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Post by jagghagg on Jan 7, 2008 6:16:29 GMT -5
("Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will, but remember it didn't work for the rabbit." R.E. Shay)
("If you're going through hell, keep going." Winston Churchill)
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Post by secondchance on Jan 7, 2008 11:15:02 GMT -5
Great idea, jagghagg, especially for those of us w/later interviews. Believe me, 1/30 wasn't my choice, I didn't get my call till 12/19! This board has been SUCH a source of info and support, I look forward to whatever is appropriate from those of you interviewing toward the beginning of the process. Good luck to all!
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Post by tootsie on Jan 8, 2008 19:38:42 GMT -5
Be reassured. The interview was cordial - and the interviewers seemed to work to establish rapport. The building however is not user-friendly. Restrooms are locked, and there's really no place to "hang out" if your plane drops you off early, except for the "cafeteria" which is kind of like a convenience gas station, but with fewer amenities...I wished I'd stayed in the airport a bit longer (OK does that spell it out?)
On the plus side, the weather was phenomenal today (high in the 70's) and the taxi driver found the place with no problem.
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Post by gromit on Jan 8, 2008 20:04:39 GMT -5
Thanks for the reassurance. tootsie. That was kind of you.
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Post by morgullord on Jan 9, 2008 9:29:01 GMT -5
I interviewed yesterday at 4 PM. I arrived at OCALJ an hour early (who knew Delta would land on time?) and was well-received. The waiting room was comfortable and quiet. There is a form to complete; it took less than 3 minutes. Also, I got the opportunity to meet and speak with the lovely njlawyer.
The OCALJ staff was friendly.
The interviewers (two HOCALJs for me) did their best to make the interview as painless as possible. The two hours went quickly.
In the interest of maintaining a level playing field for njlawyer, the others who interviewed yesterday, and myself, of course, I am not going to reveal any questions asked during the interview. By this time, if you have given any thought to what an ALJ does, you already have your answers. The interview is scripted and none of the questions will take you by surprise.
BTW, members of the OCALJ staff read the postings on this site regularly.
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Post by testtaker on Jan 9, 2008 12:17:11 GMT -5
Thanks Tootsie & Morgullord for your posts. Tootsie, please see the private message I sent you asking about logistics, etc. Thanks.
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Post by nonamouse on Jan 9, 2008 14:13:28 GMT -5
Can anyone advise how long it took to get from the airport to the interview site by cab? Also what time of day was involved (rush hour or not)? I won't have a lot of time to spare if my flight has any delays.
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Post by privateatty on Jan 9, 2008 14:33:27 GMT -5
Thanks for your kind consideration jagghagg, tootsie and morgullord.
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Post by jagghagg on Jan 9, 2008 14:34:30 GMT -5
Can anyone advise how long it took to get from the airport to the interview site by cab? Also what time of day was involved (rush hour or not)? I won't have a lot of time to spare if my flight has any delays. Depends on what airport you are coming from. If you come from National, you are not that far away from the SSA headquarters, about 5.5 miles. A cab could get you there in about 10-15 minutes if you are not coming during rush hour. Rush hour in DC ? 7-9AM and 3-7PM. If you are coming from Dulles, on the other hand, you're talking 25 miles and between 35-60 minutes depending on traffic.
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Post by tootsie on Jan 9, 2008 15:49:00 GMT -5
It took me about 20 minutes from National during rush hour, and about 10 minutes (with a cab driver who READ me poetry while driving) on the way back NOT during rush hour (thank God!).
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Post by testtaker on Jan 9, 2008 18:04:30 GMT -5
Poetry? Hmmmmm. I hope he was just reciting and not actually reading while driving!
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Post by southerner on Jan 9, 2008 19:51:07 GMT -5
10 minutes from DCA (Reagan) at 10am.
I am staying at Homewood as it is across pike from ODAR HQ. I walked over and it took under 10 minutes, but I have been on details there and knew my way around.
Warning--the buildings are warm. I wore a suit and it was appropriate as did the other gentlemen. There were 6 of us at my time of scheduling.
The staff was very nice, even suggesting a quick visit to make use of facilities beforehand. We were given forms to complete for any reimbursement we might seek. Receipts are recommended for taxis, etc. You have 5 days to return form to OCALJ --they furnish addressed manila envelope for you to mail. An invoice will be sent to you to sign an original. Reimbursement can be direct deposit or by check.
I had 2 HOCAL's and a HOD as note-taker. All were very nice and pleasant and I felt comfortable during the entire interview. The questions are reasonable. I felt better about the process today then after the 3-person OPM panel interview.
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Post by chris on Jan 9, 2008 23:22:17 GMT -5
I interviewed yesterday at 4 PM. I arrived at OCALJ an hour early (who knew Delta would land on time?) and was well-received. The waiting room was comfortable and quiet. There is a form to complete; it took less than 3 minutes. Also, I got the opportunity to meet and speak with the lovely njlawyer. The OCALJ staff was friendly. The interviewers (two HOCALJs for me) did their best to make the interview as painless as possible. The two hours went quickly. In the interest of maintaining a level playing field for njlawyer, the others who interviewed yesterday, and myself, of course, I am not going to reveal any questions asked during the interview. By this time, if you have given any thought to what an ALJ does, you already have your answers. The interview is scripted and none of the questions will take you by surprise. BTW, members of the OCALJ staff read the postings on this site regularly. Hi Morgullord, How did you identify njlawyer? Tattoos? Secret handshake? Did you really go the full two hours? How did you find out about the OCALJ staff reading this board? Thanks, Chris
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Post by morgullord on Jan 10, 2008 10:24:22 GMT -5
While I was in the waiting area, another interviewee came in. After she had an opportunity to complete the form, I ambled over (I amble everywhere) and introduced myself with my real world name; njlawyer did likewise. I then asked her if she was part of the ALJ Discussion blog, stating my screen name immediately. She replied by telling her her screen name. Another interviewee was there; he knew nothing of this site, so I told him how to find it.
