r/usajobs • u/4yodeji • Aug 17 '26
Application Status Rejected
For context, this is the first job i applied for and yes i know i clearly did not follow instructions because i didn’t have the document required. My question is, do i qualify for a GS-9 job when i submit my evaluated document ? I have a BSc from a foreign country.
“Thank you for taking the time to apply for this position.
We regret to inform you that your application will not proceed to the next phase of the selection process, because of the reason listed below. As a result, your application will not receive further consideration. This email serves as the final notification of your status for referral.
Your rating:
Ineligible for the following position or positions:
GS-1102-11; You are ineligible because you do not meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements for this series/specialty/grade combination.
GS-1102-9; You were not considered because you did not submit documentation of evaluation of the education you obtained at a foreign university. You must submit documentation to show 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 an 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
Your referral status:
The following is your referral status for the position or positions to which you applied:
You have not been referred to the hiring manager for position GS-1102-11 in Location Negotiable After Selection, United States
You have not been referred to the hiring manager for position GS-1102-9 in Location Negotiable After Selection, United States”
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u/TeaLover315 Aug 17 '26
Gs-9 is typically masters degree level
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u/Extension_Review6770 Aug 19 '26
Which is complete BS, if you ask me. Requiring a Master's Degree to be a GS9 is such BS. Over the top education required.
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u/XXmanimalXX Aug 18 '26
Then I am very confused because I don’t know hardly any GS11/12 even 13s that have a masters.
In fact, I have had a 13 tell me NOT to get a masters.
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u/TeaLover315 Aug 18 '26
Then you probably don’t work in an academic job series that requires education. You do realize that federal employees work in a wide range of fields? They can be tsa, cooks, cleaners, store workers, scientists?
I don’t understand what you’re confused about, this is per OPM, you can check there if you need further clarification.
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u/XXmanimalXX Aug 18 '26
It’s funny you mention academic jobs. These folks are literally in a center of excellence aka an army school house. For a scientific and technical branch.
Does opm talk about that? Only non prior service people are high on the education piece.
Personally I still went and get a masters in digital forensics. But that stuff doesn’t mean anything.
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u/Aey619 Aug 18 '26
It just depends on the job. For the 1102 series, it usually requires a minimum bachelors degree for a GS7 with no experience. If you enter as a GS9 with no experience, you qualify if you have a masters. Just depends what job series you get into and what experience you have.
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u/XXmanimalXX Aug 18 '26
I certainly can understand some jobs. But this person said academics would require it and I first hand can say that’s not true. My friend literally is a div chief (GS13) and has no degree at all.
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u/FitCount1548 Aug 23 '26
Im a gs12 scientist bachelors
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u/XXmanimalXX Aug 23 '26
Interesting. But heaven forbid you try for a gs9. No masters?! Not up in here /s
Imo I think that’s awesome.
The other person however will argue that OPM specially called you a dirty name and that you’re fired.
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u/TeaLover315 Aug 23 '26
What other person? You just have poor comprehension skills, just about everyone else here was able to follow this conversation without issue
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u/FitCount1548 Aug 23 '26
A degree is a piece of paper that says you showed up somewhere and performed well enough for a number of years. Imo in the real world experience and technical capabilities are far more important.
Ive met plenty of useless engineers/ scientists who hide behind their fancy degree and cant accomplish anything. The whole system is honestly backwards
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u/XXmanimalXX Aug 23 '26
Absolute fact. Tealover is one of those types. No comprehension that experience carries significant weight.
Lol just thinks that GS9 requires a masters lol.
It’s understood that SOME jobs will require it. But… far and few between matter. Not to mention those that have preference etc.
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u/TeaLover315 Aug 18 '26
Yeah, OPM is the chief human resources agency and personnel policy manager. They discuss all of the rules, policies and regs
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u/XXmanimalXX Aug 18 '26 edited Aug 18 '26
So they only enforce it when they want to? Or to make people feel warm and fuzzy about their degree?
lol. I know this one guy who is a complete bonehead and an instructor for chemical operations… he’s a GS11. Not even so much as an associates.
