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Post by wvjabes on May 31, 2016 15:09:12 GMT -5
I've been also wondering if another possibility for any slow down (compared to 2013) could be "tech issues" with the online testing component. Seems to me that everything would need to be "ready to go" for the emails to have any real purpose. I'm not particularly antsy, but of course I've also been trained to be patient, with a few decades of working with SSA under my belt already.
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Post by phoenixrisingALJ on May 31, 2016 15:24:10 GMT -5
I said don't laugh at me for hoping that OPM could improve - of course that assumes someone over there really wants to improve. If I was a manager of this project - I would look at the 2013 batch and think to myself - ok what worked - what didn't - what can we do better - faster. (Yes the montage from the opening credits for 6 million dollar man original tv show is going through my head right now - dating myself - yet again... sigh) I would want the folks looking at the current batch well trained so as to decrease the appeals (which perhaps - hopefully that is happening and that is part of the reason for the crazy long time to review here) - but hey that is just naive little ole me!
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Post by neufenland on May 31, 2016 15:33:56 GMT -5
Months of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror.
Or something like that.
I'm not particularly antsy, but it'd be nice to know where I stand. I think it's easier (not easy, mind you) to accept a disqualification based on poor performance on the online or in-person test. In that case, you tried and didn't quite give them what they wanted, but at least you got into the arena. It really can chap one's rear, however, to be stopped right out of the gate because someone didn't read your qualifications correctly.
I'm at AR. Here's hoping we all get to move forward.
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Post by funkyodar on May 31, 2016 16:42:37 GMT -5
I hate to disagree with you VMI but I do. I know too many excellent writers that waded thru all the steps of this process, waited what seemed eternally long periods between steps, went out of pocket to fly to DC only to be told they didn't make the minimum on the WD.
Or folks who actually make the register but have never gotten the call.
I don't mean to be judgmental or belittle you guys angst (I remember I stressed and felt it took forever when I was in your shoes, but you folks at the initial stage really need to chill.
If you get bounced now it will suck. You can of course blame the "morons at opm." I know it will suck. But, if yall are freaking out this bad over when the first stage will be announced, God help you if you make it through.
Just wait till you have to wait through the interminable days to see if you even get to go to DC. Then the immeasurable doldrums of waiting to get your score. The painful waiting for a cert to be pulled. The waiting for offer calls that may never come, like those poor bastards over in the "if/when" thread.
71stretch gives outstanding advice to never ever put your life on hold or let yourself get too emotionally tied to this process. It's way to speculative.
At least if you get dropped at the first stage you haven't got too much skin in the game yet.
The email will come. If you see on here people report getting it and you havent, check your spam and email opm. Going nuts waiting for it isn't worth it.
I wish all good luck, but if this stage is freaking you out, I'm not sure you have the emotional fortitude to make it through this ridiculous process.
All just my opinion, of course.
Funk
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Post by Gaidin on May 31, 2016 16:56:33 GMT -5
I would encourage you all to take a trip over to the if/when thread.
Some folks there have been on every single cert since May 2014. Including certs for OMHA and other agencies. Still they have to wait and hope. There are folks who have been on certs going back to the previous register. Still they have to wait and hope.
It sucks but don't let this miniscule period of waiting and inactivity grind you to far down. This is as good as it gets in the waiting department as far as this process goes.
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Post by neufenland on May 31, 2016 17:02:49 GMT -5
Not freaking out. I know it's only slightly better odds than winning the lottery.
I've applied for other jobs and not gotten them, so I didn't mean to minimize that pain. It certainly wasn't my intention.
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Post by atlattadv on May 31, 2016 19:20:54 GMT -5
I don't know what this means, but I once had the "dreaded" see details tab (last week) and now have the awaiting results tab (just checked). Perhaps that means there is some level of review...or...it means nothing. I still do not have an e-mail about the online testing or being rejected, so I guess we shall see.
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Post by sealaw90 on May 31, 2016 19:56:13 GMT -5
I don't know what this means, but I once had the "dreaded" see details tab (last week) and now have the awaiting results tab (just checked). Perhaps that means there is some level of review...or...it means nothing. I still do not have an e-mail about the online testing or being rejected, so I guess we shall see. Hey, that's great news. Maybe they are taking their time going through the applications and aren't finished yet. I mean, it's not like they finished all 6 bazillion applications and then decided to relax for a few weeks and take a break. Just to mess with you. They want to get the process moving forward too.
