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Post by Judicially Imployed on Jul 9, 2013 16:05:17 GMT -5
moonpig stole my thunder ...
But I just have to say that those throwing around phrases like "man love" should not to posting discussions of see -thru bikini style man-onezes.
That this is something you are aware of is frightening to say the least.
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Post by trekker on Jul 9, 2013 16:19:04 GMT -5
Without revealing too much about my age, let's just say that VA had a residency requirement when I was moving to the DC area. (Which was found to be just a little unconstitutional by SCOTUS the year after I took the exam.) Bad timing just like this application is.
I took my other bar exams in much more comfortable attire and would do the same for this exam -- if I get invited. Still just an AR.
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Post by Buffalogal on Jul 9, 2013 16:26:14 GMT -5
If you're testing in DC in the summer, I suggest layers. People wear wool suits to government proceedings, even when it's 90 degrees outside, and agencies set their thermostats accordingly. I was in a hearing room today that seemed to be five degrees colder than the hall--and the hall was adequately cooled.
If you bring food and drinks, be discrete. People were asked to remove them from their desks last time. Although I think water was allowed.
Good luck everyone!
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1234
Full Member
Posts: 41
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Post by 1234 on Jul 9, 2013 16:45:55 GMT -5
Although in prior years the WD was offered in several cities, this year the WD and SI are both only offered in the DC metro area pursuant to the 2013 job announcement. (Sorry, don't have announcement readily accessible to attach here.)
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Post by funkyodar on Jul 9, 2013 17:01:38 GMT -5
Although in prior years the WD was offered in several cities, this year the WD and SI are both only offered in the DC metro area pursuant to the 2013 job announcement. (Sorry, don't have announcement readily accessible to attach here.) Undoubtedly another of OPM's decisions that just happens to work as a passive cut.
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Post by moopigsdad on Jul 9, 2013 18:08:44 GMT -5
If someone makes it to phase 3, I don't see him/her refusing to go to DC because of the cost or other obligations. It won't act as a passive cut at all. Otherwise, why would you have even applied in the first place?
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Post by cafeta on Jul 9, 2013 18:08:47 GMT -5
Although in prior years the WD was offered in several cities, this year the WD and SI are both only offered in the DC metro area pursuant to the 2013 job announcement. (Sorry, don't have announcement readily accessible to attach here.) Here is the relevant part of the announcement: Proctored Component: Written Demonstration (WD) and Logic-Based Measurement Test (LBMT). If you are invited to participate in the WD and LBMT, this component of the examination will be administered to you in one day in two separate sessions in a proctored environment. Section 1: WD - The purpose of the WD is to evaluate an applicant's ability to prepare a clear, concise, and well-reasoned legal decision of the type that one might be expected to write if employed as an ALJ. The WD is scheduled for 5 hours to allow time for instructions and other administrative processes, but actual testing time is 4 hours. The WD is conducted in a proctored environment using a laptop computer provided by OPM, and will be administered in one location in the Washington, DC area. If you do not receive the required minimum score on the WD, you will not receive a final numerical rating and will not be placed on the ALJ register. Section 2: LBMT - The LBMT presents applicants with a set of scenarios and multiple-choice response options. Only one response option in each scenario is logically accurate, while the remaining options are logically inaccurate. Applicants are asked to indicate which one response option is logically accurate. The LBMT is conducted in a proctored environment and will be scheduled for 2½ hours to allow time for instructions, but actual testing time is approximately 2 hours. The LBMT will be administered in one location in the Washington, DC area. You must complete the WD and LBMT before participating in the Structured Interview. In-person Component: Structured Interview (SI). If you are invited to participate in the SI, this part of the examination will be administered in an in-person panel interview environment. SI - The objective of the SI is to evaluate an applicant's responses to competency-based questions related to being an ALJ. A panel will conduct the interview and evaluate the responses provided by the applicant. The interview will last approximately one hour, but you will need to arrive early to allow time for instructions. The SI will be administered in one location in the Washington, DC area. If you do not receive the required minimum score on the SI, you will not receive a final numerical rating and will not be placed on the ALJ register.
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Post by funkyodar on Jul 9, 2013 18:43:07 GMT -5
Going this long without notice I can imagine at least some have taken other opportunities. A few may have applied on a whim and actually slip through only to realize they don't want it bad enough to spend the $, time and effort to go to DC where the reward is just more waiting in ignorance.
If we get less than 4 weeks notice, airfare alone may dissuade some who aren't fully committed. Further the scheduled time may interfere with someone's plans that cant be changed.
Not saying this would be a large kamikaze cut. But there have been thosein the past that cancelled or just didn't show. With this large a group it could be a surprising # but statistically insignificant.
