Governmnet Jobs

[jiacinto]

I am trying to apply to jobs with the Homeland Security Department. Anyway they are so confusing and the paperwork is hell. If I do submit it will it get to the right person? What is the secret to applying to US Government jobs?

And will my paperwork reach the right person? I've been told that it takes months, if not years, to even be considered.

[VelmaD]

1. Free advice...

from a State government employee.

Don't ask us.

Call the Human Resources department at the agency to which you are applying.

[La_Serpiente]

2. Carlos

I hope you won't be spying on us, right?????? We might be "terrariz"

[jiacinto]

3. I won't

But anyway I am trying to apply for the government since DHS interests me.

[prolesunited]

5. What area are you interested in?

Why does it appeal to you?

[jiacinto]

7. I like researching intelligence and defense

nt

[bambo53]

11. I think you'll fit right in

with the intelligence and defense dept.

[Superfly]

16. Do you have any experience

and or education to support your goals?

[jiacinto]

19. I have an MA in International Relations

and a BA in political science.

[Superfly]

21. That'll get you in at a GS 7 position

which pays for shit.

[jiacinto]

25. Ok

Then maybe I should look for something else then.

[Superfly]

28. Now, wait a minute

The GS-7 position would be like "probation" after which you are promoted to GS-9 (within a year if your shit is wired tight)

Just think, after 5 or 6 years working for the government, you might be even with a salary you would have gotten if you had started with a contractor.

B

[jiacinto]

20. I have an MA in International Relations

and a BA in political science.

[matcom]

4. oh good lord

:eyes:

[jiacinto]

9. What is your objection to it?

nt

[XanaDUer]

6. Hi Carlos,

glad you're back!

From the few fed jobs I applied for, it does take a long time. See if there is a website.

[demnan]

8. Yes it can take years

I was considered for a federal job once one and a half years after I applied (at the time I was in another position and didn't want to leave).

Why don't you try a federal contractor like SAIC or Booz Allen & Hamilton first. Getting into a contractor position can be very rewarding and you can apply for your clearances so that getting into the Federal job is easier.

[jiacinto]

10. Ok

I will look into that. Thank you.

[jiacinto]

13. Could I fit in there?

I have an MA in International Relations and a BA in political science. Someone suggested I look for work at a place like that or with the government.

[XanaDUer]

15. exactly

Year, or more, seems SOP. Just get the ball rolling asap.

[Superfly]

17. I work for a contractor....

and my pay is about $20k more than my GS counterpart and the hiring process took about 30 minutes as opposed to the months it takes to become a GS employee.

[Booberdawg]

12. You just have to fill out the paperwork and get the process started

It will make it's way to the right place eventually.

Good luck, Carlos. :hi:

[felonious thunk]

14. Will you have trouble getting a clearance?

In intelligence or defense you are going to need a clearance, and they are much more difficult to get now than a few years ago.

[jiacinto]

18. What would preclude me from getting one?

I've never been arrested, paid my bills, and have never had any legal troubles.

[felonious thunk]

22. Drugs, booze, poor decisions, bad associations

Anything in your past that could be construed as pro-communist and/or anti-American, or if you lie to the agent about something and they find it out.

[Superfly]

24. No polygraph unless you need a

Top Secret or TS-CI clearance

[jiacinto]

26. Okay

never involved in stuff like that. I have drunk alcohol, but have otherwise avoided drugs.

[Superfly]

30. Alcohol not a big deal

unless you show up to the interview under the influence...

[felonious thunk]

31. Or a DUI....or two...

(shifty eyes)*

*Does not apply to Presidents or Vice Presidents who may or may not have 3-6 combined DUIs.

[Superfly]

23. You must have

a clean criminal record, driving record, arrest record, financial record, credit record. They will talk to your friends, family, landlords, etc.

They will ask where you grandparents are from, which for me was kind of funny to explain...I actually had to put Austria-Hungary Empire for my Oma....

[jiacinto]

27. Ok

I have never been in trouble with teh law.

[TedinAZ]

29. as a former security manager...

Depending on the clearance level..

Being fired for cause
a history of treatment for mental disorders
a criminal record
excessive foreign travel
participation in groups that advocate the violent overthrow of the government
illicit drug use
susbtance abuse problems

and overall, anything that would make you susceptible to coercion or blackmail.

Good Luck, clearances are backed up over a year nowadays...

[jiacinto]

32. Well

I have travelled to SE Asia. I also took anti-depressants for a while.

So I guess that that eliminates me, then, right?

[TedinAZ]

33. maybe...maybe not

It's all dependant on the DSS case officer. One trip to SEA isn't a big deal, it needs to be what they consider "excessive".

Having a past including anti-depressants isn't a big deal for lower level stuff, but for SCI or TK expanders, it could be an issue. Depends how long in the past it is.

It's like anything else, the case officers have a bit of leeway, so make a good impression at your interview.

Oh, and they WILL talk to your frends and family....

[XanaDUer]

34. Former BF wanted to work for the FBI

one "interview" held in a hotel room in downtown Miami.

Questions about cross-dressing proclivities, and yearnings for one's mother, in a sexual fashion.

He got the hell out and dropped wanting to work for them.

[Vitruvius]

41. I guess the FBI doesn't want another J. Edgar "Mary" Hoover working for

them...

[TedinAZ]

35. take a look here...

It's the actual site for the DSS, and you can download the EPSQ software. That's the questionairre application, it'll give you some idea of what kind of questions will come up, and what type of information you need to have available.

http://www.dss.mil/

[jiacinto]

36. Thanks

nt

[Superfly]

37. Also, get your resume and cover letter out to each one

of these companies.

Top 100 Defense Contractors

The pay is MUCH better

[jiacinto]

40. Thanks

I will look into it. I appreciate your help.

[SiobhanClancy]

38. I applied at the JFK Library...

for a job in the gift shop,which sensitive position required me to have a background check. Years ago,I gave some money to Sinn Fein and this disqualified me from selling souveniers.

[Screaming Lord Byron]

39. And so it should!

What a bunch of fucking idiots, eh!

(no, not Sinn Fein)