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Post by sandiferhands (old) on Jan 21, 2015 10:27:06 GMT -5
Good luck all. Wear deodorant. Heeheehee. I forgot to bring deodorant when I went for the WD. At first I thought, aha! Stink out the competition! Then I regained my senses and stopped by 7-11 to grab a stick before I went into the OPM building. Turns out, OPM was in a different climate zone, and I didn't need it. But I definitely recommend it for the ODAR interview. Best of luck, yellowbird, and to anyone else interviewing today! Hahaha! Nice. Glad to see you didn't have an indelicate moment there. Reminds me of an incident a few years back when I had a hearing at a state Board here, and dressed in my black suit and shoes--but had totally forgotten to pack black socks. Or any socks at all, for that matter. I would be sitting at a table before the Board, ankles showing, so going without was not an option. I drove around frantically looking for a convenience store of some sort where I might buy a pair. I saw a random guy walking down the street wearing black socks with black sneakers, and seriously, seriously considered offering him $10 for his pair right then and there. Fortunately, I found a CVS right then and solved the problem in time for my hearing. Moral of the story: For many of us, a black robe will be an essential and utilitarian wardrobe item.
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Post by ok1956 on Jan 21, 2015 11:01:33 GMT -5
At airport for first leg of my trip for interview tomorrow!
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Post by gary on Jan 21, 2015 11:05:06 GMT -5
At airport for first leg of my trip for interview tomorrow! Good luck!
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Post by moopigsdad on Jan 21, 2015 11:20:21 GMT -5
At airport for first leg of my trip for interview tomorrow! Good luck and safe travels ok1956.
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Post by sandiferhands (old) on Jan 21, 2015 11:35:29 GMT -5
Good luck ok1956!
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Post by Gaidin on Jan 21, 2015 14:31:53 GMT -5
Hahaha! Nice. Glad to see you didn't have an indelicate moment there. Reminds me of an incident a few years back when I had a hearing at a state Board here, and dressed in my black suit and shoes--but had totally forgotten to pack black socks. Or any socks at all, for that matter. I would be sitting at a table before the Board, ankles showing, so going without was not an option. I drove around frantically looking for a convenience store of some sort where I might buy a pair. I saw a random guy walking down the street wearing black socks with black sneakers, and seriously, seriously considered offering him $10 for his pair right then and there. Fortunately, I found a CVS right then and solved the problem in time for my hearing. Moral of the story: For many of us, a black robe will be an essential and utilitarian wardrobe item. Sandi, that's a great story. My best experience was when I visited an inmate at a federal correctional facility. I wore a navy jacket, tie and tan slacks. The guards refused to let me in because the inmates' uniform included ... tan chinos. I thought I would have to go into town to buy some dark slacks until I discovered some blue sweat pants in the trunk of my car The sweats covered the offending slacks, and so I was no longer an "escape risk." I was admitted into the facility, sweat pants and all, and am sure that if that inmate ever filed for post-conviction relief it would be because he had a lawyer who showed up dressed for the gym. In any event, good luck to all who are interviewing this week. That beats my wardrobe malfunction story by a mile.
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Post by Missundaztood on Jan 21, 2015 14:46:35 GMT -5
Hahaha! Nice. Glad to see you didn't have an indelicate moment there. Reminds me of an incident a few years back when I had a hearing at a state Board here, and dressed in my black suit and shoes--but had totally forgotten to pack black socks. Or any socks at all, for that matter. I would be sitting at a table before the Board, ankles showing, so going without was not an option. I drove around frantically looking for a convenience store of some sort where I might buy a pair. I saw a random guy walking down the street wearing black socks with black sneakers, and seriously, seriously considered offering him $10 for his pair right then and there. Fortunately, I found a CVS right then and solved the problem in time for my hearing. Moral of the story: For many of us, a black robe will be an essential and utilitarian wardrobe item. Sandi, that's a great story. My best experience was when I visited an inmate at a federal correctional facility. I wore a navy jacket, tie and tan slacks. The guards refused to let me in because the inmates' uniform included ... tan chinos. I thought I would have to go into town to buy some dark slacks until I discovered some blue sweat pants in the trunk of my car The sweats covered the offending slacks, and so I was no longer an "escape risk." I was admitted into the facility, sweat pants and all, and am sure that if that inmate ever filed for post-conviction relief it would be because he had a lawyer who showed up dressed for the gym. In any event, good luck to all who are interviewing this week. Now I know why awhile back we started getting all the emails about the dress code while visiting FDC...
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Post by sealaw90 on Jan 21, 2015 14:53:11 GMT -5
Exactly Miss. And all of us 5 and 10 point vets have our own versions of uniform "wardrobe" malfunction stories. Equally funny and embarrassing!
I am waiting to hear from our interviewees from today, and good luck to ok 1956 for tomorrow!
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Post by hamster on Jan 21, 2015 16:56:40 GMT -5
That's a great feeling, Yellowbird! Relax, focus, and knock 'em dead!! Not literally though. The last guy who murdered an interviewer got a "not recommended." Not sure if they three-struck him. However, he is now an Immigration Judge.
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Post by sandiferhands (old) on Jan 21, 2015 17:38:23 GMT -5
Sandi, that's a great story. My best experience was when I visited an inmate at a federal correctional facility. I wore a navy jacket, tie and tan slacks. The guards refused to let me in because the inmates' uniform included ... tan chinos. I thought I would have to go into town to buy some dark slacks until I discovered some blue sweat pants in the trunk of my car The sweats covered the offending slacks, and so I was no longer an "escape risk." I was admitted into the facility, sweat pants and all, and am sure that if that inmate ever filed for post-conviction relief it would be because he had a lawyer who showed up dressed for the gym. In any event, good luck to all who are interviewing this week. Any guy who can rock the sport jacket and sweat pants look--in prison, no less--is ALJ material, for sure.
