Ramifications of declining interview

[jagghagg]

I asked at least one of these questions in the thread titled "Re: Offers, Interviews, Turn-Downs...logistics" Did not get a definitive answer and the thread devolved into a discussion of how to close up your current practice and become an ALJ and what companies digitize and store case files and the like. Go figure.

Here is what I think, and the caveat is it is ONLY what I think. There are posters on this board who seem to know more about OPM than I and they may weigh in later.

First, I would be VERY, VERY hesitant about declining ANYTHING at any time. My guess is that if your wife does not submit the questionnaire and ignores the e-mail, she will be cut from the list.

Second, if she interviews and turns down the job, there goes her "one-free-turn-down" and (if and when) she gets another interview (and who knows how long it will be until THAT sucker comes around again AND perhaps it will be for a less desireable location) she HAS to take an offer or she is SOL and goes to the bottom of the list.

Third, if she has limited locations to one single city to reduce the chances of being hired (elsewhere) and she gets and interview and offer, I think she probably will be eliminated from future consideration at that location. (Although I am less sure about this answer.)

I would strongly suggest you call one of the two ladies [Ms. Pat Rocheford on 703-605-8448 ([e-mail]); Ms. Susan Martinelli on 703-605-8445 ([e-mail]); or the main telephone number of 703-605-8440] and ask before you take such a drastic step.

I do not know your situation and so clearly this last observation on my part comes with a whole saltlick to offset it, but if your wife has a good score and gets offered a job NOW - whether it is "too soon" or not, I think you might consider doing whatever you can to make it work, even if it means a separation for a while. These jobs do not come around very often and they are hard, hard, hard to get. If ya'll have been offered a chance at one - or get offered a chance at one - given the stated narrow options you have left yourselves for locale - I think you are potentially looking at YEARS before you get another opportunity.

My opinion only, of course, ---- and that, plus $3.50 will get you a Frappacino at Starbucks.

[jagghagg]

And let me add an answer that a senior member of this board provided that may shed some light on this for you: (Sorry to be soooooooooo long-winded!) -

<<<I think people are confusing two different concepts, the legal and the practical.

Legally, things seem fairly clear:

"If you decline consideration for a geographical location for which you previously indicated availability, you will be removed from further consideration for that location. " The only issue raised by that sentence is what constitutes "consideration." I suspect that declining either an interview or an offer is declining consideration, so you can decline once and the only legal penalty is that you will no longer be considered for that location.

With respect to actual offers, "if you decline two (2) job offers, your name will be suspended from the register for one (1) year or until the register is terminated, whichever occurs first." So the legal part of this seems fairly clear.

What has been discussed by Pixie and others recently is the PRACTICAL effect of declining an offer. If SSA offers you a position anywhere and you decline, you cannot expect them to exert any further effort trying to place you in the near future. >>>>

[deadwood]

jagghagg said:

I do not know your situation and so clearly this last observation on my part comes with a whole saltlick to offset it, but if your wife has a good score and gets offered a job NOW - whether it is "too soon" or not, I think you might consider doing whatever you can to make it work, even if it means a separation for a while. These jobs do not come around very often and they are hard, hard, hard to get. If ya'll have been offered a chance at one - or get offered a chance at one - given the stated narrow options you have left yourselves for locale - I think you are potentially looking at YEARS before you get another opportunity.

I, like Jagghagg, do not know your particular set of circumstances, but I agree with the advice of temporarily separating until your wife can make the move.

I am in a similar situation, and if (a BIG IF) I am chosen and have to move from my current locale, then my wife will have to wait a few months before she can make the move. Neither of us like that idea, but both of us understand that from a career perspective, the separation is a necessary evil.

[jagghagg]

Not that anyone cares, but this kind of separation happens to military couples all the time....

[Pixie]

Another option might be to limit the selection to only one city--perhaps your hometown, or within commuting distance--and see what happens. Probably won't get the job, but if your spouse does, then it would be doable. Or limit to a location where the chances are slim of getting picked. Or you could call and find out the ramifications of being removed from consideration for this certificate. The last thing you want to do is to not cooperate. Pix.