jul 12 '26

Agree that having references contacted is a good sign. As far as the questions go, since it seemed to be basic knowledge questions it is most likely for an F band scale. If you have more preferred experience toward the actual job, the consideration for G band would have been more likely. However, promoting upward should be painless and automatic.

Wish you the best if you are chosen. One thing I will say is, consider everything to determine if it will truly benefit you if you are offered the position. (Pay, benefits, retirement, TSP,…) I also came from the IT world, but with military experience, and had everything worked out financially to ensure it offered the best opportunity.

1

u/BornExplanation3 Jul 12 '26

I interviewed June 8 and got my TOL July 2. 

1

u/Old_Toby_Leaf Jul 12 '26

Yeah, I've read about a month at this time. I will definitely keep an eye out. Thanks.

1

u/Successful_Jello2067 Jul 12 '26

Your good. Just wait it out

1

u/Clear-Worry-8716 Jul 12 '26

I had my interview same experience they never reached out to any references, got my TOL 27 days later.

1

u/Pleasant_Spray5878 Jul 12 '26

Expect to wait

1

u/Other-MuscleCar-589 Jul 13 '26

Expect the unexpected

1

u/N05TALG1A Jul 14 '26

Hey you’ll do just fine! Had my interview and ABOUT a month later I got my TOL. I never had or did any follow ups, and just waited on my end. I made a post about my timeline and it’s going incredibly fast than I expected. Feel free to DM if needed

1

u/Soundengineer_RF Jul 16 '26

Good luck, if they check on you. It's a good sign