|
|
Post by mrmojo on Apr 28, 2022 9:32:44 GMT -5
On a related note, I have some info on how the ALJs selected will be placed. Everyone will be put in a room. A moderator will read out the list of available offices one at a time. First one to shout "Me!" will be placed in that office. Conversely, if no one shouts "Me!", then the last one to shout "Not it!!" will be placed in the office. All ties will be broken using a bake off with ingredients that will only be announced as the competition begins. However, unlike a traditional bakeoff, the determining factor will not be the quality of your baked goods, but rather you will be rated on the speed at which you completed baking and the volume of baked goods you created. All pretty standard HR practices. I realize everyone has frustration with how quickly this application opened and closed. Count me among that group. However, I don't really see an alternative. Let's assume that the pace of applications for the week was not constant, but declined over the course of at the week (1000 in the first 12 hours, 1000 each in the second and third days, 500 in the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh days) for a total of 5,000 applications (which I believe is probably a conservative estimate of what it would have been given the pent up supply of lawyers who want to be ALJs). The agency is doing a hire of 25 positions (approximately). They do not want to spend the resources on sorting through 5,000 or more applications for a total of 25 hires, particularly when this is the first ALJ hiring under the new system. I can't blame them. What other option do they have that would not result in a potential black hole of time just sorting and processing applications for a small number of positions? For example, the agency could accept all applications for a week, spend the resources to whittle that list down, and then maintain their own "register" for subsequent applications. However, we all know how that went with the prior OPM ALJ register. That said, I'd agree to a bake-off. |
|
|
|
Post by redbird on Apr 28, 2022 9:35:42 GMT -5
I submitted my application early in the day (pretty sure I was within the first 1,000) and went back to make edits, ultimately re-submitting it about 2 hours before it closed (possibly not within the first 1,000). Did I potentially lose my place in line when I re-submitted? What’s done is done, but I’d like to know for the future whether or not it was worth it to edit my application.
|
|
|
|
Post by nylawyer on Apr 28, 2022 9:55:42 GMT -5
On a related note, I have some info on how the ALJs selected will be placed. Everyone will be put in a room. A moderator will read out the list of available offices one at a time. First one to shout "Me!" will be placed in that office. Conversely, if no one shouts "Me!", then the last one to shout "Not it!!" will be placed in the office. All ties will be broken using a bake off with ingredients that will only be announced as the competition begins. However, unlike a traditional bakeoff, the determining factor will not be the quality of your baked goods, but rather you will be rated on the speed at which you completed baking and the volume of baked goods you created. All pretty standard HR practices. I realize everyone has frustration with how quickly this application opened and closed. Count me among that group. However, I don't really see an alternative. Let's assume that the pace of applications for the week was not constant, but declined over the course of at the week (1000 in the first 12 hours, 1000 each in the second and third days, 500 in the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh days) for a total of 5,000 applications (which I believe is probably a conservative estimate of what it would have been given the pent up supply of lawyers who want to be ALJs). The agency is doing a hire of 25 positions (approximately). They do not want to spend the resources on sorting through 5,000 or more applications for a total of 25 hires, particularly when this is the first ALJ hiring under the new system. I can't blame them. What other option do they have that would not result in a potential black hole of time just sorting and processing applications for a small number of positions? For example, the agency could accept all applications for a week, spend the resources to whittle that list down, and then maintain their own "register" for subsequent applications. However, we all know how that went with the prior OPM ALJ register. That said, I'd agree to a bake-off. Of course there are alternatives (including just slogging through the applications). In private industry they would either raise the minimum standards or lower the salary, but I realize that may not be an option here. If nothing else, hold it open for a week, and then randomly select 1000 of the applicants for consideration. It sounds ridiculous (because it is), but it would still be better than this. Think about it this way- what if you were a potential applicant living in Hawaii? By the time you finished work yesterday, it was basically already too late, the job had closed. Even for those in the Pacific time zone, when you have the application open for such an absurdly short time, they are substantially disadvantaged. I have no vested interest in this process, I've got the job (and the scars from applying for 10 years). But, it's beyond absurd to do things this way. Having said that, for those alleging conspiracy theories- I would suggest gently you need more proof other than the fact that the process was absurd. The simplest explanation is usually the correct one, and the simplest explanation is that it just was not a well designed process. |
|
|
|
Post by peanutfancy on Apr 28, 2022 10:04:08 GMT -5
I would totally watch this reality show. Especially if coalitions could be formed and there was voting off the (bakery) island.
