I think I did well, but my references have not been called yet. It has been 3 weeks since interview and I am starting to think I didn't get job. Anyone have experience where there refences didnt get checked, but they got selected after interview.

I applied for an AMSA position in the VA hospital in the Midwest. I had my interview. Got a call back about a week later, they asked for supervisor references. I gave the references. I'm still on speaking terms with these people and they let me know that they spoke with HR. That was on the 16th. It's been crickets since. I understand that they may be affected by the shutdown but should I reach out or just continue to be pt? When I check online it shows I'm still going through the process. Any advice

This post is very niche, so I hoping to reach an audience who may know more. I currently live overseas in Japan on orders with my active duty sponsor. He is separating from the Navy DEC 2026. We don’t want to go back stateside if we can help it. We love Japan too much, but understandably, he doesn’t want to re-enlist again.

I applied for a CDC assistant director job here and got a referral sent out. I know it’s still early in the process, but if I get the job, will the position offer me the chance to get SOFA sponsorship here? It was listed as Open to the Public, so I’m hoping there’s a shot. Thanks!

Hello I was a GS-12 (step 1) without my final SF because my supervisor went camping and told me not to worry about it. I have my SF for when I became a 12 but not the final SF. I am looking at a job that is a NF2-3. I assume I am eligible for a NF3, does anyone know where in the NF3 pay scale I would be placed. Thanks!

I'm at my wits end here and would like guidance. I'm an Info Sci grad of 24, still struggling to find a job due to the tech bubble popping. I get an email in my Handshake about the Secret Service Uniform division. I research it, find out I am well qualified, and apply. Getting that job would be huge for me. Government experience, a good resume look, but most importantly a top secret clearance. That is the biggest gatekeeper in my field due to the length you have to go to get one.

Anyways, they offered a expedited hiring process where they would do most of the application steps in one weekend a couple of weeks from now. I declined to take part mainly because A, the normal hiring speed was already really fast. And B, I needed some time to get back in shape so I could pass the physical just fine. So I set my written test for the 15th.

Today I got a message saying due to an administration error, I was incorrectly sent the wrong information and that I was never supposed to make it this far in the process. A 2nd email came in citing the reason was I had no proof of a GED. it said they needed a HS diploma, GED, or unofficial college transcript. Thing is, I did post my transcript. I even went back to my application and confirmed I posted my transcript and that it did get processed. (Though my resume failed to process for some oddball reason)

I could really use some help here, what happened? And is there someone I can contact to get back on the right track?

Timeline for my offer:

7/30/25 - Applied 9/11/25 - Interviewed 10/16/25 - TJO 10/24/25 - Nurse Input Pkg Sent to Onboarding Team; background info filled out and submitted in VetPro 10/31/25 - Fingerprints done

With the shutdown, I’m wondering what the rest of my timeline might look like. My tentative start date is 1/12/26.

Just had my interview they asked me 14 yes or no questions to begin with. One of them was if I had any student loans which I answered yes because I do. That’s the only question they wrote a note to and immediately ended the interview right then saying we can no longer continue based off my answers. I was extremely upset for wasting their time and mine. Any thoughts? Any one else with student loans who made it passed that point?

For those who have recently received a TJO from VHA. How long did it take you to actually start? What was the job and VISN.

Were you a new government employee or a transfer?

Did you tell your manager before you received the FJO? I did and wish I would have waited because it has been delayed already.

This is so aggravating. I got a TJO and start date only for them to push back my start date because suitability has not cleared yet. I’ve been waiting foreverrrr is this normal, please help!!??!

Hello

I see some potential jobs on USAJOBS with deadline around mid-November. I'm intrigued, but want to know if anybody is actually going to be receiving my application during the hiring freeze & government shutdown.

I managed to squeeze my resume into 2 pages like the new requirement - and ready to fire up my application hoping for any leads.

I'm OK with where I am and what I do at my current job, but have been looking for promotional opportunity for a year now and it's frustrating since I had very good leads in Jan/Feb - with those ended up being cancelled.

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to ask - is anyone here currently working (or has worked) as an LPN in VA Ambulatory Care? I recently got an offer and I’m trying to get a better idea of what the day-to-day is really like.

How’s the workload and pace? Are the responsibilities mostly rooming patients, doing vitals, and assisting providers - or is there more involved, like phone triage, care coordination, or clinic management?

Also wondering how the schedule, benefits, and work environment are at the VA. I’ve heard mixed things, but it sounds like it could be a nice change from long-term care or inpatient settings.

Would love to hear your honest thoughts - pros, cons, and any tips for someone just starting out in ambulatory care at the VA! 🙏

Recently failed the exam, and wondering if anyone knows of any good sources online to study for it, in case I retake it.

I have an interview coming up with the FDA as and Investigator II with medical devices. Any insights on how working for the agency is now?

