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Post by dshawn on Apr 27, 2022 16:31:58 GMT -5
Some observations. Please correct me if I am wrong. Appear to be covering relocation expenses. No mention of need for a cover letter or writing sample. Interviews are to be held remotely. While the documentation does not seem to call for a cover letter, it is referenced subsequently in the verbiage. The first question on location appears to only ask for your top spot. Later it asks for the places you are willing to go. It would seem the first question is looking for one only (but the system does allow you to enter multiple). Anyone disagree with these observations or see any major differences from the last go-round that I missed? What makes you think they're offering relocation benefits. I may have missed it because I only skimmed it but they don't usually offer relocation to non-feds. It says it in the posting. Granted, it does use the permissive “may” so the point as to current feds v. outsiders is well taken. |
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Post by rp on Apr 27, 2022 16:40:29 GMT -5
This makes me think that this will be the only posting for the foreseeable future.
“ Additional selections may be made for this vacancy at a future date if further positions become available.”
Better get your applications in now.
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Post by neufenland on Apr 27, 2022 17:01:27 GMT -5
I competed the application and it took me at least an hour...wow.
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Post by Prrple on Apr 27, 2022 17:08:21 GMT -5
I’m really wondering what will happen to the applications after 1000 received on the date the 1000th was received. While the language at the top of the listing with close when “we have received 1000 applications,” it later states that “This vacancy is limited to the first 1,000 applications received…” So am I correct to conclude that application 1,001 received before the vacancy closes will not be considered? Quoting from link: How to understand job announcement closing types When a job announcement closes, it means you can no longer apply to the job. Job announcements can close in one of three ways: Closing date Most job announcements close on the closing date that’s in the job announcement. Open continuous Some job announcements stay open indefinitely. You can submit your application at any time, but the job announcement will usually include a date (or several dates) when the hiring agency will select a group of applicants to review. For example, the job announcement may say it will review applications on July 30, August 30 and so on. If you submit an application on August 1, the hiring agency will review your application starting on August 30. Applicant cut-off Some job announcements close when the hiring agency receives a certain number of applications. If the ‘cut-off’ number is reached during the day, the job announcement will usually close that night at midnight. For example, a job announcement may say it will close after the hiring agency receives 200 applications. If they receive 200 applications by 1:30 p.m. ET, the job will close that same day at 11:59 p.m. ET. |
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Post by nylawyer on Apr 27, 2022 17:08:47 GMT -5
I’m really wondering what will happen to the applications after 1000 received on the date the 1000th was received. While the language at the top of the listing with close when “we have received 1000 applications,” it later states that “This vacancy is limited to the first 1,000 applications received…” So am I correct to conclude that application 1,001 received before the vacancy closes will not be considered? In the past, they closed it the day they received whatever set number was, but supposedly they did consider all applications that came in that day. |
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Post by nylawyer on Apr 27, 2022 17:12:14 GMT -5
what is the rumor mill say about who they actually want to hire, and how many are they hiring? do they only want internal decision writers/internal superstars who are excellent and know the material? does an external candidate working in a different area of Admin. law, and former state criminal law practitioner, have any real chance? Based on what I know of the desires of TPTB, I would say a snowball has as good of a chance. Pixie Kind of odd that they would design an application that specifically asks for recommendations from opposing counsel or to describe experience related to evaluating credibility if they wanted to favor insiders. Otoh maybe they are hoping that the fact that this will likely close before the weekend will be enough to make sure the pool is largely composed of SSA insiders? |
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Post by Pixie on Apr 27, 2022 17:47:40 GMT -5
Based on what I know of the desires of TPTB, I would say a snowball has as good of a chance. Pixie Kind of odd that they would design an application that specifically asks for recommendations from opposing counsel or to describe experience related to evaluating credibility if they wanted to favor insiders. Otoh maybe they are hoping that the fact that this will likely close before the weekend will be enough to make sure the pool is largely composed of SSA insiders? I doubt TPTB who will be making the hiring decisions actually designed the application. The window will close before the vast majority of the outsiders can get their application together. The insiders have been waiting on this for 4 years. Pixie |
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Post by rocco1 on Apr 27, 2022 17:52:19 GMT -5
I am outsider and got mine in thanks to this board!! I hope they give some consideration to a state court judge and alj(state)
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Post by intothewild on Apr 27, 2022 18:12:35 GMT -5
Announcement says “telework” eligible. How soon after hire does SSA let you telework?
