After second interview for federal job, how long does it take to hear back

[daphnemason]

Hello Thanks in advance for your help!

I applied for a position with a federal agency in August. I had my first in person interview two weeks ago and second last week. Each panel was unique. Second interview lasted about an hour, but the last 20 minutes was only with potential colleagues so that I could ask any other questions about the position.

Anyone have a similar experience? If so, what were your timeframes for being contacted either with an offer or learning that you didn't get the position?
Also, if you have any insights as to how many applicants are interviewed a second time for a GS12 position, it would be great to learn more.

Thanks so much

[Anonymous]

You could hear tomorrow or not for 3 months. Getting s second interview is a very good sign though. The new fiscal year, and potential for shut down, could throw things for a loop. I think you could check in next week to see if they have a time frame.

[daphnemason]

Thanks!

I'm concerned about a potential shutdown, which would take effect this Saturday. Should I reach out to them on Thursday to see if that may slow timeframes?

Thanks,
Dani

[Anonymous]

daphnemason wrote:Thanks!

I'm concerned about a potential shutdown, which would take effect this Saturday. Should I reach out to them on Thursday to see if that may slow timeframes?

Thanks,
Dani

I'd play cool for a few days.

[daphnemason]

Good point. I know they'll contact me if they want to hire me. The waiting is uncomfortable, though. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

daphnemason wrote:Good point. I know they'll contact me if they want to hire me. The waiting is uncomfortable, though. Thanks!

I received my job offer on 9/30; I have always presumed the offer was timed to get it on the books before the end of the fiscal year.

[daphnemason]

I agree. I hope to hear back that soon if I get the offer Thanks!

[Anonymous]

daphnemason wrote:I agree. I hope to hear back that soon if I get the offer Thanks!

And that was on the eve of a potential shutdown as well.

[Anonymous]

I assume you sent a thank you note with generic language offering to provide any additional information they needed. If you didn't, do that now. If you did, I'd give it at least 2-3 additional weeks before sending a follow-up note reiterating your interest and (very gently) asking if they had any idea about timing.

[Anonymous]

I'm in a similar position.

I had the first interview the Monday of the last week of August and the second interview that Friday. It was also with a federal agency. The panel said they would make a decision soon and definitely by 9/25. I wrote everyone on the panel a thank you note and got great responses about how much they enjoyed the interview right. Yesterday, I sent a follow-up note to say that I remain interested and find out if they made a decision. I haven't heard from them. It's weird, right? What happened?

[Anonymous]

Tomorrow is 9/30 -- fingers crossed & let us know what happens!

[Anonymous]

9/30 came and went. I never received a job offer, not did I receive any response to my email following up. I did receive replies to my original thank you so I know I have the right email addresses. Obviously, I did not get the job, but what reason does a federal agency employer have for not telling me that -- after TWO interviews and a lot of back and forth via email. It doesn't make sense. I'm really bummed. Obviously, I'll apply to other jobs, but I was pretty invested in that one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:9/30 came and went. I never received a job offer, not did I receive any response to my email following up. I did receive replies to my original thank you so I know I have the right email addresses. Obviously, I did not get the job, but what reason does a federal agency employer have for not telling me that -- after TWO interviews and a lot of back and forth via email. It doesn't make sense. I'm really bummed. Obviously, I'll apply to other jobs, but I was pretty invested in that one.

y

Really, it could take MONTHS. The process just works like that sometimes. Obviously, you should keep looking for other jobs, but I wouldn't entirely give up yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:9/30 came and went. I never received a job offer, not did I receive any response to my email following up. I did receive replies to my original thank you so I know I have the right email addresses. Obviously, I did not get the job, but what reason does a federal agency employer have for not telling me that -- after TWO interviews and a lot of back and forth via email. It doesn't make sense. I'm really bummed. Obviously, I'll apply to other jobs, but I was pretty invested in that one.

it doesn't make sense b/c it does NOT mean you didn't get the job. the end of FY doesn't necessary indicate end of hiring. maybe the agency was assuming CR and hiring under CR funding level for FY17. you just don't know. I think there's more than 50/50 chance you got the job. i think it's always a good idea to keep looking but don't give up.

[Anonymous]

I work at an agency and we don't hire with any respect to fiscal year date. It typically could take us up to a month to reach back out to even the candidates we are most excited about because of workload. Sit tight and hope for the best. Good luck OP!