Anyone here work with USAjobs.gov human resources?

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 18:38:09 -0500

USAjobs.gov is the website that is required to list all "GS" job postings. I am racking my brain as to what the holdup is for many of the psychology positions that are advertised. Their system is BROKE and I am wondering what we can do to help? I am sitting on a lot of jobs that I was referred to. Some of the job openings are closed as of mid-JUL with still no decision being made. The announcement numbers are still valid, and HR claims they are still looking to fill the position. How does someone need 5 months to make a decision? Where is the disconnect USAjobs?

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Nov 30 at 2014 7:13 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 19:13:13 -0500

SFC Mark Merino I currently work for a Federal Agency and was hired through a USAjobs.gov posting. My understanding is each individual agency hires based off of posting through USAjobs. USAjobs is a "clearinghouse" but does not provide anymore than a one stop shop for hiring managers, HR professionals, and job seekers to post jobs, resumes, and support documents.

For the position I was hired for and where I currently work, the application review took almost 90 days after referral, then an interview was conducted, then two weeks later I received telephone notification of selection, and then two weeks after that a conditional job offer.

The system as far as Federal hiring is somewhat broken in that a holiday comes along, a hiring manager is on vacation or TDY, the HR staff is overcome by events, the HR staff is at another location separated from the actual job location and hiring manager location, or no decision is made and the list of certified candidates is returned with no action.

Further at my agency and many others there are three lists (most people do not know this). You will be referred on the qualified, fully qualified, and best qualified list. In most instances they interview and hire from the best qualified list. In some instances they cannot or do not hire someone from the best qualified and move to the fully qualified. Etc.

Also, please know if you are (I know you are SFC Mark Merino ) a disabled Veteran, many agencies have utilized a hiring practice which allows them to hire you without the job being posted. You will need to contact the HR section for the agency and ask, but if you are a 30% or more disabled Veteran I believe you are eligible for this program.

Just to further commiserate, I have been applying for other Federal jobs and have been referred to over 50 position on the best qualified list in the last six months with no job offer.

I hope you find some of this information helpful.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Nov 30 at 2014 8:45 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 20:45:47 -0500

SFC Mark Merino USA Jobs is a funnel to the agencies, a repository so to speak. We post on USA Jobs for the Marshals Service, but we collect the info and process it in our own way. That is probably the same with the jobs you are looking at.

Keep in mind that the Government does not do much quickly......
Additionally if it is not confusing, it is not worth doing...

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Nov 30 at 2014 8:49 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 20:49:36 -0500

Good news... SSgt Chris Taylor and the company he is leading is working towards completely overhauling and improving the USAjobs.gov site. He's also a RallyPoint member and he and I have spoken about possible collaboration.

Feel free to reach out to him if you want to give him any more feedback. I don't think he can give you any insight about your current application, but given how he is helping shape the future of USAjobs.gov, it could be worthwhile to give him feedback.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2014 8:32 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 08:32:34 -0500

There are layers to the questions you pose.

First, are you coming up as qualified? The system uses key words to narrow the applicants down. In order to show up on the list, ensure you utilize keywords from the job description in your resume.

Second, once the list of qualified candidates is compiled, the hiring authority gets it and has to decide if they want to direct select (pick a candidate, aka "good ole boy" method) or interview everyone on the list. Either is OK, but the former is the more common business practice in my experience. Most supervisors simply don't want to take the time to interview fifty candidates, or even ten.

Lastly, it is not uncommon for there to be administrative problems in the food chain between the hiring authority and OPM. The job is not closed. The job is not deleted from the "open" list. The person responsible for hiring was not responsive or did not know the process to close the loop. Sometimes the hiring authority just doesn't like the list they got and wants to retry - such as when their preferred candidate missed the suspense or did not show up on the qualified list.

Once you are in the system, it is much easier to navigate the USAJobs system. Until then, I would suggest making contact with the prospective employer and see if you can improve your standing through some good old fashioned interpersonal networking.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 9:58 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 09:58:01 -0500

I also have made it to the referred list several times but no interview. To date I have only had one interview from usajobs and it was for the FAA. It took them close to 6 mos. to contact me for an interview. They gave me less than 24 hours notice of the interview and it was conducted over the phone.

I also currently work for a state government and it is the same way for them. Government hr in general seems to move as fast as pond water.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 24 at 2015 1:19 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 13:19:22 -0400

I crap you negative, I finally got notification 2 years after applying to one position that I wasn't the best qualified. 2 years and a dozen phone calls and emails later.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 11:44 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 11:44:32 -0400

I have open, referred jobs from years ago. USAJOBS doesn't update. It is up to the individual agencies. Some do it well, and some never provide feedback unless you were selected.

Response by SFC Walter Mack made Aug 25 at 2015 12:46 PM

SFC Walter Mack — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 12:46:03 -0400

I work with our HR personnel here at our hospital and the CPAC, although I don't work with USAjobs directly. They have a very hard time understanding what we do for a living, getting us the most qualified personnel, or dealing with our problems when we have an issue with the process. Even when we are backed by law & regulation, our personnel have been known to lie to us about the process and what our options actually are in order to discourage us from hiring our preference of personnel. I will refrain from details for now, as there are multiple disconnects and I'm not always sure if it's our CPAC, the USAjobs system, or someone in between.