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Post by mango54 on Apr 27, 2022 18:54:45 GMT -5
OK, so it says, "Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location. You may only select up to 1 location(s)." Then it lists a bunch of places to choose from and allows you to select more than one. Is the "You may only select up to 1 location(s)" a command? What the Hay Bale.....does anyone know what to do here?  the application it says just that must choose one but can only choose one....but in the assessment part it tells you to pick as many places as you like....what the heck to do? ?? |
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Post by dwesq on Apr 27, 2022 19:03:10 GMT -5
I got my app in, but now I want to make some changes to my answers. Will I risk missing the cutoff if I do that?
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Post by Prrple on Apr 27, 2022 19:05:37 GMT -5
Are we thinking we have to provide undergrad and law school transcripts, or just law school transcripts? I hope it is just law school, because I have that.  Here's the language from the job posting requirements Education Applicants must possess a J.D. from an accredited Law School. TRANSCRIPTS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO SUBSTANTIATE POSSESSION OF THE REQUIRED AND CLAIMED EDUCATION. UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS (INCLUDING SCREEN PRINTS FROM YOUR SCHOOL'S WEB PORTAL) ARE ACCEPTABLE FOR INITIAL APPLICATION; HOWEVER, YOUR TRANSCRIPT MUST SHOW A DEGREE AND CONFERRED/AWARDED DATE PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. SELF-PREPARED TRANSCRIPTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT. Foreign Education: If your transcripts show education completed in foreign colleges or universities, you must also provide documentation that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in a conventional/accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications (ed.gov) In addition, when reviewing an applicant's transcripts, assumptions will not be made. Applicants MUST state which coursework is relevant. |
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Post by mango54 on Apr 27, 2022 19:15:25 GMT -5
OK, so it says, "Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location. You may only select up to 1 location(s)." Then it lists a bunch of places to choose from and allows you to select more than one. Is the "You may only select up to 1 location(s)" a command? What the Hay Bale.....does anyone know what to do here?  the application it says just that must choose one but can only choose one....but in the assessment part it tells you to pick as many places as you like....what the heck to do? ?? OK....so I guess it is the anxiety about this.....but the first question is your "preference" while the second question is where would you be willing to go.....crisis averted..... |
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Post by sealaw90 on Apr 27, 2022 20:20:53 GMT -5
I competed the application and it took me at least an hour...wow. An hour to write out 6 of the compentcy sections and all the contact info for 9 references? That's impressive! Good luck! |
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Post by foghorn on Apr 27, 2022 20:21:18 GMT -5
As to the locations:
If you look carefully, it says select your preferred location. It notes that it may later go on to select from others. So you choose either your fave or the one you think no one will ever apply to in significant numbers but this is the one they use to batch you.
Then at item 15, you get the p0int where there is the huge list, and select all that you wish to be considered for.(earlier it said these would be locations "jn which you may be interested." At item 15 it says "locations where you would be willing to accept an appointment."
But then, at the end it notes if you change your mind, you may not be their favorite. I think they want you to choose only those that you feel you will go to if you are selected --none of the "hey, let us know what you're interested in they mentioned at the begnning." You want to check all, go ahead.
Note also when you get to print out your app, it will list as city only the one you used for your one-and-only choice. However if you go back thinking "OMG, did the program not enter all of my 'want to be considered for' choices?" ....well, you'll see your choices. Just doesn't print those out when you ask it to print your application. Got me, but I just went through to the submit (again), and so it was. Weirdness of the program.
