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Post by potroast1 on Aug 1, 2014 9:30:28 GMT -5
Thanks agility mom.
There supposedly are still cities for me on this cert. All of those cities still work for my family (re: nearby med. facilities). So, if another offer came, I'd accept it immediately.
I suppose I was wondering whether I'd continue to be considered for this particular cert, since I still have cities open (all of which work for me).
Bob said you could be called again even if you turned down an offer.
And, I must say, Bob was amazingly helpful, and seems like an honest, straightforward fellow.
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Post by alreadyin on Aug 1, 2014 10:00:45 GMT -5
Potroast1-
I normally would never recommend contacting the Great Bob but in your case I might recommend a follow up email. I would thank him for the offer and go on to clarify that you would have loved to have accepted but my family member has a medical condition and there is no specialist in city x but there is the required facility in these other cities on my list. Otherwise, I think the hiring officials may assume you are currently unavailable (regardless of the OPM Regs). They wanted you as a judge and I would think most would be empathetic to your situation. Good luck.
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Post by Missundaztood on Aug 1, 2014 10:13:11 GMT -5
Good luck, potroast1, with the offers and family medical issues.
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Post by hopeful41 on Aug 1, 2014 10:25:14 GMT -5
Potroast1- I normally would never recommend contacting the Great Bob but in your case I might recommend a follow up email. I would thank him for the offer and go on to clarify that you would have loved to have accepted but my family member has a medical condition and there is no specialist in city x but there is the required facility in these other cities on my list. Otherwise, I think the hiring officials may assume you are currently unavailable (regardless of the OPM Regs). They wanted you as a judge and I would think most would be empathetic to your situation. Good luck. As an existing Fed, I've had to contact the great Bob a couple of times in the two days since my offer to tidy up some minor questions. In each case, he was great indeed; very cordial and very helpful. Understanding Bob's business levels at this time (and the board's need for him to focus on making new offers), I'd concur that restraint is probably best, but I concur equally that your situation may warrant further follow-up.
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Post by potroast1 on Aug 1, 2014 10:32:47 GMT -5
Thank you all for your suggestions and advice.
I've struggled with this. I certainly don't want to bother Bob with this sort of issue. He has a lot of more important things to deal with than my issues.
But, based on your posts, I suppose I am worried now that he (and thus other hiring officials) will think that I'm no longer interested for this cert. On the contrary, my family and I are happy for any other city at all on this cert, as they all have the needed medical facilities within driving distance.
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Post by privateatty on Aug 1, 2014 10:58:32 GMT -5
Potroast1- I normally would never recommend contacting the Great Bob but in your case I might recommend a follow up email. I would thank him for the offer and go on to clarify that you would have loved to have accepted but my family member has a medical condition and there is no specialist in city x but there is the required facility in these other cities on my list. Otherwise, I think the hiring officials may assume you are currently unavailable (regardless of the OPM Regs). They wanted you as a judge and I would think most would be empathetic to your situation. Good luck. Yeah, again I don't know squat from diddly, but I do know this Board and in your case and it were me, I'd defintely call Bob. While you don't have a disability that needs accomodating what you are dealing with amounts to one. Bob was kind and professional to you and I'm sure you will return the favor by telling him that you really want the job but that your duty to family under these circumstances comes first. I am sure that the rest of the crew at Puzzle Palace will understand and I would bet that it would increase your chances of getting picked up.
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Post by potroast1 on Aug 1, 2014 11:11:50 GMT -5
Thank you, privateatty.
You are right: Bob was exceedingly professional, patient, and understanding.
This of course is one of those times though that you have to pause a minute before you make that call or send that email. They are no doubt particularly busy now, and I wouldn't want to add to their stress levels.
Yet, as you and others are pointing out, I also don't want them thinking that I'm no longer interested or available for this cert, because I am absolutely interested.
Still mulling it over. Its a difficult call to make.
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Post by 71stretch on Aug 1, 2014 11:24:26 GMT -5
Under the old system, you wouldn't get a second offer in the same cert. Now, who knows. But this really points out his important it is for EVERYONE to be REALLY careful about what cities you leave on your GAL.
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Post by potroast1 on Aug 1, 2014 11:27:19 GMT -5
Really? Under the old system, you couldn't get a second offer on the same cert?
That's a bit frightening. Could Bob be wrong? That's hard to believe, as he really did seem extraordinarily knowledgable.
(and by the way, the issue at hand didn't occur until after I had to list cities).
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Post by wingnut on Aug 1, 2014 11:29:57 GMT -5
I have no experience with this process but I am thinking this may be one of those exceptions to the "Don't call Bob" rule. This really is a follow-up clarification of your situation, not some random call about ETA or anything. If they indeed have the wrong idea or do not re-offer you have nothing to lose since you are out anyway. If they have the wrong idea you have a lot to gain. I honestly think if you WERE being reconsidered for other cities but they cut you off just because you called or emailed to clarify after realizing you may have been less than clear, I would have some serious doubts about the organization. If I think I may have been unclear about something, I do not hesitate to contact my superior, clients, judges (not ex parte of course), staff, etc. I think it would show good sense and not be behavior that is unbecoming of a future ALJ. Best of luck and sorry you got into this awkward and stressful situation. Sorry about the family illness as well. Been there, it is tough.