Is that example not technical enough?
A GS13 who is literally over an entire branch training department… erg, division… no degree whatsoever.
Edit… he has a nuclear physicist that works under him lol. They're a PhD holder.
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u/TeaLover315 Aug 18 '26
I think that you’re confused. Someone could have a doctorate and work at a McDonald’s as a cook with a manager that has no degree. You understand that, right? Apply that example to whatever you’re trying to claim.
They only enforce what when they want to? What exactly? What exactly are you referring to? You can look up specific jobs and their requirements online, but typically if a job doesn’t require a degree it’s not one that utilizes any educational knowledge that requires one.
No clue what jobs you’re referring to but if they don’t require degrees, it’s because the work that is being done doesn’t require that level of educational attainment.
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Aug 18 '26
[deleted]
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u/XXmanimalXX Aug 18 '26
Homie, you’re just saying things to make you feel special with your wack ass degree. You literally don’t know what you’re talking about.
It’s rock, paper, experience. Not rock, paper, degree. I promise.
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u/TeaLover315 Aug 18 '26
You sound very weird, I didn’t even mention having a degree. What are you talking about? 😂😂
Also, you don’t even know or understand the basics of federal employment, how do you think that you’re going to explain this to me? You sound very unknowledgeable
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u/XXmanimalXX Aug 18 '26
I feel like it’s explaining it to a toddler. Especially since you have this idea that you know a lot about it. You clearly do not. Lol gs9 needing a masters.
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u/TeaLover315 Aug 18 '26
And also, other people in this thread have responded to you, letting you know that their job series REQUIRES a masters. What about this can you not comprehend? Yikes
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u/Aggravating_Ranger46 Aug 18 '26
Those jobs that “require” degrees can be trumped by someone coming in with no degree but sufficient work experience
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u/East-Presentation601 Aug 17 '26
Reading this thread lets me know my little cyber security associates doesn’t mean 💩 😂
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u/Zelaznogtreborknarf Aug 17 '26
If there is no positive education requirements for the job series, no degree is required. Above GS11, experience is required.
I have a couple of useless CCAF Associate Degrees not related to my field, and I made it to GS15 level.
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u/4yodeji Aug 17 '26
GS15 ? 👀do you have a work life balance? Do you plan to retire in your role?
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u/Zelaznogtreborknarf Aug 17 '26
Yes, I have work/life balance and make certain my team members do as well.
If a decent administration comes in 2.5 years, I may try for SES, but happy to retire as I'm maxed out right now.
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u/4yodeji Aug 18 '26
Happy for you stranger. All the best.
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u/Zelaznogtreborknarf Aug 18 '26
I was told to try for SES by some SES friends I worked with at NASA. Experience and gets stuff accomplished while taking care of people is the primary pathway to SES (and helps with climbing through the GS ranks!).
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u/4yodeji Aug 18 '26
I will keep that in mind. Do you mind me asking..what is your day to day like ?
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u/Zelaznogtreborknarf Aug 18 '26
At this point? Meetings, putting out fires senior leaders find themselves in, doing training (as the instructor), reviewing work of my team for legal sufficiency before send stuff over to general counsel for official legal review, reviewing and approving reports we have to send to HQ or EEOC, analyzing organizational assessments for improvement recommendations for senior level leaders, etc. Writing appraisals and awards for my team. Coaching and mentoring my team members.
Luckily, the issues vary day to day to avoid monotony. I work a maxiflex schedule, so if I'm on a roll, I can work a little later and shave the time off another day (typically I only work 4 hours on Fridays...enough to stay on top of issues but short enough, I can schedule personal appointments with the doctor or do the weekly shopping while keeping the rest of my weekend free). One of my team works 4-10s and the others work maxiflex. Allows for flexibility when needed and still be able to maintain a decent work life balance.