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Post by moopigsdad on Jul 9, 2013 20:30:26 GMT -5
If someone makes it to phase 3, I don't see him/her refusing to go to DC because of the cost or other obligations. It won't act as a passive cut at all. Otherwise, why would you have even applied in the first place? I am still debating whether if I do receive an offer to the next phase I would even take time off and spend money to go to DC for Phase 3. I'm not sold on the idea of becoming an ALJ (especially given what is being said about SSA in recent posts), landing an ALJ job in a place I would want to go even for one year is a very very long shot, and I don't know if I would be able to take the time off to get out to DC even if I wanted to. Aljfaq if this is really how you feel, then why apply in the first place? If you don't plan on going to DC, it is best for you to contact OPM now and withdraw your application. Why not open up a space for someone else who could make it, but was a point short of doing so. I am sure that just about all of those who don't get the invite to DC would give their right arm for that opportunity. Yes, there are no guarantees of a position, but why even go this far or any farther if you are having second thoughts about being an ALJ? I am not trying to be a pain, but just expressing what I feel many of those who may get cut will feel about your present position. I know if I get cut and you have the chance to go forward but don't because of not wanting to go to DC, I will be extremely upset at your choice. Just stating my opinion aljfaq on your post.
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Post by moopigsdad on Jul 9, 2013 20:37:12 GMT -5
Going this long without notice I can imagine at least some have taken other opportunities. A few may have applied on a whim and actually slip through only to realize they don't want it bad enough to spend the $, time and effort to go to DC where the reward is just more waiting in ignorance. If we get less than 4 weeks notice, airfare alone may dissuade some who aren't fully committed. Further the scheduled time may interfere with someone's plans that cant be changed. Not saying this would be a large kamikaze cut. But there have been thosein the past that cancelled or just didn't show. With this large a group it could be a surprising # but statistically insignificant. Funky will there be a few who don't follow through after the invite, I am sure this is true. However, I think that number will be extremely low. Why would anybody waste their time and go through the suspense and torture to get an invite to DC and then decide he or she no longer wants to continue onward? These type of individuals were not cut out to be ALJ's in the first place. In my opinion it is a good thing that he or she doesn't follow through after all in trying to be an ALJ.
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Post by Judicially Imployed on Jul 9, 2013 21:24:56 GMT -5
Aljfaq if this is really how you feel, then why apply in the first place? . . . Because it cost me nothing to apply and took very little time to get this far. And if offered an ALJ position in a good place today, I would probably take it. But I've learned more about the downside to being an ALJ over the past couple months. When I first applied, all I heard was how being an ALJ was a dream job. I had no idea that 99% of ALJs work for SSA deciding disability cases and that most ALJ entry jobs are located in the crap land of America. So those factors are weighing on my mind. And I don't feel like I am taking someone else's spot because there will be plenty of people who make the register who will never get hired. By taking a spot now and dropping out later, I increase the chances that one of those folks will get a job. So I'm doing them a favor if I drop out later rather than sooner. But if you drop out we'll lose your fashion sense, and that would be crime.
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Post by ssaer on Jul 10, 2013 5:39:35 GMT -5
Because it cost me nothing to apply and took very little time to get this far. And if offered an ALJ position in a good place today, I would probably take it. But I've learned more about the downside to being an ALJ over the past couple months. When I first applied, all I heard was how being an ALJ was a dream job. I had no idea that 99% of ALJs work for SSA deciding disability cases and that most ALJ entry jobs are located in the crap land of America. So those factors are weighing on my mind. In my view, someone who looks down on the important work of deciding SSA disability cases, and who describes the locations of ALJ entry jobs (and the places where disability applicants live) as "the crap land of America," would be quite poorly suited to be an ALJ. Fortunately, most ALJs that I know do not share these views.
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Post by moopigsdad on Jul 10, 2013 6:55:52 GMT -5
Because it cost me nothing to apply and took very little time to get this far. And if offered an ALJ position in a good place today, I would probably take it. But I've learned more about the downside to being an ALJ over the past couple months. When I first applied, all I heard was how being an ALJ was a dream job. I had no idea that 99% of ALJs work for SSA deciding disability cases and that most ALJ entry jobs are located in the crap land of America. So those factors are weighing on my mind. In my view, someone who looks down on the important work of deciding SSA disability cases, and who describes the locations of ALJ entry jobs (and the places where disability applicants live) as "the crap land of America," would be quite poorly suited to be an ALJ. Fortunately, most ALJs that I know do not share these views. ssaer I am with you 100% in your statement.
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Post by Gaidin on Jul 10, 2013 8:57:04 GMT -5
When I applied I had no idea I was going to have to go to DC on my own dime at a moments notice. Fortunately, for me I have the means to pay for the tickets, time off available to go (unless it lands in the middle of a hearing), and live close to an airport that has daily non-stop flights to DC. Now if I lived in rural Idaho, working a for a small firm with lots of client commitments and getting paid in pennies it might be a much harder decision to make.
You folks in the system have a much better idea of what to expect about the process (not necessarily your personal outcome) than those of us on the outside.
