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Post by 71stretch on Aug 19, 2013 4:57:10 GMT -5
Should I advance, my intent is to further narrow my already very limited GAL. It is not that I don't understand the process or cannot move elsewhere. I guess I don't "want this job badly enough." Put another way, I have peace of mind with the choices I'm making -- and if I don't land a position in the couple of cities where I want to live and know I'd be happy, c'est la vie. Then you have it right. Everyone should approach it in the way that works for them. But, knowing how the process works makes yours an informed decision. Good luck!
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Post by meglev on Aug 19, 2013 6:50:49 GMT -5
Should I advance, my intent is to further narrow my already very limited GAL. It is not that I don't understand the process or cannot move elsewhere. I guess I don't "want this job badly enough." Put another way, I have peace of mind with the choices I'm making -- and if I don't land a position in the couple of cities where I want to live and know I'd be happy, c'est la vie. This was the result of inquiring OPM about modifying my GAL. I emphasized the add or remove portion. In the past, the GAL could be reduced when the cert was completed. Now? YMMV: The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA), number ALJ2013-847661 is currently closed to the receipt of applications except as required by 5 CFR 332.311. As stated in the 2013 ALJ JOA: “Please carefully select the geographical locations where you would be willing to accept an appointment as an ALJ by an agency of the Federal Government. Once this ALJ Job Opportunity Announcement closes, you will not be able to change (i.e., add or remove) your selected geographical location(s) until the next ALJ Job Opportunity Announcement open period.” Accordingly, requests to revise geographical locations cannot be accepted at this time. Sincerely, Administrative Law Judge Program Office
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Post by moopigsdad on Aug 19, 2013 7:58:30 GMT -5
Should I advance, my intent is to further narrow my already very limited GAL. It is not that I don't understand the process or cannot move elsewhere. I guess I don't "want this job badly enough." Put another way, I have peace of mind with the choices I'm making -- and if I don't land a position in the couple of cities where I want to live and know I'd be happy, c'est la vie. That's what everyone's perspective should be. Our individual levels of "badly enough" are all different. I agree as I think everyone has to make the choice that best fits their needs. It isn't about wanting the job bad enough, but more about the choices one is willing to live with in the long run. I have a wide GAL, but it doesn't mean I may accept a position anywhere. I can always limit it when a cert opens stating I am no longer interested in certain locations by not checking the box for that location. It is easier for you to refuse a job or location if offered (although it may ruin future opportunities) than to try to get OPM or SSA to offer you a job or location you did not request or have on your GAL (it is not going to happen).
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Post by jd on Aug 19, 2013 9:57:20 GMT -5
Just to reiterate what was said in a post above, the room at OPM was very cold.
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Post by crab on Aug 19, 2013 10:04:48 GMT -5
Thanks for the reminder, jd! Gives me an excuse to wear my lucky hat!
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Post by crab on Aug 19, 2013 17:05:55 GMT -5
So I was wondering, just how cold is cold. For those reporting cold, would it still have been cold in a suit? Or is it a long underwear under your suit kinda cold?
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Post by zepplin on Aug 19, 2013 17:16:16 GMT -5
So I was wondering, just how cold is cold. For those reporting cold, would it still have been cold in a suit? Or is it a long underwear under your suit kinda cold? I was not cold at all. Suit pants, light shirt, very thin cover jacket thing over light shirt. I didn't hear anyone complain about it being cold either. Maybe the proctors have some control?
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Post by crab on Aug 19, 2013 17:36:44 GMT -5
Thanks zepplin!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2013 21:07:24 GMT -5
I was cold when I first got into room. I put on my light sweater and did not notice temp once test started. I think being nervous has something to do with being cold.
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Post by mikeinthehills on Aug 21, 2013 6:49:47 GMT -5
I stayed at Embassy Suites. I thought it was too expensive and not that great. I didn't need the extra room, the plumbing was old and made noises, terrible shower pressure (considering the price), and the only staff that was helpful was the porter who hailed me a cab. Room service was decent. I'd suggest the Marriott--it is right across the street and less expensive. I took a cab to OPM--about 10 bucks with tip. There is a nice free breakfast at Embassy Suites and a thingytail hours but the snacks were not that great. Hi Harry, can you give us any information on the test takers? How many were in the room. The first two weeks it seems as though 25 - 28 was the average. Is that still the case? Did you talk to any of the other test takers about their current jobs or locations or GAL? Inquiring minds want to know : ).
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Post by sealaw90 on Aug 21, 2013 9:24:38 GMT -5
I stayed at Embassy Suites. I thought it was too expensive and not that great. I didn't need the extra room, the plumbing was old and made noises, terrible shower pressure (considering the price), and the only staff that was helpful was the porter who hailed me a cab. Room service was decent. I'd suggest the Marriott--it is right across the street and less expensive. I took a cab to OPM--about 10 bucks with tip. There is a nice free breakfast at Embassy Suites and a thingytail hours but the snacks were not that great. Harry, I have stayed in that Marriott and it is much nicer than the Embassy Suites. I still recommend the Courtyard Foggy Bottom by OPM - basically a brand new hotel with nice showers and quiet pipes. Please do tell us how many folks were testing with you, and good luck!