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Post by Pixie on May 31, 2016 20:29:29 GMT -5
I would encourage you all to take a trip over to the if/when thread. Some folks there have been on every single cert since May 2014. Including certs for OMHA and other agencies. Still they have to wait and hope. There are folks who have been on certs going back to the previous register. Still they have to wait and hope. It sucks but don't let this miniscule period of waiting and inactivity grind you to far down. This is as good as it gets in the waiting department as far as this process goes. Even though I started this thread, it is my least favorite of all topics. There is so much meaningless angst here, compared to the later stages of the process, that it is really a waste of everyone's emotional capital. As Judge Funkster said earlier, this stage is nothing compared to what is to come later. It will get worse, much worse. Do as our friend Serious (worry wart) has done and save the worrying for what is really important. Sure, this thread is important for the exchange of information, but don't obsess over it; save that for when it really matters. Pixie.
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Post by phoenixrisingALJ on May 31, 2016 21:28:51 GMT -5
Can't speak for the other newbies - but I am not stressed -or anxious. I am feeling mostly hopeful. I am - like many other newbies I am sure - understandably wondering when we will get the word we passed the first stage and will be allowed to really do the work to apply and hopefully earn a slot. I fully realize I could have totally screwed up already or could with the online testing or the interview or hell who knows what - there seem to be so many pitfalls. I don't usually do well with standardized testing - so I am worried. I am very grateful for the board - I realize after lurking and joining that it is an approximate 2 year process - and that is for those lucky to get scooped early - and for many - quite a bit longer - if ever. I sincerely wish all ahead of me on this journey- all the best. I understand that this stage is a minor stage in comparison to what is coming. It is a gatekeeper that we have to move through. I totally realize the rest of the journey is the real work - the real nail biting. I also totally respect what all of you who have gone through this have done with this forum. Because of this forum - I know if this happens - awesome - but no I am very realistic after reading your posts. I do not have my life on hold. I will pursue other opportunities as they present themselves. I will continue to work hard at my current job that luckily I happen to enjoy. Now how about you give us newbies a break - we are new after all - so it is kind of normal that we ask questions - that we are wondering when we will get the OPM notice to really start this process. This is also a way for us to get to know one another. Somewhere on here included with all the advice - was the advice that we should join the board - get to know the members. Now you going to chastise me cause I post about hoping we get word soon? Kind of not fair guys.
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Post by Pixie on May 31, 2016 21:46:55 GMT -5
Can't speak for the other newbies - but I am not stressed -or anxious. I am feeling mostly hopeful. I am - like many other newbies I am sure - understandably wondering when we will get the word we passed the first stage and will be allowed to really do the work to apply and hopefully earn a slot. I fully realize I could have totally screwed up already or could with the online testing or the interview or hell who knows what - there seem to be so many pitfalls. I don't usually do well with standardized testing - so I am worried. I am very grateful for the board - I realize after lurking and joining that it is an approximate 2 year process - and that is for those lucky to get scooped early - and for many - quite a bit longer - if ever. I sincerely wish all ahead of me on this journey- all the best. I understand that this stage is a minor stage in comparison to what is coming. It is a gatekeeper that we have to move through. I totally realize the rest of the journey is the real work - the real nail biting. I also totally respect what all of you who have gone through this have done with this forum. Because of this forum - I know if this happens - awesome - but no I am very realistic after reading your posts. I do not have my life on hold. I will pursue other opportunities as they present themselves. I will continue to work hard at my current job that luckily I happen to enjoy. Now how about you give us newbies a break - we are new after all - so it is kind of normal that we ask questions - that we are wondering when we will get the OPM notice to really start this process. This is also a way for us to get to know one another. Somewhere on here included with all the advice - was the advice that we should join the board - get to know the members. Now you going to chastise me cause I post about hoping we get word soon? Kind of not fair guys. It sounds as if you are not agonizing over this early stage of the process. That is the way it should be. This should be only an exchange of information, not angst. There will be plenty of time for agonizing later in the process. If you go back and read the prior threads I have linked to, you will see that many obsess over this topic for no good reason. In fact I encourage members to post in this thread so they don't make random posts in other threads about our beloved "Application Manager." Pixie.
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Post by funkyodar on May 31, 2016 21:55:05 GMT -5
"Kinda not fair guys" should be the motto of this whole endeavor.
No one is chastising. Of course you have questions. Of course you want to know what's going on with your step. Ask away.
All that was offered was some friendly (at least intended to be) advice that you folks not stress too much over this initial and comparatively minor step.
I offer said advice not just as one who made it through this byzantine process, but as a board member for over three years. With the benefit of hindsight, perspective on the whole process and of watching my virtual friends that have been through literally years of waiting, to read initial applicants talking about being antsy, breaking refresh buttons, checking email multiple times an hour....well, it's just ridiculous. And all because you think your email is late. On some timetable only you made up.
I'd save you that misplaced worry. But, to each their own. You will do as your nature dictates. Those of you cut at this point will file your appeal and wait a year or more for that. Those that make it through will face real waiting, in the dark ignorance, soon enough. Which ever group you fall into, you will undoubtedly look back and laugh, as I do, at how ridiculous you sounded when you complained about waiting a few weeks longer than you thought you would have at the initial stage.