The short and long is that the system needs to be simplified and those professionals who understand who they are looking to hire need more input into the process. We should also be able to track every step of the hiring process so we can look into it when there's a problem. Our flash to bang from selection to start of employment has been anywhere from 8 weeks to now more than 14 weeks. I had a selectee that I never wanted hold up the process on purpose, and it's taken 14 weeks to move on to our next selectee who I wanted from the beginning, yet will still be 6-8 weeks in the hiring process if the individual still wants the job.

Response by Sgt John Ervin made Aug 25 at 2015 12:52 PM

Sgt John Ervin — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 12:52:11 -0400

I totally agree, this system is a COMPLETE JOKE. 99% of the jobs are NOT even available. Many take YEARS to fill. It is an almost completely WORTHLESS resource for job hunters. Unless you know someone IN the organization, it is IMPOSSIBLE to get hired.

Response by Sgt John Ervin made Aug 25 at 2015 12:52 PM

Sgt John Ervin — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 12:52:51 -0400

This system is a 100% joke. The jobs that are offered take YEARS to apply for and almost NEVER hear back even if you are 100% qualified and available for work.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 12:58 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 12:58:03 -0400

The system is broke

Response by SPC Ryan Desmond made Aug 25 at 2015 1:01 PM

SPC Ryan Desmond — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 13:01:38 -0400

It helps if you know what job you are getting into and use FASCLASS.
FASSCLASS will give you ALL the trigger words so you can make it to the top of the pile.
Just make sure you place those words in your resume where the time is applicable.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Aug 25 at 2015 1:13 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 13:13:55 -0400

I have been on USAjobs on the average bi-weekly for a long time...years. and I come to the conclusion that USAjobs is a government data collection point rather than a job placement website. the odds of getting a favorable call for an interview is almost null. I got one around 2006 for AKO web development. I got the call and was not available. Consequently, I have not received any more calls or emails for any job hits. you see, by law the USG has to publish their job openings but they dont have to hire. IMHO USAjobs is a USG scam for intelligence gathering. Its fake.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Aug 25 at 2015 1:17 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 13:17:10 -0400

USAJobs.gov is horrible at best. I have many times experienced the lost job application, where I applied for a job, got an email saying my application was submitted but when I follow up its gone.
The resume feature is nice, but if you print that resume its a hot mess. No formatting and it looks more like a sloppy paper that someone wrote for class while riding the bus to school.

Response by SGM Robin Johnson made Aug 25 at 2015 1:18 PM

SGM Robin Johnson — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 13:18:44 -0400

SFC Mark Merino When you apply, if you look at the Department and Agency listed for the position it will tell you where the position is actually vacant and that is where the application is being processed (and held up - at the CPAC usually.)

For psychology positions you are probably looking at IMCOM (for the base alcohol and drug counseling centers usually), the VA (for either the hospital based positions or the community based vet centers) or the Medical Commands of each service. Some of the positions got advertised when the incumbent left a position, but the funding got pulled and the lists are still on file waiting to see if funding is restored. For some of them, people are waiting to see if sequestration is ended. If sequestration goes away it is expected that there will be a LOT of hiring going on, and some agencies are prepared for that.

If you really want to be proactive you can call the civilian personnel section of the agency which advertised the position and ask where in the hiring process they are for that position. You can let them know that you PREFER that particular position, but if the position is already filled you have to pursue other positions more actively (or ask if similar positions will be advertised in the near future.) If you are polite and let them know that you are retired military and trying to learn how to navigate the civilian hiring process most of them will work with you (particularly some at USA MEDCOM.)

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Aug 25 at 2015 1:43 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 13:43:05 -0400

USAJobs.gov can be used as a favorable tool only if you know the hiring authority and they direct you to it. I was networking for a job in Minnesota and the proponent called me in just to check me out, word of mouth...ok...I went in and the director said that if went to this URL and website that the organization will accept my resume for review and bring me in. It worked. I went on the website, posted my resume and cover letter with key words and the organization took my resume and gave me a formal interview. This was not on USAJobs.gov. I am inclined to think that if your network was like mine, that the proponent agency would accept your resume and cover letter and call you in, but you may have to be in their locale....many good jobs would not pay for relocation when they can get someone who lives in their local.

Response by SCPO Deborah Leighton made Aug 25 at 2015 1:47 PM

SCPO Deborah Leighton — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 13:47:18 -0400

Mark, Keep in mind some agencies hire internally. They post the vacancy to the USA Jobs portal because they have to when their is a change to the actual position description. I hate to say but sometimes it's to satisfy OPM quotas and to keep OPM out. I've been referred on several occasions and have never heard a peep from the hiring agency. Keep in mind each vacancy notates a contact person for that vacancy which you can contact them for a update.

Response by SSgt Frank Lee made Aug 25 at 2015 1:54 PM

SSgt Frank Lee — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 13:54:30 -0400

Don''t give up but...carefully write your Knowledge, Skills and Experience information as PRECISE as possible for the position you are seeking. No rambling thoughts. Brief and to the point. And don't expect immediate response.

Response by CPL Ramon L. Marrero made Aug 25 at 2015 2:04 PM

CPL Ramon L. Marrero — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 14:04:01 -0400

Hi SFC Merino,
I have been trying to get a job with them for over 10yrs now, the answer I always get is some qualified better than you? For 10yrs really? I think someone should investigate usajobs... I thought I was the only one.

