DOJ hiring timeframe

[Anonymous]

How long does it typically take the DOJ to make hiring decisions following completion of second-round interviews for a trial attorney position? I had my first and second-round interviews in early May. I thought they went well, but I haven't heard anything back yet. Any harm in contacting someone in HR to inquire about the status of the process?

[Anonymous]

No harm in contacting, but I am in torts and it was 4 months between my second round interview and a job offer. Took forever.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Appreciate the insight, PP. Makes me feel a bit better. One other question: how long was it between your first and second round interview? I did both on the same day because I flew in from out of town, and I'm wondering how long it might take to schedule and complete second-round interviews with local candidates.

[Anonymous]

One other question: how long was it between your first and second round interview?

I'm sorry, I can't recall.

[Anonymous]

I work at DOJ and have been part of the hiring committee in my office. We have done same-day second round interviews for out-of-town candidates (especially those coming from the west coast) as a courtesy so that they do not have to pay to fly back. For more local candidates (or even people within a couple hours of flying time), the time between first and second round interviews can be weeks. Also, at least in my office, they like to interview all of the potential candidates before making offers. So if you were early in the process, you may have completed your interviews on the same day....but you may not hear one way or another for awhile because it could take us some time to do first and second round interviews for all the other candidates and then for management to sit down and decide to whom to extend offers.

During our most recent hiring round, it was something like four months from the time we did our first first-round interview to when we made our first offer (we were hiring for several spots simultaneously).

However, I also think hiring timeframe can vary dramatically by office based on what I have heard anecdotally.

[Anonymous]

Very helpful. Thanks so much!

[Anonymous]

I work at DOJ, it depends on many factors, it can be a week - two between 1st and 2nd round interviews. After the 2nd round interview it can be a month to 4 until your butt is in seat (depending on if you've been a fed before).