It's just a matter of time. But, do as you will. I won't belabor it any further. I'll just hide and watch.
Funky
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Post by Gaidin on May 31, 2016 22:15:26 GMT -5
I wasn't talking to any one of you in particular and I think fair to ask questions. BUT this wouldn't be the 16th page in this thread if some of you weren't obsessing or worrying. The worrying is what I was trying to caution against in particular because some of you are operating under a false idea about the timeline. The fact is they hired the staff before they opened the process not afterwards in 2013.
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Post by hadtjd on Jun 1, 2016 7:32:40 GMT -5
I don't know what this means, but I once had the "dreaded" see details tab (last week) and now have the awaiting results tab (just checked). Perhaps that means there is some level of review...or...it means nothing. I still do not have an e-mail about the online testing or being rejected, so I guess we shall see. Has this happened to anyone else? I was obsessively checking my app status (still "see details tab") but haven't really been checking lately because I figured I was done. Is it possible that there is still hope?
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Post by phoenixrisingALJ on Jun 1, 2016 7:58:42 GMT -5
I don't know what this means, but I once had the "dreaded" see details tab (last week) and now have the awaiting results tab (just checked). Perhaps that means there is some level of review...or...it means nothing. I still do not have an e-mail about the online testing or being rejected, so I guess we shall see. Has this happened to anyone else? I was obsessively checking my app status (still "see details tab") but haven't really been checking lately because I figured I was done. Is it possible that there is still hope? Yes - if one person's changed - why not -yours may as well! Also - even if it is bad news - it seems some had luck on appeal on this point (see other threads on appeal) and actually feel (in retrospect) that it all worked out.
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Post by Gaidin on Jun 1, 2016 8:27:59 GMT -5
I wasn't on Board at this point in 2013 but I recall a small number of other times since I joined the Board where this happened. This is just further evidence that obsessively checking App Manager is a waste of time and energy.
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Post by Judicially Imployed on Jun 1, 2016 8:34:46 GMT -5
I don't know what this means, but I once had the "dreaded" see details tab (last week) and now have the awaiting results tab (just checked). Perhaps that means there is some level of review...or...it means nothing. I still do not have an e-mail about the online testing or being rejected, so I guess we shall see. Has this happened to anyone else? I was obsessively checking my app status (still "see details tab") but haven't really been checking lately because I figured I was done. Is it possible that there is still hope? Iirc, yes. I recall this at all levels, and I certainly remember at least one poster reporting this type of change when awaiting a score after sitting for the testing in D.C. I always assumed it was either a "provisional no, but so close it went for a secondary review, and came back as a yes" situation, or "somebody hit the wrong key / accident" and it was caught by review. Either way, my memory is that it's rare, but is reported by 1 or 2 people each round. And yes, Iirc again, those people all report moving on. And don't forget, everyone who tested in Oct - Dec 2015 in D.C. sat in "see details" from July 2014 until February 2016 (when those with scores saw the status change). I think of "see details" more as "stop" than I do "end" but, as is often said here ymmv.
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Post by sophie22 on Jun 1, 2016 8:53:24 GMT -5
Wonder which will come first? Offers from SSA to the oldies, or emails from OPM about online testing for the newbies? If both happen the same day, this board is going to be hopping!!!!!!!!
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Post by ok1956 on Jun 1, 2016 9:29:10 GMT -5
I have to admit, after reading the posts in this thread, I am happy that back in the day I wasn't on the board. In fact, I wasn't on the board until after I tested in DC. Saved me much angst I think. I was happily oblivious of all the potential pitfalls, worry and downright anxiety. I went on with my life, even after I got my score, in large part because due to personal reasons I had a very small GAL and knew the stars would have to align for me to even make a cert. Take a deep breath. The process will proceed as it will and no amount of worrying will change that. The biggest benefit to those who recently applied is that when something happens you will know and can check your spam or ask if no email arrives (and perhaps avoid what happened to a number of folks who should have, but did not, receive the email about the next step). Good luck to all of you!
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Post by 71stretch on Jun 1, 2016 14:13:46 GMT -5
I have to admit, after reading the posts in this thread, I am happy that back in the day I wasn't on the board. In fact, I wasn't on the board until after I tested in DC. Saved me much angst I think. I was happily oblivious of all the potential pitfalls, worry and downright anxiety. I went on with my life, even after I got my score, in large part because due to personal reasons I had a very small GAL and knew the stars would have to align for me to even make a cert. Take a deep breath. The process will proceed as it will and no amount of worrying will change that. The biggest benefit to those who recently applied is that when something happens you will know and can check your spam or ask if no email arrives (and perhaps avoid what happened to a number of folks who should have, but did not, receive the email about the next step). Good luck to all of you! Same for me, ok. I learned about the board from someone in the "waiting room" at the SI
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