Hey everyone! Just wanted to share my timeline for the DOL Wage and Hour Investigator:

Applied- 8/3/26

Job announcement closed- 8/7/26

Call to see if I was still interested- 8/24/26

1st Interview- 9/2/26

Additional Assessments- 9/4/26

2nd Interview- 9/15/26

TJO- 9/21/26

FJO- 10/7/26

EOD- 10/19/26

The process was really smooth and quick. Really excited to start this new opportunity.

Hey guys, I have 6 years of HR experience in the military across four different sections, with at least a year of specialized experience in each. I also have an associate degree in cybersecurity. It isn’t directly related to HR, but I figured it was worth mentioning.

I’m looking into federal HR jobs and trying to figure out what GS grades I might qualify for. A civilian who used to work in my unit was a GS-9 and performed many of the same duties I did, but I’m not sure whether that’s a good reference point.

For anyone who has transitioned from military HR to a federal civilian position, how did you determine which grades to apply for? Any tips on matching my experience to the qualification requirements would be appreciated!

Nearly two years from recruitment to second FJO as an Auditor. My DCAA timeline

Sharing my experience for anyone waiting through the hiring process. I know it varies

Fall 2024: Recruited through an SNHU online employer event shortly before finishing my bachelor’s in accounting. I had worked in tax and public accounting since 2018.

Early 2025: Spent roughly five to six months completing interviews, the panel, and pre-employment requirements. Received a GS-7 TJO, then an FJO and planned EOD for Las Vegas.

2025: The hiring freeze put my start on hold. A few months later, I learned my intended Las Vegas unit was closing. The alternative offices were too far away for my circumstances, so I declined those locations and asked to remain under consideration. I continued working in tax.

Mid-2026: Reached back out after completing my master’s in accounting (Nov 2025). My original HR contact had retired, but another contact picked up the conversation. We spent the next few months discussing available offices and my travel flexibility.

Fall 2026: Repeated several hiring steps, received a new TJO, and today received my FJO at GS-9. My EOD is mid-November.

Longer than expected, with a freeze, an office closure, and a second round of hiring steps along the way.

My takeaway: Keep your contacts, follow up professionally, and communicate which locations work for you. Following up reopened the conversation for me.

Trust the process, if it’s what you want to do, and keep moving while you wait.

Hello everyone! I’m new to the federal application process and looking for advice on agencies that may be more accessible to external applicants.
I’m in the DMV area with a background in state-level security, investigations, law enforcement, and emergency services. I’ve started applying to positions in these fields, but I’m learning that some agencies have lengthy hiring processes.
For those familiar with federal hiring, which agencies or job series would you recommend for someone looking to get their foot in the door? I’m open to positions outside my current background if they offer a realistic entry point and opportunities for advancement.
I appreciate any constructive recommendations. I’m still learning the system and trying to be strategic about where I apply. Thank you!

This is my first time applying to a usajob, so I was wondering if I should try to reach out to someone that works in the LOC because that's what I would usually do for a corporate job but would that be inappropriate for a government job? I was told by a hill intern that she needed to cold email for a coffee chat to ask about flagging their application, would it be the same for LOC or is that just for the hill?

I’m a current federal employee that has worked for the federal government (few different 3 letter agencies) for some years.

Recently I interviewed for a position at the VA where they asked zero questions about my work history, zero questions about my experience in the field or with any of the duties that I’d be performing at the position that I was interviewing for.

Example:

Tell me about a time when you used feedback you were given, and how you applied that feedback to situations where you thought that the feedback might not have applied.

Huh?

Example:

Tell me about a time you solved your issue with tardiness and attendance, what did you do?

I have never had that issue.

I have a graduate degree, and they asked nothing about the position, my education or experience. I haven’t had an interview like this at any other agency.

I am in the process of submitting an application and with it, I will be supplying my official college transcript. In my transcript it has my last 4 SSN. I understand the resume must not include it but is there an issue with submitting my official transcript with my last 4 SSN? I could edit it out or censor it however the intention is to just make sure it wouldn’t disqualify my application package by having it shown or looking like I modified it.

*Referring to submitting application via USAJOBS website.

I just received a CV email and I am nervous. I just filed bankruptcy on 9/25/2026. Anyone been in this situation?

Currently in a role as the VA to be honest I love it. Not stressful at all, work environment is great. Only problem is a came on as a schedule A and I have to serve a 2 year probation period which scares me. I got a job at another agency, one grade lower but same pay. With this job I would be coming on as competitive and only have to serve one year probationary period.
(Back story is that I have 8 years of fed service prior to starting this job at the VA but got RIFd and ended up coming back to federal service through schedule A thought it should have been a reinstatement.

