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Post by rp on Oct 20, 2016 15:41:04 GMT -5
I would also like to know if there is anything else to do but wait -- and of course -- read this Board -- on a daily basis -- for all the great information it contains.
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Post by tlk549 on Oct 20, 2016 16:27:52 GMT -5
With respect to the Earthquake Drill, seriously??? Could that have been more annoying??
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Post by joeybear on Oct 20, 2016 21:35:45 GMT -5
If anyone still needs to find a reasonable hotel option I would recommend the Comfort Inn Pentagon City. They had very reasonable rates and are located roughly 4 miles to both OPM and the SI. Clean, safe, decent with a free breakfast and shuttle to the Metro and the airport.
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Post by Gaidin on Oct 21, 2016 0:46:26 GMT -5
So throughout this process I have tried to only focus on the step immediately ahead of me, but now after doing the exam and interview there is really nothing to do but wait, correct? I've read a lot of posts on here and that seems to be the message I am taking away but figured since I have nothing else to add I might as well make sure I haven't misunderstood the process (I am a complete "outsider"). And it seems best just to put it out of my mind until at least June or so best I can tell. Good luck to everyone yet to take the test and interview. Rogers Hornsby was once asked what he did when baseball season ended and he replied "Look out the window and wait for Spring." I suggest you get comfy by the window because there isn't much else to do on this front.
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Post by Mjǿlner on Oct 21, 2016 8:24:44 GMT -5
With respect to the Earthquake Drill, seriously??? Could that have been more annoying?? I have to give the OPM testing staff a good review for the way that they handled it. We probably got started about a half hour late in order to allow for all the announcements and klaxons to finish going off. The time that we took the test was completely uninterrupted.
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Post by rp on Oct 21, 2016 9:13:04 GMT -5
With respect to the Earthquake Drill, seriously??? Could that have been more annoying?? I have to give the OPM testing staff a good review for the way that they handled it. We probably got started about a half hour late in order to allow for all the announcements and klaxons to finish going off. The time that we took the test was completely uninterrupted. That's good news. I also found the OPM testing staff to be excellent. As I went through the process I couldn't help but wonder how they maintain such a positive attitude day after day administering this god-forsaken test.
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Post by aljalex on Oct 21, 2016 13:25:21 GMT -5
Because they are not the one's taking it! I'm dreading the possibility of having to take it again! Hopefully, there won't be any need...
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Post by SaveMeASeat on Oct 22, 2016 12:40:42 GMT -5
Not exactly on topic but interesting. This OPM job announcement for a personnel research psychologist stating that one position is for "One Psychologist will serve as an assessment expert and provide assessment support for the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) examination." Link to job announcement here: www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/454053300
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Post by dragon on Oct 22, 2016 18:12:14 GMT -5
"I couldn't help but wonder how they maintain such a positive attitude day after day administering this god-forsaken test".[/quote]
One of the people administering the test stated that they all volunteered to proctor for that week only. That's probably how they stayed so patient and kind with all the questions! We were lucky to have a wonderful group that week.
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Post by christina on Oct 22, 2016 19:12:24 GMT -5
Testing today included an added bonus and earthquake evacuation drill! Well that is not cool
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Post by Mjǿlner on Oct 22, 2016 20:07:53 GMT -5
I want to highly recommend the Marriott Residence Inn on Duke Street in Alexandria as a place to stay before the SI. It was a convenient 2 block walk to the Embassy Suites which can be entered from Duke Street.
The Marriott gave me the military rate, which was $230, including my wife, for 10/20/2016 based on my retired status. Embassy Suites had no military rate rooms available so I don't know if they would give the military rate to someone who wasn't traveling on orders. The cheapest room available at The Embassy Suites was over $350, so it was well worth the walk.
As an outsider I enjoyed getting the opportunity to talk to some of the other candidates particularly those who have experience working for the agency and representing claimants.
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Post by stonehouse on Oct 23, 2016 18:19:24 GMT -5
If you are still looking for very inexpensive lodging near the Theodore Roosevelt Federal Building, I would recommend an Air BnB location. Search Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C. and look for "Bed in a specious [SIC] room nr WhiteHouse [SIC] and more." The host is Marina. I am testing tomorrow, October 24 and am staying in a shared room for $79.00 per night. It is not the fanciest of digs but it is very clean and just two blocks from the testing site. My host suggested a little known parking garage nearby for me to park my vehicle. Details can be found on the Air BnB site but feel free to message me with any additional questions. The area is located within the campus of George Washington University. It feels very safe and has several nearby dining options.
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Benny
Full Member
Posts: 56
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DC Testing
Oct 23, 2016 19:57:52 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Benny on Oct 23, 2016 19:57:52 GMT -5
Does anyone know if someone can join you in the OPM cafeteria for lunch? Also, what did most testers wear...suits or business casual???
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Post by 71stretch on Oct 23, 2016 22:37:32 GMT -5
Does anyone know if someone can join you in the OPM cafeteria for lunch? Also, what did most testers wear...suits or business casual??? For the WD and LBMT, you certainly don't need to wear a suit, though I've seen some do it. For the SI, yes. Business casual is more common. As far as lunch visitors to OPM, don't know.
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Post by rp on Oct 24, 2016 8:38:23 GMT -5
Does anyone know if someone can join you in the OPM cafeteria for lunch? Also, what did most testers wear...suits or business casual??? For the WD and LBMT, you certainly don't need to wear a suit, though I've seen some do it. For the SI, yes. Business casual is more common. As far as lunch visitors to OPM, don't know. I would go business casual. I was one that wore a suit because I hadn't done my homework (ie. read this Board!). Thus, I suffered unnecessarily..... I am skeptical that one can join you in the OPM cafeteria unless that person has federal credentials or you have federal credentials. But I could be wrong. Maybe you should call and find out?
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Benny
Full Member
Posts: 56
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Post by Benny on Oct 24, 2016 9:06:02 GMT -5
Thanks, thought it might be tough to get into OPM, did anyone venture out for lunch or do most stay and enjoy the cafeteria?
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Post by msp on Oct 24, 2016 9:14:22 GMT -5
I stayed and enjoyed lunch - there are loads of selections. Plus, it was a great way to meet up with other candidates/board members/potential board members.
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Post by weisstho on Oct 24, 2016 9:41:58 GMT -5
The cafeteria is ok - not OK - just ok. Going out is certainly an option, but being right there in the building hedges all of the bets as to what can go wrong. Keep your head in the right place, don't take a risk that will create stress if something goes wrong (lines at the outside place, re-entering security, escorts, etc.)
AND definitely recommend casual clothes for the first day. Dress to the Nines for the SI, of course. A swimsuit, Hawaiian shirt, and flip-flops are not too casual for the first day. Be comfortable, layer, and all the things that previous posts have suggested.
Stay nearby.
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Post by weisstho on Oct 24, 2016 9:42:45 GMT -5
no - not those kind of Escorts.
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Post by christina on Oct 24, 2016 10:32:13 GMT -5
Good advice from weiss.
Where are interviews at this year?
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