r/usajobs

Upon starting a GS12 job coming from NAF, I learned that a colleague who started on same day, doing the same role was placed at a higher step with less experience and no specialized certification. I couldn’t negotiate due to being a federal employee so was discouraged when I learned this. Seems like my only option now is to hope for a quality step increase in the future? Newer to the fed government but surprised with pay differences to this degree. Is this common? Curious of any tips or considerations from others who may be more familiar with OPM.

I received a FJO from IRS for a Contact Representative Job. I am also about to received a Field Representative Job with the US Census bureau ( currently received a TJO).

I personally would like to accept both FJO's , while keeping the IRS job as the Primary & Census bureau job as secondary .I know that each agency should be aware of this dual job  & should be ok for doing that. 

 While the IRS says that "While in non-pay status, a seasonal employee may accept other employment." I think we do have some Overtime(OT) at IRS . At census bureau , we can make up through per diem when we are away from duty station. 

so whenever the work is slow in IRS , i will opt for the Census bureau job . I have the below Questions .

	Q1) Has anyone done with 2 federal govt agency jobs  in the recent past ?

Q2) Which is more stable , secure in the long time duration (just in case if i opt for selecting only one job ). 

Any other pros , cons anyone can think about ? Any other issues or concerns?

Went through two rounds of interview and 3 references were asked immediately on the second interview.

All 3 references have already been contacted, and all of them have responded with the information requested.

For those that have experienced this (or hiring managers here); if selected, how long after reference checks do we usually hear back for the next step?

Either with a TJO or the dreaded “we regret to inform you” email.

Just wanted to get some idea on the timeline.

Applied May 17
Interviewed June 23
Referred June 24
TOL Received Jul 6

But they misgraded me as GS-5 and not GS-7 so i am working on getting that fixed

I recently applied for a different position at the project that I am currently working at and I was referred to the hiring manager as a GS-11 and GS-12. My resume and qualifications met the requirements for the job posting and the hiring manager did not give me an interview and it was decided they are not going to hire for the position. It seems like I was the only applicant thru the posting on usajobs and viop. I was given a reason on why they did not hire me and it was based on limited interaction, but the fact that I did not go through the interview process seems wrong.

I am looking for advice or options that highlight the fact that I was not interviewed to the hiring manager was wrong.

I have a degree in computer science - haven't really used it too much. Currently work for a car company with limited experience in thermodynamics, aerodynamics, and validation. Looking for some insider intel - government jobs is a new world to me. Is degree more important than experience? I dont meet all of the requirement for the mechanical/aerospace jobs just based on the classes I took, but I have experience in them. Would answering 'No' on my application automatically put me out of the running. Thanks

I graduate within a year and want to know what federal roles I should apply/look out for. Doesn’t have to be degree specific just anything that could land me a role with the federal government. Please and thank you!

I just received an TJO for this role, and would have to relocate for it. Non remote in person. I have to work in a field office.

A few questions:

1. How has the role been since the start of last year? Specifically anyone start over since 2025 until now.
2. What was basic training like?
3. Has anyone moved to a different state for this position? I have to relocate cross county
4. Is the bonus of up to 50k available for current federal employees?

Applied: 05/06

Interview: 06/10

References checked: 06/12

TJO: 07/01

I already work for another agency as a GS9-02. USCIS started my pay at GS 07 step 10

If you got rejected for a job, say it was for a specific role for a certain department or agency that's a small team; could you still reapply in the future and maybe come on board?

I did an interview for a job about 2 months ago. There was no other job in that category i applied for. Never got the job. Anyway last week the same hiring manager called me for an "initial interview" 🤔🤔🤔🤔. For the exact same job. I havent said yes or no to him yet as i said ill inform through email. What is going on and has this ever happened to anyone of you?

Hi any advance?