Response by COL Jeff Williams made Aug 25 at 2015 2:04 PM

COL Jeff Williams — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 14:04:18 -0400

Must have used it 50-60 times. Only 1 time was I called in for an interview. I applied for a TSA position as a test, received an email that I was not qualified for an entry level position. All good in the end, sitting here in Dubai, loving life!

Response by CAPT Don Bosch, EdD made Aug 25 at 2015 2:04 PM

CAPT Don Bosch, EdD — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 14:04:41 -0400

I applied for a USAJOBS position in early April. "Referred" to hiring authority end of May. Interviewed in June. Notified of selection in June (informally) but didn't see formal acceptance and first draft of orders until the end of July. It's now late August, and we expect our HHG shipment to happen the first week of Sept. Can't actually arrive at the new duty site until October because we're waiting on passports (4 weeks) and visas (another 4 weeks). So yeh, it takes a while.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Aug 25 at 2015 2:07 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 14:07:33 -0400

Sadly, a lot of it rests with the internal red tape in that organization. When there are budget constraints, higher level organizations can pull the hiring decision to their level. My experience as an HR Director for a small garrison was disheartening. Our higher HQ had so much control over the budget, hiring actions and at times it had to go to region. From building the job announcement to getting an acceptance could be 9 months. That was then (2007).

Response by SFC Mahlon Paul Manson made Aug 25 at 2015 2:28 PM

SFC Mahlon Paul Manson — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 14:28:47 -0400

When I was at FLETC the class was surveyed on how long it had taken them to get th that point and it was close to a year and half. Nothing moves fast with the GOV.

Response by COL Mike Smith made Aug 25 at 2015 2:33 PM

COL Mike Smith — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 14:33:09 -0400

First thing I would recommend is using the email link to query CPAC about particular postings; I'd recommend a separate email for each position you are referred for. I had to do this on a position, which I then found had been rescinded. I will say that based on my experience both as a hiring official and as a candidate that the process can drag on for a long time based on the specific situations.

Response by SFC Jose Rivas made Aug 25 at 2015 2:41 PM

SFC Jose Rivas — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 14:41:18 -0400

The response time is usually anywhere from 9 months to one year, sometimes as long as two. It's. It usajobs, it's the agency that is hiring

Response by MSgt Danny Hope made Aug 25 at 2015 2:42 PM

MSgt Danny Hope — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 14:42:29 -0400

I would review the postings to make sure I included all of the "required" attachments that the position requires; I've missed out on a couple of positions just waiting on the VA to send the documents I needed for the application.

Response by SGT Charles Owen made Aug 25 at 2015 2:52 PM

SGT Charles Owen — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 14:52:25 -0400

Does anyone remember the SF-171 process. USA Jobs is glorious compared that that process. BTW, USA Jobs is only a tool for government agencies. Each agency utilizes it differently. Like anything else it can be abused. I hear people advising others to remember to use the "Key words" on their applications. Yes, they work, but be honest. I have seen people get hired because they basically used the "key words" and in reality, THEY LIED. And it became evident within the first few weeks on the job. If you don't get hired because you have been honest it is really frustrating, but, you have won my respect and you will know that your integrity is intact.

Response by SSG Christy Schroeder made Aug 25 at 2015 3:04 PM

SSG Christy Schroeder — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 15:04:37 -0400

This can be frustrating and ver time consuming, I understand. I have gone through this recently. What I suggest doing is looking at the announcement to determine if it is an open ended announcement. Some of the announcements are This is a Direct Hire Public Notice; under this recruitment procedure, each location/installation, identified in this Public Notice will make selections for vacancies as they occur. I emailed the agency to find out for sure what was going on.
To find the agency contact information, go back to usajobs and review the announcement, there should be a link on the right hand side of the page under the print preview button.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 3:08 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 15:08:53 -0400

SFC Merino I was hired through USAJOBS if its something you want be persistent and continue to apply. If there is an agency you work for directly inquire with the agency's department of human resources. The Army has its own separate website for GS medical jobs: http://medcell.army.mil/currentjobs.aspx?series=-

Response by SGT Rick Hyatt made Aug 25 at 2015 3:13 PM

SGT Rick Hyatt — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 15:13:11 -0400

Being 'referred" does not mean you will get a call for an interview. All it means is that you have met the requirements for further consideration. You packet will be sent to the hiring manager and they decide whether to grant you an interview or not based on what is in your resume. If it does not meet the hiring managers needs than you will not get an interview nor will you be notified as such until someone else is hired then your referral status changes to someone else selected.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 3:42 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 15:42:19 -0400

SFC Merino. The government has to list openings for jobs. What they don't tell you is that most of the jobs they are listing have already been filled. At least this is how it works for the VA through USAJOBS. When openings become available they have to post them already knowing they are hiring from another position within the organization. Then after that position is filled the other opens up that was previously vacated. I'm not sure if you are looking for a position in psychology within the VA. If so you better know someone or be friends with a congressman if you are not operating within there clique.
I wish you good fortune. It seems it is the people that are trying to make a difference are frequently neglected.