I must admit, the frog choking the flamingo that was trying to swallow it tattoo tipped me off that njlawyer was one of us.
The interview took two full hours but the time raced.
As I was being escorted to my interview room, my escort revealed familiarity regarding our site by repeating things that have been posted here. From my escort's tone and demeanor, I drew no negative feelings towards our blogsite.
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Post by southerner on Jan 10, 2008 13:46:19 GMT -5
10 minutes from DCA (Reagan) at 10am. I am staying at Homewood as it is across pike from ODAR HQ. I walked over and it took under 10 minutes, but I have been on details there and knew my way around. Warning--the buildings are warm. I wore a suit and it was appropriate as did the other gentlemen. There were 6 of us at my time of scheduling. The staff was very nice, even suggesting a quick visit to make use of facilities beforehand. We were given forms to complete for any reimbursement we might seek. Receipts are recommended for taxis, etc. You have 5 days to return form to OCALJ --they furnish addressed manila envelope for you to mail. An invoice will be sent to you to sign an original. Reimbursement can be direct deposit or by check. I had 2 HOCAL's and a HOD as note-taker. All were very nice and pleasant and I felt comfortable during the entire interview. The questions are reasonable. I felt better about the process today then after the 3-person OPM panel interview. Hi Southerner, Thanks for the details. How was Homewood? Where did you eat breakfast? Thanks, Chris Homewood was quite nice. I ate breakfast there (gratis). Dinner on weekdays is also gratis (last nights was beef stew w/bisquits, salad bar fixings, and freshly-baked cookies) w/soft drinks and lemonade available. Coffee, hot choc and tea are 24/7 in lobby. B'fast commences at 6am weekdays. Dinner is 5-7pm. This morning, I asked hotel front desk to call a cab for DCA and it arrived 10 minutes later. The drive, at 7:20am, took 24 minutes. So, allow for time to check in if departing during peak hours. S
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Post by southerner on Jan 10, 2008 13:50:37 GMT -5
One other point. I took a carry-on only, so was going to visit Target next to ODAR buildings, but Homewood had most of what I needed in travel sizes, e.g., shampoo, batteries, shaving cream in an alcove adjacent to front desk and across from coffee site. There are also some food items, incl. Lean Cuisine, ice cream, etc. The suites have refrigerator, microwave, oven, utensils, plates, and the like.
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Post by camedlaw on Jan 10, 2008 14:10:00 GMT -5
I just finished my interview and decided to type this up from the (free) internet computer at Hampton Inn. This hotel is right next to Homewood and it's very good. Concur with all comments re interviews thus far. Entry to the building is the biggest problem - I walked the 10-15 minutes and entered through the garage. Turns out the "front door" opens out into a plaza that takes some doing to get to from street level. I was able to give directions to someone coming in - go across the pedestrian bridge on the crosstreet with Leesburg Pike - I think it's George Mason Drive. That is perhaps more dignified than coming in from the garage - just get to the upper bank of elevators. Enjoyed the brief chats with other folks waiting. Fill out one piece of paper and get the travel claim info. My interview also lasted nearly 2 hours with open-ended questions focussed on fairly straightforward challenges and issues. Seems to be aimed on allowing them to make an informed subjective opinion on whether you can handle "it" as an ALJ and whether they would want to work with you. As previously indicated, very cordial and no artificiality or posturing. Off to the airport. Luck to all (possibly excepting those competing with my places.)
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Post by Waffle on Jan 10, 2008 14:57:21 GMT -5
Great post, Conversemountain! We all appreciate the info.
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Post by corrina on Jan 10, 2008 21:48:38 GMT -5
As stated by all above, the interview was a thorough exploration of the applicant's experience, and was most friendly.
Based on my own experience, the most important direction I can give to local interviewees is to avoid 495, if at all possible, during the later hours of the afternoon. If you take 495, you may discover, as I did, to my great regret, that you have no control of your own schedule.
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Post by jagghagg on Jan 11, 2008 5:25:56 GMT -5
Greetings and Salutations, Troops ! My interview was yesterday and, given the determination we are going to share nothing more than logistics, I have little to add except go to suite 1608 instead of 1607. There is a sign telling you that as you get off the elevator, but yesterday it was off to the side and most of us missed it. Poor people at the solid wood door (at 1607) kept having to open to our knock and then lead us down to the waiting area. Suite 1608 is a glass door. Also, ya gotta fill out a single sheet of paperwork when you get there which asks you about your federal service (again) and if you've ever worked for SSA in any way, shape or form; and it asks you to reiterate your education, dates, and degrees. For those of you traveling from outside the DC area, you will also be given a manila envelope with instructions on how to file your travel voucher. It's kinda fun to be one of the "poster people"; the secret handshake doesn't do it and my Capt'n Crunch decoder ring didn't help. It took smooth and ingenious questioning to ferret each other out: "Sooooo... did you discover the ALJ Boards ? Are you on them ? Lottsa good information there, huh ? Hmmmmmm ? Hmmmmm ? And you would be ... ??"
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