My timeline:

•Vetted in Feb for role.
•Received check in’s about waiting for the role to be posted once a month.
•Applied and role closed 6/2.
•Following week had panel interview went well, about an hour long for sure; at the end asked to fill out references.
•2 weeks ago the Mrg called my references.
•Last week received an email from mrg just asking about a job gap when I was laid off. Got a reply thanking me for a quick follow up.

Now what step is happen next ? And anyone else has this happen? Am I at the end now before fingerprinting?

The email came from an HR Specialist at a small agency. The only way to get to the job posting is with the link in the email. A search for the job doesn't come up. I've never heard of this happening before. I guess having my resume/profile searchable helped them find me. I feel pretty lucky because I currently hate my current federal job. Fingers crossed that I'll get the job.

Hi i had an interview for SSA Claims Specialist GS -07 position on June 23 at my local office, June 24 the hiring manager called me to tell me I was being referred to HR. Nothing since then.

Does anyone have any advice on how long it may take to see a TOL and should I reach out to HR? Or just wait and trust the process

I accepted an overseas position in Naples, Italy. I want to be as prepared as possible before I go! I need to know all the nitty gritty things, down to, do you keep your original phone plan carrier or switch to one that allows international service? Please let me know your little tidbits about making it a successful move & enjoying my experience there!

Also, what happens if you get married to a service member while overseas and that service member gets orders elsewhere?

I currently work in a behavior school in Illinois handling aggressive students. I have de-escalation certification, mandated reporting, CPR, forensic accounting and fraud certificate, and human trafficking training. Previously I worked with students diagnosed with ASD. I applied to the FBI but aged out at 37 and am not pursuing BCBA. Im open to relocation and sacrifice.

Any advice on how well this background translates to federal data or government roles?

What does this mean? Trying not to analyze it too much. But sounds vague at the same time.

This is from the person who set up the interview panel after I emailed to reach on status. For context a month had passed.

Your application was submitted to HR for the Compliance position. However, I cannot say what the timeline for HR will be, and the hiring manager assigned to your application would be the one reaching out to you. Hope this helps!

Hey all, I just wanted to ask and get some advice about my application process. I applied 18Apr2026 and received my notice of referral on 08May2026 but I haven't received any notification in about 2 months. Should I reach out to Human Resources to inquire about my application or should I just continue to wait and check the portal? Thanks for any advice.

Im a pathways intern that was hired in a GS 7/9 position and just graduated this past May with a masters. I was wondering if anybody else managed to be converted recently and if so, what GS level? And was it a ladder position?

I have been offered a GS 9/11 position from a different office (but same program under DOI) but HR is now telling me I cant be converted to a position that is higher than a 9 because thats the full performance level of my current pathways position. Even tho i would begin as a 9, they are saying Im not eligible for the position. I see this in the pathways handbook in their conversion section, but this is the first Im hearing of it being enforced. My pathways contact has also been surprised by this possible change.

Has anybody else been in a similar situation and gotten around this? Really hoping not to lose this position as it’s definitely a dream of mine to work in this office. Thanks!

I recently recieved a TJO for a position that isnt supposed to start for at least another month (and not for up to a month and a half), but yesterday l recieved an email telling me I need to submit certain documentation by 07/04. Well, I do not yet have this documentation ready and probably won't for at least another week, but it says on USAStaffing that if I do not submit it by the deadline it could affect my eligibility for the postion/hiring process. I have reached out to HR, told them of my situation. Should I be worried? In the past I have submitted documentation on USA staffing later than the due date and the documents were still accepted so I am not sure what to think.

Are there specific protocols for how to do this? I need to ask for a higher step, a Recruitment Incentive, PCS Relocation Benefits, and higher annual leave. Is there anything else for which I should ask? Also, where can I find information on how to do this? I feel so clueless and overwhelmed. Any insight anyone can provide is greatly appreciated.

The original requisition says, “Relocation expenses may be authorized.”

It also says, “Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation, or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees.”

Please help me navigate this negotiation. Thank You!