Response by CPL Thomas Visser made Aug 25 at 2015 4:17 PM

CPL Thomas Visser — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 16:17:31 -0400

I don't work for OPM but I can tell you as a Federal employee and retired servicemember, hiring at my Federal agency is extremely slow. I would recommend calling the POC listed on the original job announcement to see if a hire has been made. Just some advice from someone who has been through the process numerous times.

Good luck with the job!

Response by SSG Angelica Doria made Aug 25 at 2015 4:24 PM

SSG Angelica Doria — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 16:24:00 -0400

Hi, I currently work HR for the VA, USA jobs it's just a venue to where GS positions are advertised, every announcement is handled by different agencies, not USA jobs website in itself, government positions take quiet sometime to process, and depending on the urgency the requirements, number of applicants etc that's how long it will take. But yes you are looking at maybe 3-6 months in order to get a vacancy process.. It's like with any government related situation there are many policies and regulations that have to be covered, it is not like on the civilian side where they can hire you on the spot

Response by PO3 Sarah Weygand made Aug 25 at 2015 6:11 PM

PO3 Sarah Weygand — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 18:11:30 -0400

Mark, I work on Fort Leavenworth in a NAF position I obtained from USAJOBS. I recommend contacting your local CPAC for the location you are trying to work at. It took me 3 monthstoo have a confirmatione mail sent to me stating that my name wouldbe givven to a hiring manager. Something could have been wrong with your application as well. Good luck!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 7:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 19:30:14 -0400

If you can find the round peg for this square hole please let me know as I am having similar issues!

Response by MSgt Bill Eastburn made Aug 25 at 2015 9:16 PM

MSgt Bill Eastburn — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 21:16:44 -0400

Give up on USA Jobs unless you're willing to take an entry-level Civil Service job-nobody else would possibly want! It's a waste of your time. Government hiring managers get 600-800 applicants for every good job out there. They ALL find a legitimate way to hire someone they know anyway. The "Bubba Net" is alive and well in the Federal Service. Unless you have someone in the Government "suggesting" you apply, spend your energy elsewhere. There's lots of opportunity out there if you are willing to go into the rough & tumble of the private sector. Go make your own rain.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Aug 25 at 2015 10:31 PM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 22:31:26 -0400

If you are looking for VA position and if you are a 30% or greater or service connected Veteran, Combat Veteran and you are using usajobs then stop.....contact VAforVets.

Response by 1stLt John H. Montgomery Jr made Aug 25 at 2015 10:38 PM

1stLt John H. Montgomery Jr — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 22:38:16 -0400

Some jobs have gone federal Contracts or AFEES. You still Makin bacon. You have t to whatever base and see the list of contactors.

Response by PV2 Hamza Haqq made Aug 26 at 2015 6:37 AM

PV2 Hamza Haqq — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 06:37:59 -0400

it actually not usajobs its the HR department for the company your apply for. once the job closes the qualifying names are sent to HR with 48 hrs

Response by SSG James N. made Aug 26 at 2015 9:05 AM

SSG James N. — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 09:05:18 -0400

I feel your pain. When I began my degree program, there were, locally, in the Murpheesboro/Nashville/Ft Campbell circle, 175 jobs for Peer Counselors(BSc/BA degree) jobs. The shutdown lost those and many more.
Right now, there are only a few jobs offered in this circle for PhD's, mostly, and one or two MMHC/LPC level which closed in May.
Why this is:
The leadership stated that there is a need for over 28,000 positions to be filled, equally spread between mental health, and medical health. The budget, however, does not allow these positions to be filled, and this, as you know causes serious lag for both those of us seeking the jobs, and those of us seeking treatment. Our little circle of need is short some 150+(BS/BA level) lower level counselors, 15, mid level counselors (MMHC/LPC level), and five tip tier level directors (PHD's, Doctorate level). This is just the Mental Health side. Medical is worse, I think.
It has been three long month of high level nerve pain, MRI's and pills for me. Just the other day I get a call to move from the 4 month list to 'wait 7-10 days' Veterans Choice list for a neurosurgeon consult (L2 -L3, and S1 - S2 are pressuring discs, which are pressuring nerves, causing intense nerve pain from L2 to Patella area) The day in and day out of freakin PILLS has me wondering if I am fit to even think about counseling anyone, let alone doing any self maintenance, and you know what they say; never self diagnose ;)

Lots of work to do to fix this system, and a budget that short falls when parliamentary workers receive entitlements that make ours look like serf level stale bread crust

Response by SFC Harold Benton made Aug 26 at 2015 9:19 AM

SFC Harold Benton — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 09:19:10 -0400

The federal government works at a snails pace on its best days. Get used to slowing down. I applied for the job I have in September, had a telephone interview in January, received a job offer in late April, and went to work in mid May.

