Hey all,

I'm currently a GS-13 non-supervisor engineer (DoD) in the DMV area. I got two offers within the past week for a non-sup GS-14 (non-DoD) in Baltimore and an overseas non-sup GS-12 (DoD) for Italy.

It's been really hard to decide as both positions are something I've been trying to get into for years and the offers just dropped concurrently. What would you take? For reference, I'm single, mid-thirties, no kids, and currently rent/am not a homeowner. I also get return rights to my 13 if I take the 12.

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to do a Master’s in cybersecurity and I’d really like to hear from people already working in the field before I commit.

A few questions:

1. How is IT/cybersecurity going for you? Are you happy with the career, the workload, the pay, and the day-to-day work?
2. Is a Master’s worth it? Did you get your first job with a Master’s, or did certifications and experience matter more?
3. How hard is it to land an entry-level job after graduating? I keep reading that the market is tough for juniors, and I want an honest picture.
4. What should I do during the Master’s (internships, home labs, CTFs, certs like Security+ or eJPT) to be employable by graduation?
5. Which roles are realistic starting points? SOC analyst, junior pentester, GRC, something else?
6. Is it possible to go from Germany to the USA? If I study and work in Germany first, is it realistic to move to the US later for a cybersecurity job? What routes exist (work visas, intracompany transfers, other options), and how hard is it in practice? Has anyone here done it?

I’d appreciate any advice, including the blunt kind. Thanks in advance!

Last year, I applied for a lot of different jobs, from interpretation to biological science technician (currently going to school for wildlife biology). A lot of the jobs have since been marked as "hiring complete," except for most of the ones in the intermountain area. This year, I was able to apply for all of these jobs within my expected grade before the deadline, but I'm curious when you find out if you've even been referred, or if they just contact you. Hoping someone who got one of those jobs last year (or got an interview) could share a rough timeline. Thank you in advance!

Reveived TJO and the onboard link for USAStaffing. I was checking to see if a status changed, and ended up re-reading question 3 on the employment background section

During the last 5 years, have you been fired from any job for any reason, did you quit after being told that you would be fired, did you leave any job by mutual agreement because of specific problems, or were you debarred from Federal employment by the Office of Personnel Management or any other Federal agency?

I went through mediation and received a settlement from a state agency that included a resignation in lieu of termination. I responded “No” to the question. I misinterpreted it as only for federal employment, and at the time thought I wasn’t technically fired under the agreement.

Should I reach out to the HR person handling my onboarding, saying that I need change my answer to the employment background questionaire after re-reading the question?

Does HR or hiring manager make the decision on what grade to bring someone on as?

I was found tentatively eligible for 2 grades, one lateral and one promotion. My experience fits well and I did well in the interview and got the TO. I received it for the lateral but after interviewing and learning about the role I feel confident in my abilities to do the role at the promotion potential. I’d just like to know who am I going to have to try to convince to sign me on at the higher grade.

Is it a good idea to accept an EOD just after the midterms (Nov 16th) or just request for it to be pushed back to Nov 1. Am asking because am scared about a potential/possible shutdown which could affect me starting the new job. this is not a probationary position.

HR is giving me a EOD of Nov 16th which is after the midterms election. Am just worried it.

Should i request an earlier EOD for Nov 1?

Thanks

As the title shows I have an interview Tuesday. Posting this to ask if anyone has any tips or can just overall give me an overview of what to expect. Any thing helps thanks

I recently applied to entry level wildland positions and there was a long list of available locations. I'm already set to relocate at the drop of a hat, but I wanted to put more locations than the seven I was allowed to select. Can I submit another application with a different set of locations or is that a bad look/not allowed. I'd hate to miss out on a good opportunity if it wasn't in the original seven I picked.

How long did it take to receive an offer after your final interview, and how long after accepting the offer did you start?

I am currently GS-11, I’ve completed 12 months total (3, 120 day TLPs at GS-12). Can I lateral into a GS-11/12 career ladder position? I’ve heard both yes and no and yes, but only because I have the time in grade from the TLPs. Any info that I can cite?

Interviewed for a position in dream location with an agency I was really interested in working for. Was contacted to provide references after interview.

Weeks later after spotty communication with HR and being told a selection was not made yet. Finally got a proper update and it’s cancelled.

Here I was thinking the system was easier when you were already a part of it.

I know many people in here have similar stories or even worse situations. Just needed to rant a bit.

So I know some agencies are starting to open up I managed to get an interview with the SSA as a customer service representative for this Friday. I’m just wondering if anyone can offer me any advice tips or tricks on how to score the job and do well in the interview. Does anyone know what they’d ask in particular? And how much should I shoot for salary wise? For reference it’s for Gs5-6 level at the as a call center representative.