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Post by hondo35 on Jan 21, 2015 22:29:28 GMT -5
Good luck, ok1956!
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Post by yellowbird on Jan 21, 2015 22:30:43 GMT -5
No wardrobe malfunctions today and I did not toss my cookies. There were 3 others interviewing during my time slot. As with previous reports, everyone I encountered was courteous and professional. Now, I am trying to "Let it Go" and not kick myself for one of my answers.
Is there any protocol for sending thank you notes/emails to the interviewers after the SSA interview?
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Post by gary on Jan 21, 2015 22:59:04 GMT -5
No wardrobe malfunctions today and I did not toss my cookies. There were 3 others interviewing during my time slot. As with previous reports, everyone I encountered was courteous and professional. Now, I am trying to "Let it Go" and not kick myself for one of my answers. Is there any protocol for sending thank you notes/emails to the interviewers after the SSA interview? No wardrobe malfunction? Cookies completely untossed? How on earth are you going to stand out from the crowd? I'm sure you did fine and now can wait with the rest of us.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2015 23:49:50 GMT -5
At airport for first leg of my trip for interview tomorrow! Good Luck ok1956, you will rock the ODAR interview! Just remember to "breathe" and relax, you have the skills, knowledge, and talent to be a great ALJ, now just show that to the ALJs that will interview you.
tiger
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Post by sandiferhands (old) on Jan 21, 2015 23:53:54 GMT -5
No wardrobe malfunctions today and I did not toss my cookies. There were 3 others interviewing during my time slot. As with previous reports, everyone I encountered was courteous and professional. Now, I am trying to "Let it Go" and not kick myself for one of my answers. Is there any protocol for sending thank you notes/emails to the interviewers after the SSA interview? Awesome, Yb! I have no idea about the TY note thing, but you're the first person I'ver ever heard mention it, and JMHO would be that it would be a big no no. I'd suggest you let some of the more experience people here weigh in before you send anything.
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Post by anotherfed on Jan 22, 2015 6:46:28 GMT -5
YB, I think the normal rules of business etiquette are suspended for this process. I took courtesy copies of my CV to the SI, and the panel looked at me like I had three heads. The gesture was not appreciated, and I'm sure it was promptly deposited in the circular file as soon as I left the room. I think the reason for the movement to structured interviews (at OPM and in other settings -- I'm told more employers are using them) is an effort to interview everyone on equal footing, so that all candidates can be compared more objectively, and not influenced by other factors (better shoes, courtesy copies, an organic interview that takes a different direction, common hobbies, etc). I understand the reasoning, but lament the loss of Emily Post niceties. I would assume that the ODAR interview should be handled similarly.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2015 6:47:49 GMT -5
Is there any protocol for sending thank you notes/emails to the interviewers after the SSA interview? Yes......don't even think about it let alone post about it.
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Post by hamster on Jan 22, 2015 7:08:31 GMT -5
YB, I think the normal rules of business etiquette are suspended for this process. I took courtesy copies of my CV to the SI, and the panel looked at me like I had three heads. The gesture was not appreciated, and I'm sure it was promptly deposited in the circular file as soon as I left the room. I think the reason for the movement to structured interviews is an effort to interview everyone on equal footing, so that all candidates can be compared more objectively, and not influenced by other factors (better shoes, courtesy copies, an organic interview that takes a different direction, common hobbies, etc). I understand the reasoning, but lament the loss of Emily Post niceties. Anotherfed: I know you did great, along with our other interviewees like YB and OK. However, they wouldn't have "round filed" your CV. It contains PII. They would have SHREDDED it! Get with the program.... Good luck to all! Best, Hamster
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Post by anotherfed on Jan 22, 2015 7:42:26 GMT -5
YB, I think the normal rules of business etiquette are suspended for this process. I took courtesy copies of my CV to the SI, and the panel looked at me like I had three heads. The gesture was not appreciated, and I'm sure it was promptly deposited in the circular file as soon as I left the room. I think the reason for the movement to structured interviews is an effort to interview everyone on equal footing, so that all candidates can be compared more objectively, and not influenced by other factors (better shoes, courtesy copies, an organic interview that takes a different direction, common hobbies, etc). I understand the reasoning, but lament the loss of Emily Post niceties. Anotherfed: I know you did great, along with our other interviewees like YB and OK. However, they wouldn't have "round filed" your CV. It contains PII. They would have SHREDDED it! Get with the program.... Good luck to all! Best, Hamster You're right, how could I make that mistake? But shredder or burn bag? I must have squeaked by the SI, but I felt better after the ODAR Interview. I did, however, learn the lesson from both experiences: DO NOT DEVIATE. OK1956 will do great -- she will knock their socks off. I don't know YB as well, but anyone who knows her Emily Post will make a great impression in any encounter.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2015 7:46:20 GMT -5
Note to interviewees:
1. Do not bring any writing instrument. 2. Do not bring any paper. 3. Do not bring laptop. 4. Turn off your cellphone, not just airplane mode, but completely turn off. 5. Dress yourself like you would as an agent Scully or Mulder on X-Files, with proper ID. 6. Do not chew gum. 7. Sit up straight. 8. Listen to question. 9. Answer the question. 10. Wait for next question. 11. Say thank you and leave.
You are being interviewed by the United States government for a lifetime position with incredible benefits responsible for literally tens/hundreds millions of dollars passing thumbs up or thumbs down over your career. This is not a private sector kickback and tell us all about yourself interview for a job where you are going to meet your boss, co-employees, and know your work location. The USA already knows everything they need to know about you, they are now simply conducting an in persona "look see" of you in comparison to all the others placed in the same control box. Just listen and answer the questions is all that is required.
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