Timeline for government job hires

[Anonymous]

I am interested in applying for to work for the federal government. Well, I am interested in finding a new job regardless, but fed would be ideal. My whole career has been private sector up until now. I am also pregnant which means that I wouldn't start a new job until after my maternity leave is over. I know that with private sector jobs, I shouldn't start applying until I am on maternity leave as things move quickly. How quickly do things move with the federal government? Does the same rule of thumb apply--don't apply until you are ready to leave your current job? Or is there a longer timeline?

[Anonymous]

My wife received a Federal job about 10 minutes after she applied, whereas I received one about four years after I applied. So let's just say it depends.

My sense is that, on average, Federal hiring moves more slowly than private sector jobs, but I don't think a whole different rule applies to your applications. My two cents would be that you should spend the next couple months taking everyone you know who works for the Federal government to lunch and coffee and asking them about their career path, but hold off on the applications until you're on leave. Obviously I'd make an exception if your dream job or a job that specifically states it is flexible about start date shows up on your radar.

[Anonymous]

I started applying in January, got lots of referrals but no interview until August. Started the job in October before my clearance was complete in December. This was in 2010.

[Anonymous]

It takes my agency anywhere from 3 to 4 months for internal hires. Outside hires can be double. Federal hr moves at a glacial pace.

[Anonymous]

The first response is right - it depends. I was once in process with Commerce for at least 2 years before getting a final offer. My current agency went from application, to interview to start date in about 3 months at most.

[Anonymous]

Opm's target is 81 days vs private sector of 23 days from req to day 1. Some agencies are longer - HHS reported an average of 160 days...

So depends...just apply and see. You may be able to delay start date until after birth, Feds are more flexible than private sector.

[Anonymous]

Are you a veteran and/or minority? If not,don't waste your time... unless your are going in at entry level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you a veteran and/or minority? If not,don't waste your time... unless your are going in at entry level.

This depends. My agency is in the middle of a massive attorney hiring frenzy right now (several hundred probably). And on a tight timeline. Right place, right time.

[Anonymous]

Getting a good federal job if you're not a vet is like finding a unicorn inside a 350 K 3000 sq ft new sfh in North Arlington. Time is on your side.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you a veteran and/or minority? If not,don't waste your time... unless your are going in at entry level.

This depends. My agency is in the middle of a massive attorney hiring frenzy right now (several hundred probably). And on a tight timeline. Right place, right time.

Why does someone post this on every fed thread? I am white as shit and I've been offered and held several Federal jobs. If you're not getting hired, get better credentials instead of snarking about your own privilege.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you a veteran and/or minority? If not,don't waste your time... unless your are going in at entry level.

This depends. My agency is in the middle of a massive attorney hiring frenzy right now (several hundred probably). And on a tight timeline. Right place, right time.

What agency? Do tell.

[Anonymous]

yes, please do!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you a veteran and/or minority? If not,don't waste your time... unless your are going in at entry level.

This depends. My agency is in the middle of a massive attorney hiring frenzy right now (several hundred probably). And on a tight timeline. Right place, right time.

Why does someone post this on every fed thread? I am white as shit and I've been offered and held several Federal jobs. If you're not getting hired, get better credentials instead of snarking about your own privilege.

Are you an attorney or Ph.D.?