USAJOBS, how long did it take you to land a job?

SSgt Kevin Chavez — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 01:37:51 -0500

Can someone give an example of how long it took you to land a job using USAJOBS after the closing of a job posting??

Response by SGT Bolin Zack made Feb 2 at 2015 4:35 AM

SGT Bolin Zack — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 04:35:43 -0500

It takes around 30days for them to contact everyone who didn't get the job then if you were awarded the job you will be called last.

Response by Maj Matt Hylton made Feb 2 at 2015 9:34 AM

Maj Matt Hylton — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 09:34:27 -0500

Still trying - I started back in early December.

So far, I know three of my applications have been "reviewed" and one was "referred" to the hiring official, but that was as of a few weeks ago and I haven't seen any charge in status from then.

I've been on the other side of the spectrum too as a hiring official. I think it all depends on the priority of the job they are trying to fill as well. I had a pretty critical position we needed to fill and we pushed through every step as quickly as we could, but it still took a couple months to officially hire someone. Other times, I've seen it take much longer.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 10:04 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 10:04:00 -0500

Been trying since 2011. Bachelors Degree, professionally written resume, Army Officer, Veteran...I recently received an email from a particular agency who said I was unqualified for an entry level business position. I have applied for hundreds of positions that I qualify for (6 years of HR experience)- nada.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 10:15 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 10:15:53 -0500

About a year for myself.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 10:18 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 10:18:02 -0500

Site is a joke. You need to hit with keywords before a person even gets a chance to look at your Resume.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Feb 2 at 2015 10:18 AM

MAJ David Vermillion — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 10:18:21 -0500

I have used it a couple of times and had absolutely no success. Those people just ask you questions , shuffle papers, put your name in a computer and there you are lost forever . Sorry that I can't help you .

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Feb 2 at 2015 10:18 AM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 10:18:42 -0500

There are a lot of reasons things take time via usajobs. Being a Veteran is one thing, then you have the 30% or greater disabability, and many many more. It is tough. Everyone should get updated electronic notices and you can always check you own status through the application manager on usajobs.

for any veteran that is 30% disabled, a combat veteran should contact the rep through VAforVets there is a ton of information plus profession guidance.

Response by SGT James Elphick made Feb 2 at 2015 10:26 AM

SGT James Elphick — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 10:26:30 -0500

It depends on a number of factors. First, make sure you are using their resume format or it most likely won't even get through. Second, make sure you have the keywords necessary to get through (A good technique for this is to take the job description, paste it into your resume at the end, and shrink it to 1 font and make the color white so it doesn't show up. No one will ever see it but the computer will pick it up). Once you have ensured that your resume will get through to someone it will usually take a ridiculous amount of time for them to get back to you. If you happen to know someone at the VA you are applying to talk to them and they might be able to expedite the process. Finally be prepared to wait a month to hear back and another month or two for the process to be complete. I've never successfully completed the process myself but in my old position I helped a number of Vets go through the process. It's arduous to say the least.

Response by SGT Bolin Zack made Feb 2 at 2015 10:28 AM

SGT Bolin Zack — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 10:28:17 -0500

Yes key words are a must .I'm not saying you should plagiarize The job description but be smart about it......if it says good with hammer write good with multiple weight hammers.. I've been awarded two jobs from that site and yes it took 30 days the first time and 7 days the next. It depends on importance to fill and how many applicants there was.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 10:42 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 10:42:13 -0500

I applied to a Department of the Air Force job last October and I just got called last week.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 10:44 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 10:44:58 -0500

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 3:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 15:27:57 -0500

Started in August, still looking, lots of referrals, no offers...

Response by SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. made Feb 2 at 2015 7:58 PM

SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 19:58:35 -0500

It really depends on the agency you've applied with. When I retired, I applied with several agencies and never heard a thing from them.

Back in 2008, I applied with SSA. Never heard anything about it, but then a few months later I received a call saying I needed to report to an office in Nashville to be finger printed and such. Been with SSA since July 2008.

Response by 1SG David Lopez made Feb 10 at 2015 4:47 AM

1SG David Lopez — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 04:47:21 -0500

I want to get the word out that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is hiring 7,000 Correctional Officers within the next three years. Veterans get preferential hiring. Similar to the military, there are 34 prisons accross California, plus numerous admin jobs in Sacramento and throughout the State. It takes an entire year to get through the entire hiring process, so start now. Look online, to read about CDCR and the hiring process. Everyting is online. We are looking for good people, military is prefered, military with college is more prefered. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions concerning CDCR and the hiring process. Yes we do support Reserves and NG. Pays great, great benefits, and plenty of overtime. We are looking for solid people with no felonies. For more info go to the following website: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Career_Opportunities/index.html

Career Opportunities with CDCR

Career Opportunities for Peace Officers, Medical Careers, Executives, Education and more.

Response by SSgt Kevin Chavez made Feb 10 at 2015 10:15 AM

SSgt Kevin Chavez — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 10:15:22 -0500

So an update to my original post, after many application submissions on USAJOBS, some were cancelled by the Department, many I have heard nothing back, however on two of them I was rated among the best qualified as stated in a e-mail that I received. I was talking to a friend that is with the IRS, yes I have one friend in the IRS, the rest of them like to bleed me dry, anyway he said that its a great sign to be on the Best Qualified list. I will update as we move forward for information purposes. S/F

Response by SrA Joshua Hagler made Jul 26 at 2015 2:30 PM

SrA Joshua Hagler — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 14:30:37 -0400

Still haven't got one and it's been two years, however I do not have a lot of qualifications for a lot of the jobs on the site.

Response by SSG David Dickson made Aug 29 at 2015 7:32 AM

SSG David Dickson — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 07:32:47 -0400

About a month and a half in the same career field I did in the Army.

Response by SGT(P) Oliver Freeman III made Oct 5 at 2016 5:58 AM

SGT(P) Oliver Freeman III — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 05:58:06 -0400

3 months, but achieved it after the 3rd try. So from the first posting about 5-6 months total.

Response by Sgt Arturo Canales made Dec 11 at 2017 7:07 PM

Sgt Arturo Canales — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 19:07:26 -0500

After over 100 applications.

I have gotten two jobs using USA Jobs. On the first job the government did not call me until the job had closed for 3 months. Then I got an interview and got an offer letter 3 weeks later. On the second job I was sent an email to set up an interview 10 days after the job closed. I then received an offer letter almost exactly one month after the interview.

PS - Always make sure you include a cover letter.

Response by PO2 Peter Shubin made Jul 16 at 2018 12:44 PM

PO2 Peter Shubin — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 12:44:40 -0400

I just applied for 6 jobs this past weekend, and I am hoping I get a call back, they are in locations nobody would ever want to go to like maine, Alaska, etc.