Response by LTC Ian Murdoch made Aug 26 at 2015 12:07 PM

LTC Ian Murdoch — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 12:07:50 -0400

I don’t work in HR, but I did get a Federal job through USAjobs.gov. The whole process took about six months from the closing date to my start date.
There are a lot of variables in any hiring action, including the Federal side. Other than the notification that your application has been received, it is up to the HR specialist in the hiring office to update USAjobs. Some do a much better job than others. The POC on the job listing is usually the best source of information, but some are good and willing to give you a straight answer, and some won’t. You can always try to find a supervisor, but then you piss off the person who is going to evaluate your resume initially. If you know someone in the agency who is positioned to find out what is going on with a job, then that’s your best bet. If it’s a job you really want, be professionally assertive and work the phones if it looks like something fell through the cracks ecuase sometimes it does.
Sometimes the hiring official already knows who they want, although this is prohibited. You really just don’t know when you apply if you have a viable shot at a job or not. Some clues are very short closing dates, VERY specific qualifications, or a limit on the number of resumes accepted (i.e. “First 200”). I assume you meet the criteria under the “who may apply” section.
Right now, a lot of agencies are under hiring freezes, so even if they have selected someone, they can’t make the offer, typically because the agency moved money from pay to something else during the fiscal year. Sometimes in these situations, the agency defers the hiring until after the start of the new fiscal year, or passage of a budget. They could re-announce the position and you would have to start over, or they could hire off the old certification list, if it is still valid.
Another driver is the motivation of the hiring official. If it is really hurting them not to have the position filled, they will push HR to move it quickly. If it is low priority and they have other things going on, they may be content to let things creep along. They also may get new leadership or guidance that takes them in a different direction on filling the position.
I recommend subscribing to Katherine Troutman’s “The Resume Place” newsletter, if you are not already getting it. She puts out some good info on the most recent trends in Federal hiring.
In one case, I had an interview and job offer within six weeks of the closing date (I declined the offer). More recently, after nearly four months with the only status “received,” I did some digging and found that someone had already been selected, and the HR specialist and her supervisor no longer work in the agency. However, I also found out that the agency has not yet hired anyone for the position, which I take to mean there’s no money for it, at least right now.
Hope this helps.

Response by MAJ Rob Hankey made Aug 26 at 2015 12:15 PM

MAJ Rob Hankey — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 12:15:45 -0400

Hi Mark,
USAJOBS is just the job posting site. The responses to the individual jobs are the responsibility of the agencies that posted them. Most of the delays are due to; not finding a qualified person, lack of confirmation of funding for the position, lack of approving authority, or just lack of a good process of getting through the responses....which is the major problem. Those that get hired in the government are the persistent.

Response by SGM Robin Johnson made Aug 26 at 2015 12:22 PM

SGM Robin Johnson — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 12:22:39 -0400

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS brought up a very good point on which I would like to expound. There are special hiring authorities in civil service that allow agencies to hire certain veterans WITHOUT competition. That's right - you don't have to COMPETE for jobs at all in certain circumstances, even if you are NOT disabled if you have campaign ribbons.

There are three special appointing authorities that let the agency just APPOINT (just put one particular person without competition) someone to a job. It is entirely at an agency's discretion, they do not HAVE to do it even if you are eligible. I am going to put the link below, and briefly describe each one for those who can't follow the link. Then I will talk about how you can use that information. This will be a LONG post but I want to give as much insight as possible, and you can of course not read any of it, or stop reading when you have what you want from it.

The three hiring authorities are the Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA), 30% or More Disabled Veterans, and Schedule A Appointing Authority (which is for all people with severely disabling conditions, not just veterans.)

The Veterans Recruitment Authority is the broadest. It will allow an agency to appoint you to a position up to GS-11 if you were honorably discharged within the last three years, or if you have a campaign badge from a war or campaign or expedition, or if you have a service medal from a military operation, or you are a disabled veteran. So that should hit most of you!

The next broadest is the 30% or More Disabled, which is just what it sounds like. If you have a service-connected disability of 30% or more, the agency can appoint you to any grade position.

And the last, and narrowest, is Schedule A Appointing Authority, which is not just for veterans. This also means that if you are a veteran and the injury or illness causing the disability was NOT from the service it doesn't matter. If you have a severely disabling physical, psychiatric, or intellectual disability(blindness, deafness, mobility issue requiring use of a wheelchair, amputations, organ failure, psychiatric illness, etc.) which is permanent, chronic, or long-term without an end date, the agency can appoint you to any position. Note the intellectual and psychiatric illness. PTSD and TBI are the hallmark injuries of this war. If it were me and those illnesses severely impacted my ability to function at home, socially, and in traditional work settings especially to the point I had to quit being a Soldier, I would make a case for that being a Schedule A qualifying illness (and I know some who have done so.) And if you suffer from those illnesses and just need a quiet space in which to perform the job, a PDA or tablet computer for keeping notes and your schedule straight, to be able to position yourself with your back to a wall and facing a door in meetings, not to be required to ride as a passenger in someone else's vehicle, etc. - too easy to ask for accommodations when you are hired! Talk to your EEO Officer about that. Here is the kicker on this one. All federal agencies have a goal to meet for Schedule A hiring, and NONE of them are meeting it! This is the one the EEO Officers and HR have to track, so if you are applying under Schedule A, contact them and they should bend over backwards to help you with the process (not necessarily get the job, but help with the process.)

So, since using those appointing authorities is at the discretion of the agency - how do you get to do that? There are at least three different ways.

You can just apply for open positions and identify yourself during the application process. Don't count on a virtual sticky note attached to your resume though. Look at the Department and Agency listed (i.e. Department of the Army, agency U.S. Army Medical Command) and see who is hiring you. Then, if you are looking at USA Jobs and don't know where that is - look at the last thing listed and it will tell you Agency Contact Info. The phone number may not be listed, but it will give you an address, so you can find a number or at a minimum write a letter (old fashioned but effective.) That way will generally get you to a human resources (personnel, S-1, PAC) person who will actually be doing the paperwork to bring you on board if hired. Let them know you are eligible and would like to be appointed and ask to be considered under that authority.

