Bringing additional written material to interview?

[shadow]

The ODAR employee, Tammy, who set up my interview appointment told me that I was permitted to bring written information to the interview that was not reflected in my application materials. She did not say this in response to a question by me; rather it apparently was part of the information she was instructed to relay to the candidates.

Did anyone else get this instruction, and does anyone have any thoughts on what would be helpful to bring to the interview?

I thought about doing a David Letterman style "top ten list" of reasons ODAR should hire me, but someone else has said here that ODAR doesn't have much of a sense of humor. Of course, I'm just kidding about the top ten list. . .but does anyone have any ideas on this written material issue?

[deadwood]

I was provided the same information when I received my call. Currently, I have no written info to add at the interview because my application does not need updated.

However, dig the Top Ten list idea! How about a note from Mom telling what a great job you'd do? ;D

[skibum]

The nice lady who called me yesterday mentioned the chance to bring in additional documents, too. She also asked something about whether my employment situation had changed--I'm not sure what that really meant. Her first question was really easy: was I still interested in working as an ALJ with SSA?

I may go back and carefully read the resume I cobbled together in such a hurry on May 4, as well as my response to the assessment questions, just in case I can find something glaring that I omitted. I KNOW the resume was not as complete as the one I'm using for other federal job applications now...

I'll watch for other suggestions from the collective wisdom of our merry band.

[southerner]

I was not told to take any additional material/documents with me, so am curious why they would indicate that to some and not others.

[shadow]

Southerner, just to clarify, I was not told it was necessary to bring any additional written materials, just that it was optional.

I don't remember Tammy's exact words, but it was something to the effect that if I had information about my qualifications that was not previously reported, I could bring that information to the interview.

I wish now that I had tried to clarify exactly what she meant, but I got the impression she was reading from a list of things to tell candidates, and she may not have had anything else to say on the topic.

I would be interested to hear from those who have already been through this part of the process whether they were permitted to bring written material to their ODAR interviews. . .and what, if anything, they brought along. Thanks everyone.

[privateatty]

Ditto with southerner.

Howzabout an expanded resume, list of cases in Lexis/Westlaw and brief writing sample with cover?

[shadow]

You know, after everything I've gone through, if it would improve my chances I wouldn't hesitate to put together a package such as Privateattorney suggests.

Thanks for the input everyone!

[jagghagg]

Yup; I am bringing my whole damn file!!!!

[biker]

During my call this morning Richard(?) was confirming my email address; it happened to be my old address from my original resume submitted with my application way back when. He corrected it over the phone but also said I could fax an updated resume to him and he gave me the fax number. So, that indicates to me they're open to receiving more information prior to the interview. I don't see any harm in bringing new information to the interview, they seemed to have opened that door for us.

[kingfisher]

IMHO, it can't hurt to have with you any material that you would like to have your interviewers consider. Remember, you submitted it to OPM, not to the OCALJ's office, or to the 2 or 3 judges interviewing you in January.

Although this example was not from my SSA interview, when I was being considered for a state ALJ position, I had an interview in which the Chief Judge had misplaced my material due to a recent relocation of his office. He was impressed/relieved when I handed him a fresh copy.

[shadow]

My interview is this Friday, and I am considering putting together a package of additional written material to give to the two ALJs that will be conducting the interview. Here is what I thought about including: 1)updated resume, a little more stylized than the one I completed in the application manager process, 2) list of significant SSA disability cases I litigated at the circuit court level, as well as EEOC, MSPB, and FLRA cases I handled for SSA management, 3) list of significant criminal cases I have prosecuted, with emphasis on SSA fraud & ID theft cases, and 4) copy of my most recent performance evaluation from SSA.

Does anyone have any suggestions, e.g., is this a good or bad idea, will the interviewers even have time or inclination to read additional material, should I include something else or omit something from the list above?? Any other comments?

I value the opinions and information you folks have provided in the past. Thanks, and best of luck to everyone in their interviews.

[shadow]

Thanks for the info!

[aljsouth]

By all means, bring any written material you desire. This is new to the process, we were not allowed to bring anthing except the FEAI. Certainly a couple of clean or updated resumes could not hurt. Especially if they did not have them for some reason.

The questions will be canned. I would not attempt to submit a lot of material. The point of the interview will be to ease SSA's fears and make yourself appear desirable as a candidate. You will not wow anyone with writing samples at this stage of the process. Stress your cooperativeness, willingness to work with huge dockets and get along. That will do more good than additional written material.

[tootsie]

Alright- I interviewed today, and I offered additional written information, and got some blank stares. For what it's worth, I had the impression that the "bring extra stuff" message was not conveyed to the interviewers. I could be wrong though. IMHO it wasn't necessary, and never left my bag. But that's just my opinion, and Shadow I wouldn't discourage you from bringing other documentation, and maybe it will have an impact. Been through it, and I still don't know for sure!

[morgullord]

I had extra written materials with me but there was never any time during the interview when it seemed appropriate pull it out of my briefcase.

[southerner]

I had my interview this afternoon and did not proffer any material. No request was made for anything extra and I did not see any need to offer anything additional.

[corrina]

I actually made reference to the appellate brief that I brought with me a couple of times, and yet found no opportunity to provide it. I guess, though, that my experience could relate to my panel only.

[jagghagg]

They neither want nor need additional materials.

[conanthebarbarian]

jagghagg: It was very nice meeting you yesterday. I must confess that I felt a tad naked in the interview without my broadsword and helmet. CTB