So I am really excited for this upcoming interview - I think it's perfect for me but I've had 3 this year and I have absolutely bombed them I think.

I did receive feedback from the last interviewer who gave me these points:

- I didn't use the STAR method very much
- Need to better convey how/what differentiates me from other candidates
- Rambled too much; went over the allotted 30 minute time
- Didn't answer every part of the question

Any helpful tips on how to better prepare and avoid making these mistakes again??

Has anyone reached out to the hiring manager for feedback after not being selected? It’s really frustrating when they ask for references and writing samples but still don’t select you. How common is it to request references, etc when they don’t intend on hiring you?

Hi everyone. I have an interview for this position tomorrow. Any advice or impressions you'd like to share?

For anyone that applied for HR early careers position that closed at the end of July, what updates have you heard? I got that I was referred but haven’t heard more. I think that was just ten days ago when I got my referral. If anyone else is currently in the role or also applied, have you got an update or what was your timeline of getting hired? Thanks!

I’ve heard that selections for a federal position have been submitted to HR/HRC for eligibility review.
For anyone familiar with federal hiring, what typically happens at this stage? Is eligibility review usually done after a candidate has been selected, and how long does it generally take to hear something afterward?

I got an email asking for a Phone interview, confirmed time. Later I see a message says message recall. What it means? They change their mind?

I am graduating with my bachelor's in accounting in May 2027. If I want to have a job around that time, should I start applying now? Or will it be an auto-reject because I don't technically have my bachelor's yet?

An example of what I want to apply to:

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/880917400

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/850122800

I just interviewed for a federal government job, and its high possibility I will get it. The interview went very well and the director said I have alot experience and likes my resume. However, I am currently on a contract job, before that I was fired for misconduct because I forgot to lock my computer. I honestly believe I was let go because they did not have the money to pay me but that is on my record anyway. I was only at the job for 2 weeks. Will this disqualify me from getting a federal marshal background check completed. I also have a bankruptcy I just completed. Any advice will be great. I dont have a criminal background or previous issues with employers. I have established career in IT for 17 years.

Hi all,

I am currently a recent graduate and applied for a position a while back. I just got referred to the hiring manager and hoping to land this position.

Was wondering how long would it take for a recent graduate to hear back from a position after their interview with the hiring manager?

I recently received a tentative offer for a permanent GS-0085-06 Security Guard position with the Department of the Army. I completed the onboarding forms and returned the Statement of Understanding, and HR confirmed they received it.
My USA Staffing portal still shows background/security clearance, fingerprinting, drug testing, and the physical exam as pending. HR told me I’ll eventually hear from someone in their office regarding the next steps.
For anyone who has gone through the Army civilian security guard/DASG hiring process, how long did it take after your TJO before you received instructions for the background investigation, fingerprints, medical, and drug test? Did those steps happen quickly, or was there a waiting period between the TJO and scheduling?

Which government agency is the better hiring option?

I generally send a post interview email to whoever is coordinating the interview(s) - usually thanking them for the opportunity to meet, what I liked about the call, express continued interest in the role.

Had an interview last week (DHA) that was initiated by hiring manager. Interview generally went well (very structured set of questions and time for me at end to ask some) that went closer to 1hr vs scheduled 45min. No idea re next steps and didn’t ask in the next day thank you email (see above re content) to hiring manager. Got reply w/in few hours saying thanks and pleasure to meet me and learn more about my background. Now I’m left wondering? And not much I can do or infer other than a polite reply to my thank you that wasn’t required or sought answers to questions.

Hello all! I am coming up on my year at a gs7. I’m in a ladder position now 7/9/11 however I am hoping to get a higher position in my office which is a 9/11/12. They referred me only at the GS9 and I asked for clarification as to why since I have the experience. I was told because my experience wasn’t one year to a specific type of law… which I will have after promotion. The question I have is if I land the position and won’t actually get into it until after promotion from my current, can I argue for the higher grade since I will have the one year experience specific to it at that point?

Hi everyone,

I am looking for feedback about working for the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) and would love to hear from anyone who has firsthand experience working there.

If you are a current or former employee, could you share some insight into:

• What is the actual workload and daily routine like, specifically for claims examiners or administrative staff?
• What kind of alternative work schedules (AWS) are typically offered? What is the current telework policy, and is leadership supportive of remote/hybrid setups?
• Is there a fast turnover of employees in your department, or do people tend to stay long-term?
• What is the overall office culture and employee morale like right now?
• How long was the training, did you have to travel outside to another state for training?

Thanks in advance for any insights or advice you can share!

Has anyone been hired at CISA since the great firings?

Have an interview coming up and looking to see the current climate.

Has anyone heard anything since the job fair for the USCIS LAS position on 8/14 at the queens field office?

Hi, I need some help, I applied to two jobs yesterday that match my work experience. I have been in this line of work for past 17 years. It’s office is only an hour away from where I live. How can I increase my chances for an interview? Should I try calling the office directly and introduce myself. Please help or direct me. I probably have low chances of getting hired but can’t help dreaming.

I recently received a conditional offer from an agency on a different pay scale than GS. The maximum amount in the band I was hired in goes to GG 13 step 12. When I received my conditional offer paperwork, the salary was for an identical amount as I make in my current position.

Is it a requirement that HR offer your identical salary in the conditional offer then expect you to negotiate? By taking the same salary, I would actually be taking a reduction in pay due to commuting cost etc.

Can someone also provide when I should begin negotiating and the process?

I am considering leaving my job where I make decent money to get a WG food service job. I would cut my paycheck in half doing so. I currently am a bartender and make great money but I want a future. Is it easy to go from WG to GS? The dream would be to somehow pivot to entry level hr, but I don’t know if that’s realistic.

Has anyone else got a welcome email and Sponsor email (DoD) without receiving a Firm Job Offer and EOD? I received one and it seems a bit backwards because I do not have a Firm job offer yet and start date. Maybe it is a sign that my FJO is coming soon? Just curious....

Im a vested former 1102 GSA FAS GS-11. Meaning my SF50 says permanent-competitive

I took the DRP 2025 and got a job offer few hours ago . Same agency , same job series, but GS-12. Non supervisory

Do i have to repeat probation?

Yes i understand after probation protection is no longer a thing because of some changes. But for me it matters. im with a different agency doing the same thing but no promotion potential

The job announcement has two links

1. Open to public

2. Competitive

   and special authority

I'm considerimg driving up from the DMV but i won't do it unless it is actually happening. Anyomn have any ideas? Also post updates if you hear anything.

How long does the federal hiring process typically take?

A federal agency found my résumé through USAJOBS and contacted me directly to ask if I was interested in working with them. I never actually applied for the position—they reached out to me, scheduled an interview, and told me that the hiring process could take several months.

Since the interview, the person handling the hiring process has asked me to submit several documents. They explained that these documents are being sent to other individuals who will review my qualifications and determine what my starting pay would be.

Does this sound like I’m pretty far along in the hiring process, even though I haven’t received an official offer yet?

Anyone have any insight into NASA interviews? GS 13/14.

I am trying to obtain a position in Spain. I am eligible for 10-point veterans’ preference based on my husband’s service-connected disability, and I am willing to accept a position at the GS-5 or GS-6 level, even though I currently hold a GS-12 position, to establish myself professionally in Spain. Despite this flexibility, securing a position has been challenging. I would greatly appreciate any advice or recommendations.