As to writing sample or other. The process won't let you submit anything other than the documents. I wrote up a wonderful cover letter. Then it couldn't be submitted as there are no "other" documents categories. And I don't think they'll view it as a great example of initiative if you try to get in your writing sample using one of their designated criteria.
References: note, if you are in before the deadline YOU CAN GO BACK AND EDIT. That means if you change your mind, find out your reference died or is incapacitated or worse, then it would seem you can change it.
Should you bump someone--I would say no if you don't think you'll get it. However I also think there are many without your scruples, so it may not make a whole lot of difference. I commend you for doing it.
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The process: Note the intro: You will submit. Those that make the cut will be asked to sign an authorization for a credit check.
So now is a good time to do those things to gussy up your credit. Pay anything that is listed as over 30 days. Biggest bump you can give is if you can pay off all your cards or at least pay down those you have below 50% and do it now. Your score will improve wonderfully!
Then, you will be selected for ....... a structured interview! Hope it's more like the Medicare Judge interviews then the extremely wooden, some would say constipated, Social Security ALJ interview I had. My money is on the latter.
Nothing about a proctored writing exam or any such like. Maybe they will. Maybe they'll ask for writing samples. Maybe they are making it up as they go. Maybe there will be a talent competition. It will be as they wish. Our hopes, our dreams.....they are as dust in the wind.
Give yourself lots of time.
......and a nice situational reward.
But remember--looks like if you get it in before the deadline, then you can edit like you were doing cite checking for an appellate brief.
May the farce be with you!
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Post by hopefalj on Apr 27, 2022 20:23:23 GMT -5
Does a state court judge who was also was an alj have any chance for an interview or is it a waste of time to apply and take one of those 1000 slots? There was at least one state court judge and one state ALJ in my hiring class. So I don't see why they wouldn't. Folks in the immortal words of the poet Marshall Mathers, III Look If you had One shot Or one opportunity To seize everything you ever wanted In one moment Would you capture it Or just let it slip? I took headphones with me to Falls Church for the specific purpose of listening to that song before I entered the Puzzle Palace. I can’t remember where I did my power poses… Good luck everyone! To those questioning whether to apply, like the Great One said: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” |
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Post by places2go on Apr 27, 2022 20:28:31 GMT -5
Announcement says “telework” eligible. How soon after hire does SSA let you telework? In the past, it has been a year I think for ALJs, but we are on max telework right now, so it may be different for new hires. Other hearing office staff has gotten immediate telework. The current plan is in place until at least September. After that, who knows? |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2022 20:55:36 GMT -5
WHAT A DAY, board members. Hope springs eternal. I’m grateful for all of those who have tread this path before and have provided their guidance and wisdom, and who can provide us a glimpse of what it takes to endure this process. I’m appreciative of this community, and those of who have maintained and kept it going well before I was here.
While I think my best chance for selection has passed, I’m thankful that we are all here to go through this together, I’m super excited that there will be some brass rings grabbed by those here, and I can’t wait to raise a toast when it happens.
May the odds be ever in your favor!
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Post by tripper on Apr 27, 2022 21:03:41 GMT -5
My one advice is to give GOOD references. Not the opposing counsel/judge from 10 years ago that has no idea what this job entails. Use the OTHER option.
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Post by places2go on Apr 27, 2022 21:15:16 GMT -5
My one advice is to give GOOD references. Not the opposing counsel/judge from 10 years ago that has no idea what this job entails. Use the OTHER option. Good advice. I was hired 5+ years ago and cannot remember exactly who my references were. But I am fairly certain I did not use any that were the opposing counsel category. It did not seem to harm me. So I agree, go with people who will give you strong references, rather than trying to fit the category. |
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the application it says just that must choose one but can only choose one....but in the assessment part it tells you to pick as many places as you like....what the heck to do?
the application it says just that must choose one but can only choose one....but in the assessment part it tells you to pick as many places as you like....what the heck to do?
