Importance of the Interviews

[aljwannabe]

Another poster posed this question as part of an unrelated thread and pixie suggested that it deserves its own thread so here it goes.

"it seems odd that SSA even needs us to interview. They have our "scores" and applications. Won't ssa just pick the high scorers irrespective of a good showing at the interview? My score was 65 so dont know if interview will help that much unless i learn to sing!? What do u all think? --snoop"

Since we know that SSA has our scores, one wonders just how much weight these interviews carry? Isn't it true that low scorers (50s and low 60s) don't really stand a chance this go 'round? Isn't the interview just a useless formality for those of us in this category?

Editor's note: Thanks aljwannabe. I was getting ready to start a new thread and cut and paste, but I saw that you had beat me to it. I took editorial privilege by inserting Snoop's question in quotes in your post. Hope you don't mind. Pix.

[deadwood]

I'd say that, at this point, having a good interview is more important than having a good score because (1) your score was good enough to get you the interview and (2) IMHO, the interview is nothing more than a way to weed out the trolls.

If SSA wants you, they will find a way to get to you.

[morgullord]

I do not think it is a useless formality. Suppose you are #5 on the list for Johnstown PA. The four ahead of you also have other cities listed. #1 is offered and takes Pittsburgh, #2 goes to Raleigh, #3 goes to Houston, and you are now well within the top three available. Never say die.

And by the way, welcome to "SSA Survivor", where your wits are at risk.

[doctorwho]

A little background for perspective: I'm in a position where I do a lot of "hiring" and some "reverse hiring." Appraisals seem to occupy a good 1 1/2 months of my year. Random personnel issues occupy another month -- and yes, the remainder of the time I practice law (at least I supervise the practice of law). For a few years now -- and, yes, for the government.

ANYBODY who thinks that an interview is pro-forma, is only kidding him/herself. I know many managers that have thought they have had stellar candidates "on paper" only to have tossed them at the interview stage. Remember, you CAN disqualify candidates (even with the Rule of three) -- it may be hard, but it's not impossible.

Treat your interview as seriously as you want the job. The ratio of applicants to position is 3:1. There are 2 other people competing for the same job you are competing. Do your best. There are some wonderful posts on this BB regarding sample questions and answers. Study them.

Deadwood is right: "If SSA wants you, they will find a way to get to you." The inverse, however, is also true: If SSA does not want you, they will find a way to get rid of you.

[yogibear]

I add my concurrence to the statements by deadwood, morgullord and doctorwho. This interview is taken seriously and is used to spot candidates they want and are willing to work for, and to spot the trolls. Rumor has it that SSA learned the hard way after doing some telephone interviews for ALJ positions and, thereby, making some very poor decisions. They hired some serious trolls based on an impressive score, resume and only a telephone interview, only to regret the choice when it was too late. Rumor has it that they are trying not to duplicate their mistakes and a decision has been made that the cost of an in-person interview is justified by the consequence of hiring a troll who won't work with program and can remain with the Agency for years and years.

[aljwannabe]

I greatly appreciate all of your insightful responses. Pixie, thanks for inserting Snoop's quote.

[privateatty]

drwho, yogibear and last but not least pixie:

Thank you for some really insightful and stress-reducing posts; particularly you, Pixie.

Disreali famously said: "never complain and never explain."

Its my mantra when I think of The Interview. But for the other times, give me this Board!

[anotheroldtimer]

If they hold true to form, you will be interviewed by a panel of three, usually a regional chief or two and a hocalj. What they are looking for is an individual who expresses the willingness to work hard and be productive in an (important!) electronic environment. If you have expertise and ability in computer skills, this is the time to mention it. This will be a area of intense focus. Each class seems to get more and more training dedicated to the electronic system. Indeed, the agency is more than half way to being fully electronic.

Those of you with agency backgrounds will already be known to the interviewers. Others who have experience in handling social security cases need to make this known.

In the past there was a little of the "test your temperament" questioning just to see if you blow too quickly. Don't know if they still do that.

In other words, the interview is very important.

[oldtimer]

"anotheroldtimer"?

Well, I suppose I'm flattered. (Before 1980?)

[anotheroldtimer]

[glow=red,2,300]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"anotheroldtimer"?

Well, I suppose I'm flattered. (Before 1980?) [/glow]

Actually, I posted as oldtimer on another board but when I got here you had already taken the name. Hope you don't mind sharing! I am an early 80's guy.

[morgullord]

When I scheduled my interview this AM I was told the panel would consist of 2 ALJs and one "note-taker".

[oldtimer]

Another-
Touche! Right you are; glad to share the handle.

Morgullord-
Is that ("note-taker") how they're referring to all these "acting" RCALJs these days?!

[arlene25]

Apparently, the notetakers are GS14 HODS (hearing office directors)--as mine told me she was selected to go be a note taker at the interviews for a week. I assume that means the HODs will have some input in the interview otherwise why are they doing that.

good luck to all. A25

[Pixie]

arlene25 said:

Apparently, the notetakers are GS14 HODS (hearing office directors)--as mine told me she was selected to go be a note taker at the interviews for a week. I assume that means the HODs will have some input in the interview otherwise why are they doing that.

good luck to all. A25

To give them a break from their offices and a free trip to DC. It does seem like a lot of horsepower to use on a note taker, though. Pix.

[southerner]

I was informed also re 2 ALJ's and a note-taker. He was unsure if the ALJ's were HOCALJ's or RCALJ's.

[aaa]

It is a combination of ALJ, HOCALJ, RCALJ and Deputy RCALJs. The note takers are a combination of GS14 HODs and GS13 Group Supervisors and one processing center director.

[happy]

I doubt there will be any non-management ALJs. Management won't want the Union involved in this process. I do have two friends that are notetakers, one the first two weeks, one the second.

[Pixie]

You are right, Happy. No union types will be involved in this process. Pix.

[deadwood]

southerner said:

I was informed also re 2 ALJ's and a note-taker. He was unsure if the ALJ's were HOCALJ's or RCALJ's.

Ditto for me.

[oldtimer]

As others have indicated, and as I can confirm from personal knowledge, only management ALJs will be involved. My confirmation is based on being invited to participate, as a HOCALJ, in the interview process. [Sorry, but I declined; been around the block way too many times to get excited over spending a week in Falls Church in January, asking the same questions to 50 or so candidates!]