But remember, the person RESPONSIBLE in any agency is the commander or director, right? So if it were ME, I would dig to find out who the director or commander is. I would write a letter to Commander, Unit XYZ, etc. explaining I had seen the open position, but that I was eligible for appointment under whichever appointing authority I was seeking appointment (or more than one). I would ask that even if the command didn't usually use those appointing authorities to hire veterans (which hopefully would prompt that commander to inquire about whether or not they did, and put a fire up someone's butt if they don't) that they consider it now, AND WHY I WAS FULLY QUALIFIED FOR THE POSITION. I would explain why I wanted to continue serving the nation, and do it in his or her agency. Then thank him or her for any assistance he or she could offer in the appointing process. Just sayin', if it were me.

The second way is to go find the agency you want to work in, whether or not there are vacancies listed, go to the HR director and the commander (and the department chief(s) if applicable and/or you can find them) and do a cold call either in person, on the phone, or by email. Do basically the same thing I recommended with the commander in the example above. Let them know that you are a veteran AND WHY YOU ARE FULLY QUALIFIED, and under which appointing authorities you are eligible for appointment. Be prepared to explain the appointing authorities (maybe include links or bring print-outs since often even hiring managers DON'T know about all of them). Ask about any openings then or in the future (they may have some forecasted), and ask to be considered. If they say they have none, ask how often and with whom you should follow up. That will get you a direct POC and put you on the radar. If it is anyone with whom you haven't spoken, call that person and introduce yourself. You basically just want to establish rapport and set a schedule to call back.

The last way is to get in touch with the EEO officers of agencies for whom you would like to work. This is usually best for those with severe disabilities who will be seeking appointment, but often they will help any veteran seeking appointment with at least information. The EEO officer will help those seeking appointment because of their disability through the process, making sure you get to the right person AND explaining the appointment process to that person if necessary. The EEO officer can also help explain how you can request accommodations (things that make it so you can do the job despite your disability) although you usually want to wait until after you are hired to request accommodations. The EEO officer is also who you will see to file an EEO complaint if you feel you were discriminated against in the hiring process because of your disability (so if you think that is the reason you were not hired DURING A COMPETITIVE PROCESS that is who you would see to file a complaint - they don't have to appoint you so you can't complain if they don't.)

Seeing the EEO officer comes with a couple of caveats and a kicker. Here are the caveats. They are on one hand looking to ensure those with disabilities have an even playing field, so they will go out of their way to ensure those needing employment under Schedule A (for the severely disabled) are hired, and that those needing an accommodation of their disability to do their jobs (i.e., the job requires a lot of computer work, but you have cervical disc problems, so you need a special desk where the monitor sits at eye level so you don't have to keep your neck bent to use the computer - and because of your lumbar disc problems you need a special chair and a footstool) get them. But on the other hand, if they think you are abusing that system they may work against you so be careful they do not get that impression. Also, some of them are idiots and think that veterans getting privilege is abuse of the merit based system (and basing the civil system on merit instead of anything else is a foundation of EEO), so if you get that sense you can decide what you want to do. While on active duty I confronted them about that head-on by explaining that veterans brought their 3-35 years of experience OFTEN IN THE SAME JOB right back in to the same system, so it would be no different than a someone with 10 years working at Microsoft programming desk top computers in Seattle applying for a job at a subsidiary of Microsoft programming laptops and expecting their experience to be taken into account. The kicker for seeing the EEO officer? Not only do you have someone inside the agency helping you attempt an appointment, but the EEO officer usually sits on the hiring panels, so if you do apply for a competitive position in the future and make it to the interview process you will know someone on the panel (even if he or she is not a voting member.)

When finding an EEO officer, you may have to go fairly high up in an agency, they are not like EOAs or MEOs. You may be directed to the installation, garrison, base, or camp EEO office. If you are seeking a Schedule A appointment in particular, you may want to check online to see if there IS an EEO Officer at the higher headquarters and call to ask if you should be speaking with that office or the garrison/base/camp office. since that is a reported hiring decision, the one having to do the report that consistently says they are missing the mark may be more motivated to help you get the job and get their numbers up. If they redirect you back to the garrison, at least they may be following up about "what happened to our Schedule A hire?".

I hope this has been helpful to some of you. If anyone has any questions, you can of course contact anyone at the OPM (Office of Personnel Management) and ask them - they are supposed to be there to answer your questions! Or contact the EEO Officer for the agency at which you would like to work. Or you can hit me up by message and I will be happy to answer as much as I can.

Here is the link to more information about the special hiring authorities for veterans. It will also give you more information about the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA), which is what lets veterans apply for all government jobs that are open for competitive service, even if they are just opened for competition within that agency or geographical area. That is why when you check that you are a veteran on USA Jobs website you suddenly see a million more jobs!
http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shav/index.aspx

Feds Hire Vets - Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans

Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans are just that…designed for veterans. Knowing about these authorities and identifying your eligibility will enhance your job search. These special authorities represent a few of many appointing authorities that agencies can use entirely at their discretion. Veterans are not entitled to appointment under any of these authorities. Check the vacancy announcements, which should clearly state "Who May Apply."...

