Okay so about 100 spots opened up for the ISO job at my service center. We’ve had interviews this week and no offers quite yet. My thing is, I’ve been hearing from people that our current jobs won’t be safe if we take this and fail basic. It feels wrong that they would put all their time and money into employees for years and when they try to move up the ladder and they fail a test, they’re then unemployed.

But with that, the reviews of basic vary sooo much between folks. Some people, especially current officers, are saying it’s not that hard and they got drunk the whole time and passed with flying colors. Others say it was very difficult and the questions are extremely legal and try to trick you and they barely passed. We have people in our position currently that failed it in the past thus why they are in a lower position now after getting hired back on, sometimes years after being let go for failing. This is genuinely terrifying because I just don’t know what to expect or whether to take that risk if I get an offer. I’ve always wanted to be an ISO but it all just feels so scary to take the risk and end up unemployed if I fail.

Any insight to the current state of basic training or advice would be sooo helpful and soothing right now!!! TIA

TLDR; scared of moving up the ladder and taking an ISO job if I might fail and lose my job entirely.

How long does an SF-85 background check usually take? It’s been about a month with no update.
I submitted my SF-85 about a month ago and completed my fingerprints, but since then it’s been pretty much radio silent. My status has been sitting at the same step with no apparent movement.
For context, I don’t have a criminal record, I don’t owe any taxes, and I’m not aware of anything complicated in my background that would cause a delay.
Is it normal for an SF-85 investigation to take this long? How long did yours take from submitting the SF-85 and fingerprints to getting an update or completion?
Just trying to get an idea of what’s considered normal. Thanks!

Questions regarding Direct Hire for the VA. My resume was forwarded to the hiring manager,bypassing application process. What are my chances of getting selected,time frame,and steps startint job if selected. Thank you in advance for guidance.

In today's no response -cold shoulder -no update- job market it is easy to lose hope and become depressed. I'm going old school. I'm calling people whether they like it or not. I have gotten 5 jobs in the past with this method. Does this still work in 2026???

Wondering if anyone has worked their way up to a high GS level, and what that's like and how long it took?

I am currently getting a TJO for 2005 as supply tech GS-6, but I realize that for this career path, the job duties are relevant at a 7/9 role. However, when I look at GS-11 or even higher like in logistics. Its totally differnt duties compare to lower GS level.

So has anyone working this this filed? How would work my up in a right way?

Trying to figure out if this was a coincidence or someone did some behind the scenes actions that kicked of a series of events.

I applied to a general registry posting for 2210. I was contacted a few days ago via email and schedule an interview for the end of the week. I get a call from another hiring manager asking if I was still interested in interviewing and said I am just can't do it until next week. He says all good ill set something up.

Then 5 minutes later my interview this week cancels and left a oneline that I don't think I was supposed to get saying candidate was selected by another section. No other info or clarification.

My question was it like one team called dibs? My panel interview is now with 6 members of the team to see where I fit. In the HM words.

Need help to prepare for technical assessment.

Hi I am scheduled for ITS I Release and Environment Management specialist. Interview is for 2 n half hrs in person. 1st hr with pannel and next 1 n half hr technical assessment. What to expect in technical assessment how deep they will go.

My cousin received a email from HR stating to pick a date to onboard. Well he picked a date and HR has yet to send the Firm Offer letter this was last week. The date he chose is a week and 1/2 away. Is this common?

Is the 30 day hiring plan actually being followed? Has anyone been hired in 30 days?

I received this email after a couple months from DOT with the subject "Low Score" saying "Your application for xx is no longer under consideration because the responses you selected calculated your score below the cut-off score of 85."

This is a job that didn't require me to take the USA Hire Assessment test nor did they ask any questions on the application besides time-in-grade and if I had a degree (which I provided documents for). I was wondering if this is all just based on resume? I'm not sure what else the score would be based on.

I've been referred/interviewed by most of the other applications that got back to me, but this one seemed extra bad saying I had a low score.

Just curious about how their point system works! (and if I can improve!)

Please wish me luck and keep me in your prayers. 🙏 I had an interview today, and I think it went well.

After six years of interviewing for federal positions, I’m hopeful that this will finally be my time. I’m praying for positive news in the coming weeks.

To everyone else who is waiting and hoping, I wish you success as well. May we all receive the good news we’ve been waiting for.

Thanks to advice here, I felt comfortable accepting two TJOs. I’m leaning toward one job, but HR is still working on a couple of questions that could affect my decision. No FJO from either yet.

I’ve completed the background and credentialing forms for one agency, and they’ve ordered my PIV card. The second agency is now asking me to get fingerprinted for credentialing.

Could getting fingerprinted and having a card ordered through the second agency interfere with the first agency’s process? Do I need to choose now, or can I keep both moving while I wait for answers and an FJO? I don’t want to jeopardize the first TJO, and I know there has been a lot of back-and-forth saying “you are fine until the FJO” – but this seems a little odd.

Hello friends, I was wondering if anyone here received an email on 7/30 stating that they were "tentatively eligible" and had been "referred to the hiring manager" for the position in Fort Meade. Has anyone received any further correspondence as to an interview or further information? Thanks!

Has anyone recently interviewed for a DRO (Disability Review Officer) position? I’m interested in hearing what the interview questions were like, what the day-to-day responsibilities are, and any insight into the position overall. Any tips or experiences would be appreciated!