|
|
|
|
Post by Gaidin on Apr 28, 2022 10:05:48 GMT -5
Query--for those who know, did the powers that be give an indication as to how many slots they anticipate filling from this announcement? It’ll be interesting to see how it shakes out with the select one city thing. I mean there have to be places no one chose, and those are probably the places they need judges. Or only one person selected. So it maybe they don’t even fill the 25 geographic slots they want from this 1000. If that’s the case I don’t see how they hire 100 more without reposting the job next year. They had to select their preferred city but could then list all other locations they were willing to go to. My guess is when it comes time to interview for the office in Outer Crapistan, they will select the candidates who gave a willingness to go to Outer Crapistan and say "are you sure?" And if the answer is still yes interview them. |
|
|
|
Post by mrmojo on Apr 28, 2022 10:08:05 GMT -5
I would totally watch this reality show. Especially if coalitions could be formed and there was voting off the (bakery) island. Tonight on ABC's ALJ Island, tune it to see the... most... important... game of musical chairs. |
|
|
|
Post by hillsarealive on Apr 28, 2022 10:19:30 GMT -5
I'd certainly like to believe that. However, the language from the announcement was: "THIS VACANCY IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 1,000 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED" not "The first 1,000 applications received plus any additional applications received prior to midnight closing." While the posting may "close" at midnight, SSA has still limited consideration to the first 1,000 received. I believe the delayed closing is a limitation of the USAJOBS.gov software. Again, I'd be happy to be wrong. However, the history of ALJ hiring is that any technicality can and will be used to remove potential applicants. I think you are exactly right, and that if the past is any indication, SSA will only consider the first 1000 applications. Pixie But do we know when the "first 1000" cutoff was reached? I think the closing date updated around 10:00 pm ET, or perhaps a little earlier, but did anyone note the exact time? Owl posted something in the other thread, but the time stamp is throwing me. Is this 9:30 ET, or 10:30 ET, or something else entirely? Apr 27, 2022 21:30:53 GMT -5 owl said: The closing date on the announcement has been updated to April 27, so presumably the 1000 application mark has been hit. |
|
|
|
Post by phoenixrisingALJ on Apr 28, 2022 10:20:01 GMT -5
I can think of a few things to improve the hiring process and help winnow applicant pool. And none of my ideas are radical.
1. Increase minimum practice from 7 to 10 years. (Already the case for many other agencies.)
2. List real available offices. Include explanation that transfers do not happen easily or quickly so be sure you will go to xyz and stay there!
3. Open and close for a defined time period. At least then applicants have a fair shot instead of having no idea of how many people applied already. Time period can be short - say 48 hours.
4. Reduce number of references- 9 is a lot and unnecessary. It also creates a lot of work for recruiters.
5. Lay out telework policy including probation policy and clarify if there is or isn’t remote work- clarify on number of in person hearings are expected. For folks expecting or hoping for a full remote slot this is not the agency to do it. I realize insiders have this information but it is not readily known to outside applicants.
|
|
|
|
Post by hopefalj on Apr 28, 2022 10:27:53 GMT -5
It’ll be interesting to see how it shakes out with the select one city thing. I mean there have to be places no one chose, and those are probably the places they need judges. Or only one person selected. So it maybe they don’t even fill the 25 geographic slots they want from this 1000. If that’s the case I don’t see how they hire 100 more without reposting the job next year. They had to select their preferred city but could then list all other locations they were willing to go to. My guess is when it comes time to interview for the office in Outer Crapistan, they will select the candidates who gave a willingness to go to Outer Crapistan and say "are you sure?" And if the answer is still yes interview them. Sometimes I wonder how things might have been different for me if my first assignment had been Outer Crapistan instead of Middle Nowheresville. Not sure I would have ended up here in Awesometown USA had I gotten a different original office. For those understandably frustrated with the ephemeral nature of the opening, I get it. In the long, long ago, OPM often had similar deadlines (first 800-1000) applications. Openings closed within 2 days typically. This is merely a return to the old days. Like others have posted, though, there will be bigger hires in the future that will likely require a new posting. SSA is unlikely to substantially change the application in the next few years. You have the info, and now you have the time to get things as perfect as you can for the next opening. Instead of hours, you have months to tighten everything up, which could be advantageous. Do it. Get all of your ducks in a row so you can just copy/paste in a matter of minutes next time. Check the board daily to see if there are rumors for an upcoming announcement or for an actual announcement. Yes, there was a very narrow window in which to do many things. There was a lot of scrambling on the inside as well given the number of emails I received about being a reference. I’m not blaming anyone who missed this announcement this go-round. However, if the same announcement is made later this year/early next year, there is no excuse for not being ready. |
|
|
|
Post by dendrobates on Apr 28, 2022 10:32:53 GMT -5
I realize that I am an optimist. But this is the way I view the recent ALJ posting. Yes, I applied and I have found this board a very valuable information tool. I see it like this, they are supposedly going to hire more ALJs in the future, as early as 2023, if rumors are correct. This last posting is a good trial (no pun intended) run to make sure your ducks are in a row for the next go around. My biggest concern was not being as careful as I usually am because of the time constraints. But for now, I view this process as a learning one. Nothing ventured nothing gained. I learned the information about possible hiring from this board, but of course the questions and the references were a mystery. This is a mere grain of sand on the beach, look at the rest of the world. I like most want things to happen yesterday, but of course that is not the way things happen. Now, I'm getting on my soap box so I will stop. Good luck to all that made it through and to those who will make it through the next go around. As ones who have said that are wiser than me, this is a marathon, not a sprint.