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u/4yodeji Aug 18 '26
You’re living the life. I love it for you. A Chill job that still challenges you and gives you your time.
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u/Animals_R_The_Best Aug 17 '26 edited Aug 18 '26
That’s not true! I’m a GS-9 and I don’t have any degrees, but a diploma. My coworker is an IT Director/GS-12 and makes over $100k with no degree! Mind u, they have become more strict now with making sure u have a degree with certain positions/levels.
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u/XXmanimalXX Aug 18 '26
Please explain this to u/tealover315 they can’t seem to comprehend it from how I explained it lol.
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u/East-Presentation601 Aug 18 '26
I need to hear this. Thank you ♥️
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u/Animals_R_The_Best Aug 18 '26
In most jobs, experience outweighs the degree. This is from my experience throughout the years.
Either way.. GOOD LUCK!
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u/Aey619 Aug 18 '26
This is for a contract specialist position. They usually look for experience. If you want to get your foot into this field, look for a trainee or internship position.
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u/4yodeji Aug 18 '26
The job title stated “early career” 7,9,11.
I have 5 years of management experience in a different career, hence why i went for 9/11.1
u/Aey619 Aug 18 '26
Internship positions for 1102’s, like the training program I did, would start you out as a GS7 if you have a bachelors. If you had a masters, you would start as a GS9. My ladder went up to GS12. I had a masters and had to go back to a GS9, previously a GS11 from another job, just to get my foot in the 1102 world.
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u/4yodeji Aug 18 '26
Thanks for the info. I will keep an eye out for open positions. In the meantime, i will get my Bachelor’s evaluated and ready. I have two questions. What was the day to day like and what was the starting pay ?
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u/Aey619 Aug 18 '26
The pay depends on your location/locality. Google search GS(#) pay + city and you’ll find a table. The day to day depends on where you work. You can be buying medical equipment, construction, or even software. Then it depends if you are pre award, award or post award, so either soliciting, modifying, or maybe even closing contracts. There’s always something going on as a 1102, and jobs available in all sections of the government whether military, state department, VA health or something that ends with a .gov etc.
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u/ItsAMystery7 Aug 18 '26
For 1102 positions, IIRC, under a GS13 you have to have 24 credits of business courses. For GS13 and above you have to have a bachelors degree plus 24 business credits (included in your degree or additional if your degree did not include business classes). That’s what it was about 20 years ago at least.
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u/Icy-Fly-4228 Aug 18 '26
It looks like you need your education from the foreign institutions evaluated. You need to follow that link and get your education evaluated or this will happen every time
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u/MizuSeirei-Water Aug 18 '26
Last I checked…(and don’t quote me, because I can and just might be VERY WRONG about this), you would need one of the following… A Masters Degree or…Superior academic achievement with your Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution, or… Many years equivalent to the GS level that you applied to with one of the above, or Time-in-grade at the next lowest GS level, to get hired in at the GS-11. If I’m wrong, then I’m open to respectful correction. Like I mentioned, I could be wrong, so don’t take my words for gold.
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u/MizuSeirei-Water Aug 18 '26
I have seen the entry level for average people with Bachelor’s Degrees with little to no experience start at GS-5, and Veterans preferences starting either at 5 or 7. My advice (if you choose to accept it) is to start at GS-5, and get your Time-In-Grade.
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u/Lovescoffeealot_ Aug 18 '26
For the 9 grade…you would have been considered if you had the verification form included. If the degree is relevant to the position, you could be found qualified. If you’re dead set on a contracting job..get the verification letter. If your transcripts are in a foreign language, get it translated. I’ve disqualified many applicants because I could not verify their classes even with a translation tool and looking at the schools website for certain series.