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Post by trekker on Aug 21, 2013 9:39:04 GMT -5
I am getting daily msgs from OPM reminding me that I have a test next week. Did others get them as well?
And thanks for the report.
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Post by sandiferhands (old) on Aug 21, 2013 9:48:49 GMT -5
trekker: LOL, but when I first saw your avatar I thought "Guy has a cat and a 'possum?"
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Post by moopigsdad on Aug 21, 2013 9:59:31 GMT -5
I am getting daily msgs from OPM reminding me that I have a test next week. Did others get them as well? And thanks for the report. trekker: LOL, but when I first saw your avatar I thought "Guy has a cat and a 'possum?" trekker, ignore those who think you have a cat and an opossum. I can clearly see you have a cat and a dog. Evidently, many people have never seen an opossum in real life. I love the dog by the way. Nothing against cats, but I love dogs much more. Thanks for the great avatar photo.
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Post by JudgeRatty on Aug 22, 2013 20:07:36 GMT -5
Trip report for 8/21 and 8/22 (today): I can confirm the SSN theory as others have. All in my group has SSNs from the VA area even though some no longer live there (like me). Yes, the OPM room is very cold. State Plaza walk is very short to the OPM building & they will hold your bags until you return from testing. I moved over to the Embassy the 2nd night since my SI was at 815 am. When you get to the Embassy Suites, ask at the desk and they will tell you where the SI rooms are located, and it will be apparent once you get off the elevator--signs are clearly marked. Breakfast at the Embassy was 0630-0930 and was included so no extra charge. I am VERY happy to have all of this completed! Met up with a few folks from the board but the vast majority of the people testing had either (1) never heard of this forum or (2) did not realize the value. Many did not understand the process at all which is not surprising considering how much we all learn from this board. Good luck to all who have yet to complete the process!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2013 9:22:29 GMT -5
Trip report for 8/21 and 8/22 (today): I can confirm the SSN theory as others have. All in my group has SSNs from the VA area even though some no longer live there (like me). Yes, the OPM room is very cold. State Plaza walk is very short to the OPM building & they will hold your bags until you return from testing. I moved over to the Embassy the 2nd night since my SI was at 815 am. When you get to the Embassy Suites, ask at the desk and they will tell you where the SI rooms are located, and it will be apparent once you get off the elevator--signs are clearly marked. Breakfast at the Embassy was 0630-0930 and was included so no extra charge. I am VERY happy to have all of this completed! Met up with a few folks from the board but the vast majority of the people testing had either (1) never heard of this forum or (2) did not realize the value. Many did not understand the process at all which is not surprising considering how much we all learn from this board. Good luck to all who have yet to complete the process! Congrats on finishing up! I know the elation you feel-- Have a great weekend.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2013 9:24:49 GMT -5
I am getting daily msgs from OPM reminding me that I have a test next week. Did others get them as well? And thanks for the report. trekker: LOL, but when I first saw your avatar I thought "Guy has a cat and a 'possum?" trekker, ignore those who think you have a cat and an opossum. I can clearly see you have a cat and a dog. Evidently, many people have never seen an opossum in real life. I love the dog by the way. Nothing against cats, but I love dogs much more. Thanks for the great avatar photo. LOL, the old man in the picture has a new wave hair style that does make him look like a possum but if you look closely you can see that he is a K9
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Post by trekker on Aug 23, 2013 12:47:59 GMT -5
His smaller brother knew he was a K9 - all whopping 9 lbs of him. (He died before this picture was taken and the cat was bigger than both dogs but the K9 was the alpha male.) I can hardly wait until next week is over. Maybe I can relax until they start putting us on certs. Best of luck to all of us still on the testing track.
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Post by JudgeRatty on Aug 23, 2013 15:30:05 GMT -5
Trip report for 8/21 and 8/22 (today): I can confirm the SSN theory as others have. All in my group has SSNs from the VA area even though some no longer live there (like me). Yes, the OPM room is very cold. State Plaza walk is very short to the OPM building & they will hold your bags until you return from testing. I moved over to the Embassy the 2nd night since my SI was at 815 am. When you get to the Embassy Suites, ask at the desk and they will tell you where the SI rooms are located, and it will be apparent once you get off the elevator--signs are clearly marked. Breakfast at the Embassy was 0630-0930 and was included so no extra charge. I am VERY happy to have all of this completed! Met up with a few folks from the board but the vast majority of the people testing had either (1) never heard of this forum or (2) did not realize the value. Many did not understand the process at all which is not surprising considering how much we all learn from this board. Good luck to all who have yet to complete the process! Congrats on finishing up! I know the elation you feel-- Have a great weekend. Thanks exjag!
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Post by anotherfed on Aug 24, 2013 21:17:48 GMT -5
Longtime lurker, first time poster. Glad the week is done. OPM was very cold. I wore a polar fleece and was still cold. No bean bag chair in the SI, but the lava lamp really threw me...
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