|
|
gavel
Full Member
Posts: 62 
|
Post by gavel on Apr 28, 2022 10:35:21 GMT -5
I found this interesting:
Candidates who are invited to interview must be available during the timeframe that has been designated for interviews. Candidates who are not available will receive no further consideration. Once an interview has been scheduled, candidates will not have the option to re-schedule. Interviews will be conducted using video teleconferencing.
|
|
|
|
Post by Rabbit Bat Reindeer on Apr 28, 2022 10:40:00 GMT -5
All ties will be broken using a bake off with ingredients that will only be announced as the competition begins. However, unlike a traditional bakeoff, the determining factor will not be the quality of your baked goods, but rather you will be rated on the speed at which you completed baking and the volume of baked goods you created. That's right, it's not a wedding cake contest. Get crackin' on those 500-700 Edibly Sufficient Twinkies! Sorry to those that missed the quick cutoff but the "get your ducks in a row for next time" advice is so so good. Still can't believe we are hiring considering the current caseloads, but I suppose they're not planning for the current caseload. |
|
|
|
Post by vagabond on Apr 28, 2022 10:43:00 GMT -5
I too flew myself to DC in 2019 and felt so close to the ALJ position that I was doing a little pre-move cleaning in my office. I am also close to retirement (5 years), have a job with a very generous amount of autonomy, a decent salary, and can't imagine working under the strictures at SSA. And yet, I got my application in yesterday afternoon. What's the definition of crazy  ? |
|
|
|
Post by fowlfinder on Apr 28, 2022 10:56:55 GMT -5
On a related note, I have some info on how the ALJs selected will be placed. Everyone will be put in a room. A moderator will read out the list of available offices one at a time. First one to shout "Me!" will be placed in that office. Conversely, if no one shouts "Me!", then the last one to shout "Not it!!" will be placed in the office. All ties will be broken using a bake off with ingredients that will only be announced as the competition begins. However, unlike a traditional bakeoff, the determining factor will not be the quality of your baked goods, but rather you will be rated on the speed at which you completed baking and the volume of baked goods you created. All pretty standard HR practices. I heard you have to use a crockpot, and the centerpiece has to involve a basket of kittens. |
|
|
|
Post by neufenland on Apr 28, 2022 11:01:17 GMT -5
All ties will be broken using a bake off with ingredients that will only be announced as the competition begins. Oooo, the technical challenge. Will it be Paul's or Pru's recipe? |
|
|
|
Post by Prrple on Apr 28, 2022 11:02:38 GMT -5
On a related note, I have some info on how the ALJs selected will be placed. Everyone will be put in a room. A moderator will read out the list of available offices one at a time. First one to shout "Me!" will be placed in that office. Conversely, if no one shouts "Me!", then the last one to shout "Not it!!" will be placed in the office. All ties will be broken using a bake off with ingredients that will only be announced as the competition begins. However, unlike a traditional bakeoff, the determining factor will not be the quality of your baked goods, but rather you will be rated on the speed at which you completed baking and the volume of baked goods you created. All pretty standard HR practices. I heard you have to use a crockpot, and the centerpiece has to involve a basket of kittens. I had a basket of kittens ready to go in 2018, but they're all grown up now. Luckily crockpots are forever |
|
|
|
Post by neufenland on Apr 28, 2022 11:06:13 GMT -5
I can think of a few things to improve the hiring process and help winnow applicant pool. And none of my ideas are radical. 1. Increase minimum practice from 7 to 10 years. (Already the case for many other agencies.) 2. List real available offices. Include explanation that transfers do not happen easily or quickly so be sure you will go to xyz and stay there! 3. Open and close for a defined time period. At least then applicants have a fair shot instead of having no idea of how many people applied already. Time period can be short - say 48 hours. 4. Reduce number of references- 9 is a lot and unnecessary. It also creates a lot of work for recruiters. 5. Lay out telework policy including probation policy and clarify if there is or isn’t remote work- clarify on number of in person hearings are expected. For folks expecting or hoping for a full remote slot this is not the agency to do it. I realize insiders have this information but it is not readily known to outside applicants. This is the best suggestion I've seen on the topic. |