As a resident of the "crapland of America" I can tell you those folks need adjudication as well. While my dream ALJ gig is probably not with SSA I would be happy to have it and grateful for the opportunity to pursue my dream.
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Post by Gaidin on Jul 10, 2013 9:04:08 GMT -5
Why would anybody waste their time and go through the suspense and torture to get an invite to DC and then decide he or she no longer wants to continue onward? These type of individuals were not cut out to be ALJ's in the first place. In my opinion it is a good thing that he or she doesn't follow through after all in trying to be an ALJ. I think you are being to hard on these folks. There are lots of reasons people started this process from simply needing a job to it being their dream. But the time that has been involved to date as well the pending commitment of time and money for a very small shot at the big win may cause people to do something else. Heck people will have probably gotten jobs, fallen in love, found out they were pregnant, moved overseas, or even died all of which was utterly unexpected when they submitted their resume in March or took the test in May. Life is what happens while you are making other plans.
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Post by JudgeRatty on Jul 10, 2013 9:17:29 GMT -5
Why would anybody waste their time and go through the suspense and torture to get an invite to DC and then decide he or she no longer wants to continue onward? These type of individuals were not cut out to be ALJ's in the first place. In my opinion it is a good thing that he or she doesn't follow through after all in trying to be an ALJ. Life is what happens while you are making other plans. AMEN! People are in different places in their lives and have different paths. I am totally committed to this journey and it is a very high priority. But as in any job application process, there will be those that felt like "what the heck, why not" when they applied and then move on to the next step above some who wanted it badly but did not move on. Life. Like Gump said...life is like a box of chocolates.... Frustrating as it may be, I think part of the journey is how to handle that exact frustration and what you do with it. I say this with great respect to moopigsdad and others that have strong opinions as it is clear you know what you want, and you want an ALJ position.
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Post by moopigsdad on Jul 10, 2013 9:30:54 GMT -5
Life is what happens while you are making other plans. AMEN! People are in different places in their lives and have different paths. I am totally committed to this journey and it is a very high priority. But as in any job application process, there will be those that felt like "what the heck, why not" when they applied and then move on to the next step above some who wanted it badly but did not move on. Life. Like Gump said...life is like a box of chocolates.... Frustrating as it may be, I think part of the journey is how to handle that exact frustration and what you do with it. I say this with great respect to moopigsdad and others that have strong opinions as it is clear you know what you want, and you want an ALJ position. I didn't mean to demean anyone with my comments. I apologize to those who felt I did so. I do understand that positions change and you may end up with a different option or you may want to take your life in a different direction. Of course, you should do that completely as everyone should be happy in their choice in life. However, if you have already made that choice, then why are you hanging on to see if you get to go to D.C., especially when you have no intent on going there in the first place? Is it to say, "see I could have went, but chose not to go"? I just think if your mind is made up on not wanting to continue with the process, then cut yourself loose and move on. Yes, I have strong feelings about it. I have been involved in SSA law and regulations for close to thirty years and now, I finally have the opportunity (due to life changes) to go for my dream job. I know even if I am lucky enough to be placed on the Register, I may never get hired, but at least I have a shot. I don't have that opportunity right now. I hope those who pass up that opportunity don't live to regret it later.
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Post by JudgeRatty on Jul 10, 2013 9:37:58 GMT -5
It's all good. Everyone who has been on this board a while knows you did not mean to demean (awkward wording) anyone and would not do so. But I could see the passion in your words about those who still stay in the game even though they have no realistic plans to continue. I hope I didn't sound condescending in any way....certainly did not mean that either! Cue kumbaya lyrics here....LOL!
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Post by cafeta on Jul 10, 2013 9:42:04 GMT -5
Why would anybody waste their time and go through the suspense and torture to get an invite to DC and then decide he or she no longer wants to continue onward? These type of individuals were not cut out to be ALJ's in the first place. In my opinion it is a good thing that he or she doesn't follow through after all in trying to be an ALJ. I think you are being to hard on these folks. There are lots of reasons people started this process from simply needing a job to it being their dream. But the time that has been involved to date as well the pending commitment of time and money for a very small shot at the big win may cause people to do something else. Heck people will have probably gotten jobs, fallen in love, found out they were pregnant, moved overseas, or even died all of which was utterly unexpected when they submitted their resume in March or took the test in May. Life is what happens while you are making other plans. Well put gaidan, well put.
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Post by moopigsdad on Jul 10, 2013 9:47:14 GMT -5
It's all good. Everyone who has been on this board a while knows you did not mean to demean (awkward wording) anyone and would not do so. But I could see the passion in your words about those who still stay in the game even though they have no realistic plans to continue. I hope I didn't sound condescending in any way....certainly did not mean that either! Cue kumbaya lyrics here....LOL! I agree awkward wording....it should have stated "I didn't intend to demean anyone..." Thanks for pointing that out sratty. I know you had no ill intent with your post either. I guess I have become my dad...a crotchety old man...LMAO!
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