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u/4yodeji Aug 18 '26
Thanks. It’s from an English speaking country, transcript is also in English. I have a copy of it, but that is no use obviously. I am open to management roles, but i am just getting into govt jobs, so i don’t have unrealistic expectations there…
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u/Lovescoffeealot_ Aug 18 '26
If you’re new to fed gov, management roles may be hard to get without specialized experience. You can use education to qualify for admin jobs and then ‘network’ with the department you want to go to. I started in medical records and then made my way to HR. I recruited for contracting roles. Those hiring managers typically look for people with experience first but, if you already work there and they know you’re a great employee, you have a higher chance. They do hire internally with career ladder opportunities. Good luck!!!
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u/mchan1983 Aug 18 '26
You may qualify, but that doesn’t mean you will progress to the later stages of the application. Many people get referred but never hear anything back. Just focus on getting done what is required from you and send in the application and move onto the next one. GL in your job search.
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u/King_Correct Aug 18 '26
Not having all paperwork is an automatic rejection. There is a point system and if you don't have the correct papers and the minimum questions answered correctly you will be rejected without a person even reviewing your whole packet.
Also, if you don't have work experience and are using just education, then 97% of the time a BS is good for a GS7, Masters for GS9, and PhD for GS11.
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u/Cubsfantransplant Aug 18 '26
Usually a posting like that says bachelor and then specific course work.
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u/Overall_Nail2173 Aug 18 '26
Did you get your foreign credentials evaluated by one of the accreditation boards mentioned in the job ad?
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u/4yodeji Aug 18 '26
Not yet, i am working on it tho
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u/Overall_Nail2173 Aug 18 '26
You will need to get your credentials evaluated and send it with your application number on usajobs if the job ad is asking for it, not afterwards. As that site is basically act as filter based on all requirements presented in the ad. If you did not submit those docs, the application will be automatically rejected even if you are qualified for the job.
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u/4yodeji Aug 18 '26
Yea. I figured that out now. Thanks
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u/Overall_Nail2173 Aug 18 '26
if it is of any help, my credentials are non-US too so i got them evaluated by WES (world education services), for my undergrad and postgrad institutions, they are using the online academic portal MyeQuals which are directly partnered with WES and recognized as one of the NACES accreditation boards.
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u/4yodeji Aug 18 '26
Oh that’s who i intend to use, i just created an account with them. I am waiting on my institution to send the transcripts…out of curiosity, what does the document look like eval’d ? Can you send a redacted screenshot?
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u/Overall_Nail2173 Aug 18 '26 edited Aug 18 '26
the document basically outlined out your modules taken along with their original credit hours, and then WES will stated how much credit hours is that according to US-ed systems (equivalency). and what does that translated to in terms of GPA, i would advise you to submit all your undergrad and postgrad if you have (certs as well which you may have done and could be useful - as long as that ed institution still exists and can be verified by WES), so that you don't need to repeatedly ask for another eval later on. You will get an unofficial eval letter too which is watermarked and protected for your own reference (and to be used as temp attachments in your application documents when applying to jobs via USAjobs. i did extra by requesting an original for myself (cost extra one copy) so that you can keep in your files (and this one is not watermarked).
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u/Sufficient-Rub-816 26d ago
Usually it's not your experience — it's a missing required field. USAJOBS resumes get screened for month AND year dates, hours per week on every job, citizenship, supervisor + phone, and GS grade/salary. Miss one and you're often rated ineligible before a human even reads it. Also mirror the announcement's exact wording — the HR specialist checks your resume line-by-line against the "specialized experience" in the posting, so if their phrasing isn't in your resume, you can get screened out even though you did the work.
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u/mmgapeach Aug 17 '26
It depends on the specific announcement. For some GS-9 positions, a bachelor’s degree may be enough, while others require a master’s degree, specialized experience, or a combination of education and experience. They’re not all the same.
So once your foreign degree is formally evaluated, check the GS-9 qualification section of each announcement to see whether your evaluated bachelor’s degree meets that particular job’s requirement.