|
Post by privateatty on Apr 8, 2009 16:24:12 GMT -5
As I posted before we who went through the ODAR interview in 2008 signed a non-disclosure agreement at Puzzle Palace (Falls Church). But I can say: 1. These people are nice. Professional and they care about you. Such a difference from OPM! 2. Everybody is early. 30 to 45 min. Bring a magazine if you want. No, you don't need your "stuff". There will be forms about reimbursement, etc. to fill out. Breathe. 3. Be yourself. They are smart and have phony-meters. You go in groups of three down the halls with a "monitor" and then are taken individually. Donja luv it? 4. Be direct, face 'em and be clear. I follow Disraeli's famous invective : "Never complain, never explain." ;D 5. Use good body language. They're looking for team players who can get it done. Let them know you can. Break a leg...
|
|
|
Post by wallace on Apr 8, 2009 18:26:54 GMT -5
Right on, PA.
Another bonus to getting to the interview early (aside from stress relief) is the chance to get to meet the other candidates. I had a great chat with several. You'll be amazed at the diverse backgrounds.
As for the interview, I got the distinct impression that they wanted to like me. Remember, the ALJs who will be interviewing you need help. They want help, and they're hoping you'll get on board.
I've read a lot on this board about conspiracy theories and clandestine meetings where the well connected are chosen for spots. Take it from a total outsider who had absolutely no previous social security experience and who had a middle of the road score - you, too, can get this gig.
|
|
|
Post by pm on Apr 8, 2009 18:47:55 GMT -5
I didn't interview last year but everyone I've talked to who did interview said there was no non disclosure agreement. The reason there wasn't was because there was no competition for points or ranking. If you chose to disclose, you might be helping your competition.
|
|
|
Post by deaddisco on Apr 8, 2009 18:52:03 GMT -5
I signed a non-disclosure agreement but that's only because i was offered a job at the interview.
|
|
|
Post by flannery on Apr 8, 2009 19:11:37 GMT -5
PM, non-disclosure of what? What would you disclose that would help your competition?
|
|
|
Post by wallace on Apr 8, 2009 19:13:32 GMT -5
PM, non-disclosure of what? What would you disclose that would help your competition? The questions asked in the interview.
|
|
|
Post by flannery on Apr 8, 2009 19:23:26 GMT -5
Got it. Thanks Wallace....
|
|
|
Post by benchsitter on Apr 9, 2009 8:42:52 GMT -5
deaddisco was offered a job at the interview! Wow, that's great; talk about taking the pressure off. Anyone else who you know of offered a job at the interview? I would suspect that is rare, but I don't know.
|
|
|
Post by deaddisco on Apr 9, 2009 10:35:12 GMT -5
deaddisco was offered a job at the interview! Wow, that's great; talk about taking the pressure off. Anyone else who you know of offered a job at the interview? I would suspect that is rare, but I don't know. it was a joke.
|
|
|
Post by Legal Beagle on Apr 9, 2009 10:36:32 GMT -5
I thought in another thread, it was said that there were no jobs offered at the interview.
|
|
|
Post by workdrone on Apr 9, 2009 10:39:18 GMT -5
it was a joke. It's a shame an internet forum isn't a better medium for humor. Sometimes people just don't get it when you can't do the wink wink nudge nudge routine.
|
|
|
Post by benchsitter on Apr 9, 2009 10:58:37 GMT -5
Sorry deaddisco; I missed the joke (a little slow). It is funny.
|
|
|
Post by Legal Beagle on Apr 9, 2009 11:57:50 GMT -5
Ah - humor! Ark ark.
|
|
|
Post by regalzr7 on Apr 9, 2009 22:09:18 GMT -5
Be nice. One of things they want to screen for is difficult people who will not work well in an office.
|
|
|
Post by Legal Beagle on Apr 10, 2009 7:41:11 GMT -5
Be nice. One of things they want to screen for is difficult people who will not work well in an office. I thought that was nice - I was quoting Mork from Ork. You are right, humor does not translate to cyberspace.
|
|
|
Post by jagghagg on Apr 10, 2009 12:39:55 GMT -5
So, about this interview. Without revealing substance, I can tell you they will give you one of three ranks (like A-B-C, or 1-2-3) in fourteen (14) areas or "competencies." Then, when you are in your group of three the average of those fourteen rankings will probably determine your overall SSA score. (Note this has no relationship to your OPM rank on the Register.) And, unless you have something in your background check that takes you down, if your overall score is the best, you will likely get the offer.
|
|
|
Post by workdrone on Apr 10, 2009 12:50:28 GMT -5
But, yeah, this is a difficult medium to negotiate in terms of humor unless you want to use emoticons every other sentence, and then it makes it look as if you're 13 years old . . . not exactly what any of us wants to sound like. ;-) No kidding! Of course, speaking of looking bad in an electronic medium in an epic way, go check out the former mayor of Detroit's text messages to his COS. Mr. Kilpatrick's use of LOLOLOLLOL and other texting shorthands made him look even worse than my thirteen year old. ;D
|
|
|
Post by valkyrie on Apr 10, 2009 13:13:43 GMT -5
"So, about this interview. Without revealing substance, I can tell you they will give you one of three ranks (like A-B-C, or 1-2-3) in fourteen (14) areas or "competencies." Then, when you are in your group of three the average of those fourteen rankings will probably determine your overall SSA score. (Note this has no relationship to your OPM rank on the Register.) And, unless you have something in your background check that takes you down, if your overall score is the best, you will likely get the offer."
Do you know if this is based entirely upon SSA's interview, or does it also include SSA's assessment of a candidate's experience as well?
|
|
|
Post by rhino on Apr 10, 2009 14:15:00 GMT -5
I've been watching these boards for awhile. (Valkyrie, are you Ahab to Jagghagg's white whale?). I don't think she can answer that question without violating the confidentiality agreement.
|
|
|
Post by lurker on Apr 10, 2009 14:53:10 GMT -5
--------- I got what you meant, LB - it may be just a canine thing, I dunno. <laugh> But, yeah, this is a difficult medium to negotiate in terms of humor unless you want to use emoticons every other sentence, and then it makes it look as if you're 13 years old . . . not exactly what any of us wants to sound like. ;-) Unless that 13 years is dog years! It's one thing to look like you're 13; a whole 'nother thing to act like you're 13. But you wouldn't know anything about that, right WD? (P.S. - The above is a joke, for those who don't get emoticons)
|
|