Job posting for Homeland Defender says to include Supervisor name and number….

HOWEVER! USAjobs resume builder took out the Supervisor block for each work experience (so can’t put it unless in another section, OPM guidance on 2pg resumes does not require it, and everywhere I look people saying not required…

Consensus? Was the job post just standard copy/paste by HR that was never updated?

Has anyone received a notification saying they are ineligible for the crisis responder position.

I have more than a years worth of specialized experience as a crisis worker and meet all the requirements.

I also just interviewed for the position back in July so it doesn't make any sense.

This is a Program Analyst role at the Bureau of Fiscal Service.

I want to sigh after 157 applications and 108 referrals. But it ain't official until I'm in a seat, holding a CAC in hand.

To that end, I have another TJO in progress, two interview outcomes pending, and a few more applications to submit this week.

Good luck to everyone and KEEP APPLYING!!!

Good morning, everyone. As the title suggests, wondering if anyone here ever worked at the LRC for the 407th AFSB at Fort Hood. Saw they’re hiring for Motor Vehicle Operator and wondering on if anyone had any idea on what the hours are/work schedule and if I would need to have a CDL before applying, or if I can still apply with a regular drivers license and the agency will help me get my CDL? (Among other things, it also states that “Incumbent must obtain and maintain a current commercial driver's license” and I’m interpreting it as I need to obtain a CDL while working in that position, if I’m not mistaken). Appreciate the feedback in advance!

CSOSA - Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency

I saw the announcement for this position and was interested.

I'm looking for as much information on the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency as possible. It's for a possible employment opportunity.

Any past, present, or future employees that can weigh in and tell me more about this agency and the Pros and Cons?

Also welcome any info from anyone who worked alongside them or were supervised by them.

Thank you.

I recently interviewed and got an FJO for a job. I start 11/2. I just interviewed for another one today with better hours. If I end up getting selected, does it look bad if I start the new one first if they don’t get everything done in time? I’m internal and got my FJO 2 days after my TJO for the first job. I felt like my interview went really well.

Hey everyone,

​Looking for some guidance regarding the Supreme Court of the United States Police Department (SCUSPD) hiring process.

​Here is my current background:

​Current Role: NYPD Police Officer (Appointed Dec 17, 2025).

​Experience Milestone: I will hit my full 1-year of sworn law enforcement experience on December 17, 2026.

​The Dilemma: I noticed that current USAJobs application windows for SCUSPD run through October 31, 2026. Since I won't cross that 1-year full-time sworn mark until December, I am trying to figure out the best timing strategy.

​I've heard that SCUSPD frequently utilizes a monthly recurring posting cycle on USAJobs.

​My questions for those familiar with the agency:

​Do SCUSPD announcements reliably roll over every month, or should I expect gaps where postings disappear for a while?

​If the October window closes before I hit my 1-year mark, is waiting for the January 2027 posting window the safest bet to ensure HR doesn't bounce my application for lacking the full 12 months at the time of submission?

​Any tips from former/current guys on when to drop the federal resume package to catch the first review batch of the new year?

​Appreciate any insights!

I’ve been hearing rumors that GSA may be eliminating AWS and potentially moving to five days a week in the office. Has anyone heard anything official about this?
Also, for anyone who currently works in GSA’s Assisted Acquisition Services (AAS) office, how has your experience been? I’d appreciate any feedback on the work environment, management, work-life balance, telework flexibility, and overall job satisfaction. I’m considering an opportunity there and would love to hear honest opinions before making a decision.

Looking at some GS-12 SW job. Part of the experience requirements statement includes: “ You must possess at least two years of experience post advanced practice clinical licensure and should be in a specialized area of social work practice of which, one year must be equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.” Does this literally mean 2 years after one acquired their LICSW/LCSW, would HR take into account related experience aside from that? This is for a position that’s in an outlying area with possibility for recruitment / relocation incentive if that makes a difference.

Has anyone successfully returned to a former federal agency through reinstatement or the 30% disabled-veteran hiring authority when a hiring manager wanted to rehire them and had vacancies available, particularly after previously holding career tenure with that agency?

I have my BA (Poly Sci with an IA concentration) 3.5 GPA
Enrolled in MA program (GW IA SPS program)
Commissioned officer (Army Reserve, Logistics)
Clearance (S)
10 plus years of experience in loss prevention, risk management and leading departments.

I’ve applied both private and USA-jobs, I keep getting emails of no longer considered and was not referred to roles I know I can do and meet the minimum qualifications.

I don’t know what I’m doing wrong here……..