Response by SSgt Tammy Wise made Aug 26 at 2015 1:05 PM

SSgt Tammy Wise — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 13:05:45 -0400

Mark, when you apply for the positions the information that you have stored on USA Jobs is sent to the HR department for the agency that you are applying to. So for instance if you applied for a job at Fort Jackson, your resume is sent directly to HR at or near that location. Your resume and application is review by a person in that HR department, who may not have much of an idea about your qualifications relative to the job. Once it makes it past HR it is sent to the manager who posted the position. Most of the time applications are rejected for small admin problems before your credentials are even looked at. Contact the agency that you applied to, usually the POC is listed at the bottom of the announcement.

Response by LCpl Dan McTiernan made Aug 26 at 2015 1:14 PM

LCpl Dan McTiernan — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 13:14:49 -0400

This seems like an old post. Did you receive any responses, answers or direction?

Response by PFC Kevin Farrell made Aug 26 at 2015 1:18 PM

PFC Kevin Farrell — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 13:18:03 -0400

They are very slow in most cases. I work for the VA helping vets with jobs and am on usajobs.gov everyday. It is usually not the job website but the local hr.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 3:16 PM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 15:16:33 -0400

The jobs listed aren't actually currently hiring necessarily. You need to reach out and get a connection

Response by LTC John Regan made Aug 26 at 2015 3:30 PM

LTC John Regan — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 15:30:43 -0400

USA Jobs is worthless; despite many, many applications over the years I've never gotten as much as a single reply. I've had a far more positive experience, however, when applying directly to a company. Don't bother with USA Jobs.

Response by MSgt R Roberts made Aug 26 at 2015 3:35 PM

MSgt R Roberts — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 15:35:48 -0400

We have posted several jobs on there and have hired 4 personnel. What i have experienced is eoughly 2 weeks when the job post ends to an issuance of a cert, than the hiring authority has time to review and select. This can vary depending on the hiring authority. But we have averaged 94+ days from the time a job closes until we have boots on the ground. I can only speak for our experience here but usually about 90 days it seems is the benchmark to select and start the onboarding process. Be patient i guess, hopefully it will work out. Good luck

Response by SFC Timothy Reynolds made Aug 26 at 2015 5:04 PM

SFC Timothy Reynolds — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 17:04:12 -0400

Mark, USAjobs is nothing more than a scam, a waste of time. I've applied to literally hundreds of jobs and have NEVER received so much as a phone call. I get notices informing that the position is closed or I was considered but there were many applicants etc. I've applied for positions that I am fully qualified for, positions that I am overly qualified for, and some positions just for the hell of it to see what might happen. Long story short if you want a GS 2, 3, or 4 position you might stand a chance but if you want a good paying position commensurate with your knowledge, skills and abilities you're barking up the wrong tree unless you're a retired senior officer. And by looking at the rank on your profile you ain't in the good ole boys club. Good luck I hope you find something.

Response by SSG Joe Barry made Aug 26 at 2015 6:15 PM

SSG Joe Barry — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 18:15:47 -0400

Part of the issue is just getting the job posted. The VA will not post the job until the position is empty. We have had a person dying of cancer and out of work for months and had to wait for her to die for the vacancy to be posted. In another case, an employee notified HR a year in advance of her retirement and asked for 3 months to train her replacement. No such luck. So the job will be open for months as they go through the process after the job is empty.

Response by SSgt Donnavon Smith made Aug 26 at 2015 6:44 PM

SSgt Donnavon Smith — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 18:44:00 -0400

USAJobs is a criminal waste of time. I have more seat time on USAjobs than I do in the University that I earned my Master's. In the 14 years I have been out of the Air Force I have had one response and I was that I was not the most qualified.

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Aug 26 at 2015 7:27 PM

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 19:27:15 -0400

From my experience with USAJobs.gov, it seems to serve as a clearinghouse to refer your application and supporting documentation to the soliciting agency, i.e., Veterans Health Administration (VHA). It is then up to the VHA to notify applicants through USAJobs.gov when the application was received, if the applicant met all the application requirements, if all the supporting documentation was correctly submitted, etc. The hiring manager is usually listed on these notifications and that would be the 'go to' person for any follow-up questions. The hiring entity is also required to keep the USAJobs.gov announcement up-to-date (I was notified automatically, perhaps through a setting, of when the position for which I was applying closed), etc. I failed to provide a required document verifying prior federal civilian service and was promptly notified that I was not eligible for further consideration. Lesson learned, but the system seems to be working as intended. A VA VR&E counselor or employment specialist can further assist navigate the website.