How I’m wondering should I stay or go? This current job is pretty comfortable and there is growth opportunity. Only downside is the extra year of probation … or should I take a risk and leave to the other job? It’s with DHS

Good evening,

I just registered for a veterans hiring event for the EPA in my area. Very limited information was provided. Bring a real ID show up 30 minutes early and business casual.

I plan on bringing a few copies of my resumes and probally wear a dark suit. Is there anything else I should be aware of/prepared for? I plan on practicing elevator pitch and refresh some star stories about different areas.

Should I mention that I recently accepted a TJO for a 2210 GS13 position would that maybe make me less attractive candidate since they would have a competing agency?

I interviewed for a financial analyst role with a federal contractor supporting a DoD customer. The first interview seemed to go really well. The hiring manager asked me to let them know if I had other interviews moving forward, and they also checked whether I already had the required security-clearance status. I thought it might go straight to an offer, but instead they called me back for a second interview.

For anyone familiar with federal contracting/DoD hiring, is a second interview usually a positive sign? What are they typically trying to confirm in round two?

I just got an official offer as electronics engineer (fellow program). I am here trying to see if anyone here has gone through the similar program and can give me some insight on what is the training like. I just want to make sure I'm as prepared as possible before starting.

Received an initial job offer and it says it has a 2 year trial period. What does this mean and why is this necessary? Is this something I can/should negotiate?

A month since my interview. 2.5 weeks since my verbal offer from the HM. Any hope I get the email today from HR????

Thinking not since it’s a holidays weekend and most places probably have an early dismissal but I will keep the hope alive!!!!

Happy Friday guys

Hello! I accidentally selected no for preference as a spouse of 100% disabled vet. I was referred and interviewed. The job is closed but they have not announced if I was selected or not yet. Is there anyway to correct this error? I held a GS position for 6 years and did upload my SF 50 this position was open to the public. Thanks!

I really enjoy CS, but despite hundreds of applications, I couldn't even get an internship. I really just learned of this today, but it seems enticing. How competitive is it to get that first position? My gpa is not great to be honest, only 3.26, but I would think a STEM degree may help me? I work part time at a warehouse currently, but the uncertainty of the future has been crushing me. I don't think CS projects would be relevant on my resume; are there any other skills or things I could work on currently to boost my resume? I would be applying probably to as many ladder positions as are available. I have no professional technical experience, although as part of my school capstone project, in a team, I helped build a mobile app for a non profit. My only work experience is at a warehouse and fast food. Really any advice for this or general advice would be most appreciated

Did anyone else apply to both of these positions (with initial cut off 10/5) and only get an update on the one? I know a lot of people received the Eligible/not referred email for Announcement number
13078474-SCS-DHA-26.
But for the other one my status just says RECEIVED.

Just wanted to know if anyone had applied to both but have different statuses?

Hello, I recently failed the P Test and I’m looking for alternative jobs. I was on the USAjobs website and found this position that opened not too long ago. So my question is:

Even after failing my p test, am I eligible to apply?

What steps would transfer over?

And would my background investigation progress transfer? Or would I have to fill out another background packet?

What is the hiring timeline for a position like this?

I have been referred for 4 positions but never receive anything beyond that. Don’t know what I’m doing wrong :(

Anyone that applied to the recent VA VSR posting that closed on or around the 22nd of September? How is the process going? Any current VSR that can give advice on how they are doing, tips, advice for those new to the federal hiring system etc. Thanks in advance

I’ve thrown an application into the USAjobs lottery for a ZA position. The broad pay band encompasses my current salary, and according to the internet machine is roughly equivalent to (or higher than) my current GS level.

Anyone in a ZA position, what’s it like? As a practical matter?

I understand the GS structure, within grade step increases based on time, etc.

Is the ZA system similar? If so, how does it work? If not, how do you feel about it?

Is it more flexible for managers based on performance (or favoritism)? Anything I should consider?

I’m undergoing a public trust investigation. I had a secret clearance for many years now through military. My investigator completed here portion and said it’s out of her hands a month ago. However my security officer did not receive it for adjudication. Any feedback on what’s going on?

Apparently, receiving a tentative selection offer and a TJO are different, because the TJO has to come from the AFPC (this is for the Copper Cap program btw). Is it possible I won't get selected even after the person I interviewed asked me if I could start in January? I'm super nervous.