|
|
|
Post by johnthornton on Apr 28, 2022 11:10:56 GMT -5
I can think of a few things to improve the hiring process and help winnow applicant pool. And none of my ideas are radical. 1. Increase minimum practice from 7 to 10 years. (Already the case for many other agencies.) 2. List real available offices. Include explanation that transfers do not happen easily or quickly so be sure you will go to xyz and stay there! 3. Open and close for a defined time period. At least then applicants have a fair shot instead of having no idea of how many people applied already. Time period can be short - say 48 hours. 4. Reduce number of references- 9 is a lot and unnecessary. It also creates a lot of work for recruiters. 5. Lay out telework policy including probation policy and clarify if there is or isn’t remote work- clarify on number of in person hearings are expected. For folks expecting or hoping for a full remote slot this is not the agency to do it. I realize insiders have this information but it is not readily known to outside applicants. This is the best suggestion I've seen on the topic. Keeping the application open for a week and then selecting 1000 by lottery would likely result in a better applicant pool. Nine references is an insane number. |
|
|
|
Post by joeybear on Apr 28, 2022 12:33:46 GMT -5
I can think of a few things to improve the hiring process and help winnow applicant pool. And none of my ideas are radical. 1. Increase minimum practice from 7 to 10 years. (Already the case for many other agencies.) 2. List real available offices. Include explanation that transfers do not happen easily or quickly so be sure you will go to xyz and stay there! 3. Open and close for a defined time period. At least then applicants have a fair shot instead of having no idea of how many people applied already. Time period can be short - say 48 hours. 4. Reduce number of references- 9 is a lot and unnecessary. It also creates a lot of work for recruiters. 5. Lay out telework policy including probation policy and clarify if there is or isn’t remote work- clarify on number of in person hearings are expected. For folks expecting or hoping for a full remote slot this is not the agency to do it. I realize insiders have this information but it is not readily known to outside applicants. Well sure, if you want to use common sense and reasoning as a basis instead of musical chairs. |
|
|
|
Post by dwesq on Apr 28, 2022 12:57:45 GMT -5
I got my app in before 4PM. I got the notice it was up at 12:30ish from another insider. I'm an insider who was not eligible during the last round. I already had my references typed up and ready to go thanks to a hint from this forum. For the narrative responses, I had most of it ready to go from various cover letters and statements of interest over the years. Thanks to this forum, I had an inkling they are looking for highly productive decision writers, or at least that I would stand out if that was the case. Fortunately, I am highly productive decision writer with a really high agree rate. (DWPI over 115% and agree for the past twelve month is 94%). I also volunteer for presentations and whatnot several times a year etc. So, I made to emphasize that.
IMHO, I am the ideal candidate. I am a decision writing machine. I don't complain. I take on extra projects all the time. I volunteer for complex cases, and I don't think there is a single case-type I haven't handled, including non-disability. My PACS have been all fives for the past 5 years. My GS loves me and makes sure they know it when called for references (his words not mine). All of my past GSs also said they are giving me excellent recommendations.
I have never done any litigation. So I didn't have opposing council. Outside of ALJs with whom I've interacted, I only had one judicial reference and that person is a family friend. Consistent with the suggestions in this forum, I checked the boxes for all the locations, but where it asked for one location I put my home office. I'm willing to live in the boonies for a bit to get this gig.
I'm not saying all this to brag or make anyone else feel self-conscious. I know many other attorneys with the same or better qualifications who probably applied. My point is why would the Agency NOT hire me?
As I'm sure others who got their apps will do, I will post regular updates as things progress.
|
|
?