Response by TSgt Jeremy S. made Aug 26 at 2015 9:38 PM

TSgt Jeremy S. — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 21:38:01 -0400

I worked for NASA for 5 years doing HR related work. The system is broke, the problem is federal agencies use it for all their hiring. Some jobs require advertising so they can promote an existing employee. All federal agencies game the system so they can hire and promote who they want to. That's why some of the jobs are advertised with some crazy qualifications that it seems no one would ever have. That's because they want to hire or promote a specific person. I know at most agencies veterans preference is also a joke. We had qualified veterans passed over all the time to hire contractors or college grads. Really it all depends on the person who is doing the hiring, but I can tell you most don't care about veterans preference and there are ways around it. They can cancel the job announcement, and readvertise it with another special qualification. Or they simply pass over the veterans because they know there is very little you can do to contest it, if you even know who beat you in the competition. The problem isn't USAJobs, it's the supervisors and HR people doing the hiring who in many cases figure out how to hire who they want. I've seen people on USAJobs get hired in a week before and seen the ones it took months for as well. There are good federal agencies and supervisors who follow the laws and honor Veterans Preference, that's how I got hired. But it seems like that's the minority these days. You'll probably hear "you won't get a GS job unless you know someone", often times that is true. You honestly have to apply over and over until you find that good agency that will honor your veterans preference. Eventually you'll get lucky but understand it will take a lot of persistence and patience to finally find the right people that will hire you. Most people give up and that's what they want, but if you don't eventually you'll get in. I spent my GS career battling HR over veterans preference and never got anywhere. Most places simply don't care or don't like that you don't have to do things like they did. It's a shame as the entire civil service model exists because it was a way the government could employ returning war vets from WWII. Unfortunately college kids have taken over and want others who followed their path, not the after the military path.

Response by PO1 Peggy Weldon Perales made Aug 26 at 2015 11:48 PM

PO1 Peggy Weldon Perales — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 23:48:10 -0400

One you are referred, It is up to the hiring agency to push the paperwork through. Right now, lots of agencies are out of money and are holding hires until closer to the new fiscal year. Try to hang in there. You may start getting calls for interviews after Labor Day weekend, so make sure you have the job announcements and your questions handy. It's a long wait but you aren't alone. Many others are waiting also.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Aug 27 at 2015 8:52 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 08:52:42 -0400

Not to be sarcastic, but good luck with that.

Response by 1SG Jarius Hansen made Aug 28 at 2015 10:40 AM

1SG Jarius Hansen — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 10:40:58 -0400

Mark, after several years and multiple applications, I'll tell you what everybody knows, but no one will say out loud. I submitted several apps for jobs for which the KSA looked as if they had been written specifically for me....of 0ver 300 submitted, I only got back 7 responses, only 2 of which said I was being considered further. They are required by law to post the jobs and accept applications. But the truth is, most of those jobs are already filled, before they are ever posted. Illegal or not, the good ole boy system is still at work. Good luck.

Response by SSG David Dickson made Aug 29 at 2015 7:03 AM

SSG David Dickson — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 07:03:27 -0400

I had a great experience applying for my job via USAJOBS. I had been doing the same exact job in the Army. My challenge was putting a quality resume together. I assume everyone had ACAP available to them, were able to translate your military experience into civilian language, and stayed away from military jargon. As for my resume, in addition to my generic copy to hand out at job fairs and the like, I tailored my resume specifically to the job I was seeking, by tailored, I mean I translated my experience into the qualifications spelled out in the job posting verbatim. Doing this got me past the computerized screening program and actually to an HR rep. They verified my experience (and yes they did call my references, compared it with my NCOER's and DD214, and I was on the interview list). No knowing anyone, no inside connections, no unfair advantages. Well there was my veteran's preference, but as all of us are in the same boat, that isn't much of an advantage. I can imagine the frustration if say an awesome 88M tries to apply as a hospital orderly or paramedic. They could be the best truck driver out there, but it's a totally different skill set. The intangibles of leadership, personal discipline, and hard work ethic, while admirable, are basic traits most members of the armed services possess. It's hard to stand out with those innate qualities when a vast proportion of the applicants on USAJOBS have the same values instilled into them. Definitely tailor your resume without embellishment and with verifiable claims documented through awards, evaluations, 1059's, and your DD214. Make sure your references are rock solid.

Response by TSgt Mario Guajardo made Aug 30 at 2015 1:27 AM

TSgt Mario Guajardo — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 01:27:30 -0400

The problem is not necessarily USAJobs. It can be the agency. Agencies have a myriad of rules they must follow. In addition budget is a major factor impacting hiring right now. I disagree with the comment made here that education or experience means both are required. That has not been the case in my progression from GS-5 to GS-9. Read the job description carefully and tailor your resume to those requirements. Read USAJob's requirements carefully as well. A single oversight on your part can keep your application from being accepted. That happened to me once. BE patient if you can. My first application resulted in an interview SIX MONTHS after I applied. I don't know why there was that kind of delay but the end result has been a rewarding career.

Response by SGT Robert Andrews made Sep 2 at 2015 1:02 PM

SGT Robert Andrews — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 13:02:30 -0400

Not sure how USAjobs works took me 6 months and about 80 applications before I got assigned a. Wildland firefighter position

Response by SSG Thomas Gallegos made Oct 3 at 2015 8:42 PM

SSG Thomas Gallegos — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 20:42:37 -0400

I have had no success with this. To much "red tape" in my opinion.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Oct 6 at 2016 4:11 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 16:11:29 -0400

Old post, nevermind. Was going to agree with the advice to stay off of USAJOBS.gov unless you have someone watching for your resume on the other side. Same advice I give about Monster.com a lot of the postings made on both are more for legal reasons and the specific job agency or employer has another method or selection process. Always better to get an inside contact first OR go via the specific agency website. For example for Department of Army jobs, you should use DoD Civilian hire website AND have someone on the inside looking for your resume. You can meet the hiring managers on the inside in various ways. Job Fairs, Association meetings, Private contractors that do government work, etc.