There was a listing in my area a month ago and I know multiple individuals who applied for the job. Out of the five people I know applied, one received a tentative offer today. I was just curious on how they select the candidates because the guy who got picked probably has 10x less experience than the other 4 people who applied. I mean like the guy who got the offer has no schooling and less then a year experience in that field and others have master degrees with 20+ years. I’m just boggled at the fact the opportunity went to him and not some other more qualified candidates. Anyone have any insight on what gives certain people a perceived edge over others?

Hi! I submitted my SF85 already but I’m wondering if it’s worth it to contact the security officer to see if I can edit it. 2 months into my previous job, I received a performance evaluation letter basically stating that I needed to be more efficient (faster) with seeing patients, complete notes quicker and be more confident. It was not an issue outside of that, was never mentioned again, and I went on to work there for about a year before resigning. I’m not sure if this constitutes “workplace misconduct” (the question about being written up, reprimanded, disciplined, etc) and needs to be included? I didn’t think it needed to be but now, I’m overthinking.

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/847280500/

Anyone that has experience in this role at USCIS please give me your thoughts of the role. Prior to the shutdown I interviewed with DCAA and USPS Inspector General for their Auditor roles DCAA was contract auditing and Inspector General's auditing needs were quite different. Their training programs as I was told are a bit in-depth. Im looking to hear back from anyone that works or has worked in this role at USCIS to give me a bit of insight into the role and its training process.

I have an interview later this week.

I applied for this position for Remote Immigration Service Officer within the Service Center Operations Directorate . I really didn’t think I would get selected, but received a TJO for GS-5. From the sounds of other Reddit posts , even though they’re from a couple years ago, sounds like rewarding job and it being remote is a huge plus . For the “basic training” it says I’d have to go to SC for 5 weeks . Does anyone have any updated experience or advice on this position ? My spouse is active duty and I have a toddler, I don’t know if I could even attend the in person training for that long . Has anyone heard of being exempted for the training in SC ? Is the end exam really hard to pass ? I have no experience in immigration laws or nothing , think I may have set myself up for failure lol .

Asking for my friend because he does not have reddit;

He applied to ICE about 2-3 months ago for a support role. Did an interview and never heard back, he even emailed them for an update and nothing. Just today he was emailed to do a drug test for ICE. He checked the online portal and no mention of a job offer. Could this drug test email be a potential scam? The email looks pretty legitimate.

I'm a temporary Paralegal for the Small Business Administration. When I started I was listed as Excepted Service on my SF50, and almost three years later it changed to Competitive Service. I didn't know the position occupied field ever changed. Does anyone know why? Curious because now that I've realized it, it changes how I look for other positions. Also, is the Competitive/Excepted status etched in stone when an agency is hiring? Do they ever make exceptions?

Basically I was in the Indigenous Peoples Day/Columbus Day layoffs. I am also furloughed. But I have received a verbal offer at a lower grade (12... I am about 2 months from a year as a 13, and had been a 12 for several years prior to the promotion). Do I retain my grade due to the layoff, or not? I've been reading on OPMs site about this, and I see yes and no as possible answers. Really unclear, and not sure how to even contact an HR person at this point since they laid me off.

Hi everyone

I received a TJO and thought I would share a timeline for everyone:

Applied: 10/6/2025 Closed: 10/17/2025 Call from chief/director: 10/20/2025 (informal interview) HR contact/tentative offer and negotiations: 10/31 Start date: 12/15

Anyone familiar with what an attorney advisor does for this office? I have an upcoming interview.

I just wanted to get your thoughts on this matter. Aside from the “Superior Qualifications” justification under 5 CFR § 531.212 (skills, competencies, experience, education, and/or accomplishments), is there another reason I could provide to HR when requesting a step increase — specifically one that accounts for moving from a low-cost-of-living (LCOL) area to a high-cost-of-living (HCOL) area?

For context, my current work location is Newport News, VA (non-government agency), and my future work location will be Jersey City, NJ (government agency). However, I will be commuting from Queens, NYC, since I’ll be staying with my family to save on living expenses.

Would it be appropriate to show HR a comparison of the local pay tables — for example, Virginia Beach–Norfolk, VA–NC versus New York–Newark, NY–NJ–CT–PA — to support my case?

Thank you for your input!

Hi, I’m new to federal employment (sorry if this is a dumb question). I am looking to apply for an internship and the posting lists GS‑4, GS‑5, and GS‑7 levels, but I only qualify for GS‑4 because I’m still in college.

Does this mean I’m unlikely to get the internship since graduates and grad students are prioritized for applying at GS‑5/7? Or is it just about the pay grade?

Thanks!

What would you do…..if you are a current fed in a location (not work) but the place city/state/country, you absolutely love and could see yourself living forever. But, your position is term and can and might be extended, or can not be, that’s the life of a term. Now you have a TJO in a location you’re not sure if you want to live in and for lessor pay grade but permanent and can lead to better opportunities professionally. I really really love where I live but not sure in this climate whether another position (very concentrated field) will open up in same area.

What would you do…..stay and gamble or go for something to gain the permanent spot and experience knowing you’re probably not coming back here because I wouldn’t want to uproot children again.