Well, I just ran through the ringer my self...I applied for a job in the office that I currently work in as a contractor. Although everyone agrees I am the most qualified, scored a 100, and been referred. I could not be selected because my name was referred along with 4 Veterans. The hiring official told me that they were minimally qualified but could not be passed over to pick a non veteran without filling out a DEO SF62 form for each pass over and have it approved by DEO (its the law). He was afraid that 4 Passovers would look suspicious and would not be good for him.
Currently we are producing many veterans and the job market is hard, it would be tough to enter the system if you are an outsider.

Anonymous wrote:They can and often have claimed medical issues (not wounded warriors) that enhance their score. I work at DOD. Considering there is a civilian hiring freeze, an awful lot of O5/O6s have become civilians in the last 2 years.

OK, that's kind of nasty snark. There are plenty of less visible disabling conditions that will get you seperated or retired from the military right quick. And it's not just a matter of "claiming" them...they're submitting their DD214 and VA documentation just like any other applicant claiming 30 preference or whatever.

I'm a DOD civilian who got hired with no veteran's preference - it can be done. It was essentially a lateral rather than a promotion out of a term GS position to a permanent one, though so I think you do have to be abundantly qualified. THe new system for handling veteran's preference (I was hired 22 months ago when the old point system was still in effect) seems a big improvement. The biggest obstacle, as everyone's noted, is the hiring freezes. My disabled veteran husband's still out of work.

I am right with 16:50...this describes me as well, but I have only been at it for a few months and no interviews. Very discouraging to hear.

I even had a friend send my resume to a colleague who worked in the same agency and she said I looked highly qualified. That was back in May and I haven't heard a peep from them at all...not even the note about veterans being referred over me (which I have gotten for other jobs).

OP, I am also a non-vet applying for fed jobs, including the writing/editing positions you mention. I have more than 20 years' experience and I am highly educated. Yet I can't seem to get past the wall of veterans. Only once have I had an interview. I frequently get the notice that essentially says, "You are among the most highly qualified, BUT you are not being referred b/c there are too many veterans also in that group." It is maddening, especially for positions in which I am a subject matter expert. I have become more selective about which openings I apply for as a result.

Anonymous wrote:They can and often have claimed medical issues (not wounded warriors) that enhance their score. I work at DOD. Considering there is a civilian hiring freeze, an awful lot of O5/O6s have become civilians in the last 2 years.

DoD allows exceptions to the hiring freeze. They need high level approval, but they have been granted. O5/O6s are hoghered over civilians because they have a good amount of institutional knowledge. They usually have more relevant experience and fit in to the organization better.

how long is the recruitment process? Thanks