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Post by potroast1 on Aug 1, 2014 11:38:00 GMT -5
Thank you for your thoughts and kind words, wingnut.
It is tough.
I'm not sure if a call is appropriate, or an email (?)
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Post by Gaidin on Aug 1, 2014 11:38:42 GMT -5
Really? Under the old system, you couldn't get a second offer on the same cert? That's a bit frightening. Could Bob be wrong? That's hard to believe, as he really did seem extraordinarily knowledgable. (and by the way, the issue at hand didn't occur until after I had to list cities). remember though that under the old system there was one cert with many cities. Here each city has its own cert.
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Post by 71stretch on Aug 1, 2014 12:25:03 GMT -5
Really? Under the old system, you couldn't get a second offer on the same cert? That's a bit frightening. Could Bob be wrong? That's hard to believe, as he really did seem extraordinarily knowledgable. (and by the way, the issue at hand didn't occur until after I had to list cities). In the old process, there was literally just one list that covered all the cities. Now, there's a separate list for each city, with apparently a lot of overlapping names across several certs. I think it is possible that they would give you another look for some other city later, depending on how things shake out. the process was always mysterious, and that part hasn't changed. No, I don't think Bob is giving you wrong info.
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Post by potroast1 on Aug 1, 2014 12:53:31 GMT -5
I hope you're right, observer.
I trust Bob over any rumor. Bob really was helpful, and he was clear that you can turn down a city and still be considered for this cert for another city.
In hindsight, I do wish I would've explained the reasons more clearly for why this city, and only this city, didn't work. I did explain that it was due to recently developed "family issues". That doesn't explain that it is a family medical issue, but perhaps he'll understand that.
It's difficult, but I'll just try to remain hopeful that they will consider me for another city.
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Post by gary on Aug 1, 2014 13:02:11 GMT -5
I hope you're right, observer. I trust Bob over any rumor. Bob really was helpful, and he was clear that you can turn down a city and still be considered for this cert for another city. In hindsight, I do wish I would've explained the reasons more clearly for why this city, and only this city, didn't work. I did explain that it was due to recently developed "family issues". That doesn't explain that it is a family medical issue, but perhaps he'll understand that. It's difficult, but I'll just try to remain hopeful that they will consider me for another city. I agree with those who have said you should get back in touch with Bob about this. If you are reticent to call when Bob is so busy, I think the email idea is a great one. In a short, to the point, email you can thank him, and give him that clearer explanation you wish you'd given on the phone. Bob can read your email when he wants so you wouldn't be inconveniencing him much, if at all. And this is, after all, a part of his job.
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Post by potroast1 on Aug 1, 2014 13:25:01 GMT -5
That's good advice.
I suppose I'll start drafting an email.
I'm apprehensive about bothering Bob during this busy time.
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Post by ok1956 on Aug 1, 2014 14:27:38 GMT -5
That's good advice. I suppose I'll start drafting an email. I'm apprehensive about bothering Bob during this busy time. Potroast1: I get that you are concerned about bothering Bob during this busy time - but I agree with the others who have encouraged you to contact him - if there is the slightest chance that you left him with the impression that your change in circumstances means you are not currently interested in ANY city on the cert, you need to contact him ASAP - especially if there are, as I believe you have said, other cities on this cert that would satisfy your needs medical-wise. I would hate to think that your reticence cost you a position. Just my 2 cents worth.
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Post by potroast1 on Aug 1, 2014 14:33:32 GMT -5
Thanks so much, ok.
I'm trying to decide between calling and emailing. Leaning toward an email; but, in a way, its easier by phone.
Everyone has been so very helpful and supportive. Thank you all.
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Post by luckylady2 on Aug 1, 2014 15:18:47 GMT -5
PotRoast - call. And call now. You can answer any questions he may have and it's more immediate. They are in the middle of doling out offers and you certainly don't want an alternative that would have been offered to you to disappear while you fret about this.
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Post by futuressaalj on Aug 1, 2014 15:51:11 GMT -5
I do not know the specifics of potroast's situation and if it changed since he was notified he was on a cert for the location he was offered a job in. My post is not meant to be a slam on him but for those of us who expect to be on latter certs can learn a lesson from Potroast's dilemna. The lesson is that you should take off any locations you cannot accept a job offer in because you might just get a job offer there and not be able to accept thereby putting you in a quandry.
When I initially filled out my GAL I put down about 60 cities but with the passage of time, there are about 20 locations that I know I cannot accept a job in. So if those cities show up on my notification, I am taking them off.
Potroast1--hope it works out for you.
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