View Full Version : The New FBI Intel Analyst Thread
I'm not happy with the closing of the "Anyone get the call from the Bureau lately" thread. For months this thread have provided valuable information to those of us who have been in the running for a position. It is a place where we come to talk about the intel analyst process, and every once in a while vent our stress. And to the mod who closed it due to nobody "getting any good out of it anymore"......you're wrong. So i'm starting this thread for FBI INTEL ANALYSTS, close it if you must.
I'm not happy with the closing of the "Anyone get the call from the Bureau lately" thread. For months this thread have provided valuable information to those of us who have been in the running for a position.
Great. When you start your own board, feel free to run it as you see fit. Bottom line is, after a certain point, a position-specific thread like that tends to have value to a handful of participants who share information back and forth, but don't help other people at all. Any valuable information (e.g., latest on hiring, timelines, etc) gets lost in the shuffle and other board members don't see information they would see in newer threads. You'll notice that most topics run at a few dozen posts at most, then newer threads come along regarding the same agency or position, but geared towards a specific issue. If you want to post something specific in a new thread, go ahead...but at 1300 posts, the issue at hand in that particular thread had long ago been lost. If you would like to find a new board on which to play, feel free to take your ball and go home.
LA Express
03-08-2005, 16:02
As nsedet indicated, that thread was only of value to those who have been posting in it (or actively following it), or to those with an enormous amount of time on their hands who were able to scroll through the absurd number of posts/pages. I've seen many, many threads like that on other boards and they're practically useless to newcomers seeking info. So now you still have the thread available for reference and you can start a new thread, as was done here. So feel free to continue your discussion in a fresh, new, more manageable thread (and more manageable for us to moderate). Though keep in mind that if this serves merely as a thread to vent complaints over its closing, then it will also be closed.
Point taken, thanks for your views.
To help get back to the topic at hand, allow me to add the following.
As I said on the old thread, I applied for the most recent vacancy announcement at the beginning of February, but not for any of the previous announcements.
Got a call last Friday to come for an interview this past monday 3/7. It was your typical 3 person panel interview. They seem to have brought in a fairly large number of applicants. Based on my observations while I was there, I would say they talked to 200-250 people total for the day. After the interview, I was scheduled to come back on 3/22 for the PSI and poly.
To help get back to the topic at hand, allow me to add the following.
As I said on the old thread, I applied for the most recent vacancy announcement at the beginning of February, but not for any of the previous announcements.
Got a call last Friday to come for an interview this past monday 3/7. It was your typical 3 person panel interview. They seem to have brought in a fairly large number of applicants. Based on my observations while I was there, I would say they talked to 200-250 people total for the day. After the interview, I was scheduled to come back on 3/22 for the PSI and poly.
200-250, wow. In your interview did they say anything about the number of people they wanted to hire?
Right now, they're going through something along the lines of 8,000 (yes, that's 8,000) candidates in a hiring blitz here in the DC area. They've pulled a number of people out of various divisions to support the interview process and are running them all day, every day at a hotel near DC. From talking to them, that's 8,000 applicants, not primary or alternates for positions. Some are from previous hiring rounds who were selected as alternates, went through background but the primary made it through the process and they're being held in a pool, the rest are new applicants following recent local area advertisements.
From the scuttlebutt I'm hearing through interactions with other IAs, a notable chunk of the applicants come from other intelligence agencies with deployment requirements overseas and people are looking for a way out. One comment that I heard today from an interviewer is that it is a rare candidate who does not come in with either a Master's degree or 5-15 years of experience.
Right now, they're going through something along the lines of 8,000 (yes, that's 8,000) candidates in a hiring blitz here in the DC area. They've pulled a number of people out of various divisions to support the interview process and are running them all day, every day at a hotel near DC. From talking to them, that's 8,000 applicants, not primary or alternates for positions. Some are from previous hiring rounds who were selected as alternates, went through background but the primary made it through the process and they're being held in a pool, the rest are new applicants following recent local area advertisements.
From the scuttlebutt I'm hearing through interactions with other IAs, a notable chunk of the applicants come from other intelligence agencies with deployment requirements overseas and people are looking for a way out. One comment that I heard today from an interviewer is that it is a rare candidate who does not come in with either a Master's degree or 5-15 years of experience.
That's interesting info Buman. I have been referred but haven't heard anything yet, I've already been through the background process though. Are they just hiring local candidates?
The majority of the positions are in the DC area, which may be why they are doing the interviews here for local applicants and those who, previously in their processes, indicated a willingness to relocate.
The majority of the positions are in the DC area, which may be why they are doing the interviews here for local applicants and those who, previously in their processes, indicated a willingness to relocate.
According to Director Mueller's recent congressional testimony, they have initiated a "plan to accelerate the interviewing and processing of applicants residing in the Washington , DC and Baltimore region for the FBI's top priority programs, including the Directorate of Intelligence, in an effort to achieve this year's hiring goals."
Does this mean that applicants in this region receive preference over applicants elsewhere - even those that indicated they were willing to relocate?
According to Director Mueller's recent congressional testimony, they have initiated a "plan to accelerate the interviewing and processing of applicants residing in the Washington , DC and Baltimore region for the FBI's top priority programs, including the Directorate of Intelligence, in an effort to achieve this year's hiring goals."
Does this mean that applicants in this region receive preference over applicants elsewhere - even those that indicated they were willing to relocate?
I won't pretend to know all the reasons behind the focus on DC/Balmer hiring, but here's what I would suspect:
1) The vast majority of positions vacant are in HQ divisions (not necessarily in HQ, though) - from what I've heard from a couple of folks on the board who recently flew out to interview, they may include command post/alternate shift positions. Even the largest field divisions have fewer IAs than several of the HQ divisions. Since the vacancies are at HQ, it makes sense to focus hiring in that area. That said, they have flown in candidates (see other threads) for interviews as part of this process.
2) Most of the other partners in the USIC have significant presences in the Washington DC/Balmer area, which makes for good hunting grounds when seeking to pick up new candidates or hire others away from agencies which may have changed their operational paradigm away from what people originally signed on for. Given the reports of accelerated hiring at several USIC agencies with significant presences in the DC area, a lot of candidates may already be in the area.
3) There are a number of people out there who are excellent candidates for the IA position but who would want to have some/all transfer costs associated with taking a position in DC covered. Transfer money may be a bit on the limited side, thus by hiring in the DC commuting area, there's no need to even enter into discussions about who gets their costs paid and who doesn't.
There's probably a dozen other reasons, but those are the ones that jump to my extremely tired mind at the moment.
sigepuofu
03-09-2005, 19:34
Hey all.
Just got back from my interview on Monday. Wow. I feel like I've grown wings, I was in the air all day on Monday. The interview went okay, I think, it was just a meet-and-greet with two of the unit chiefs. They wanted to know a lot about my writing skills, etc. They told me I should know here in a couple of weeks if I'd be hired. That was a little frustrating, I was hoping to come home with a solid start date, but oh well. From what they told me, they were considering everyone, and making their decisions. I'm still hopeful, but I'm a little nervous-in some interviews I've had, "you'll hear in the next couple of weeks" has meant no, you're not hired.
So, I guess we'll just see.
200-250, wow. In your interview did they say anything about the number of people they wanted to hire?
i just got back from the interview (wednesday 3/9). the person who was talking to us in the room as we were waiting to be called for the interview, put the target number of newly-hired IA's at 800 for HQ and the surrounding area. i don't know if that's accurate, but i figured i'd pass it on.
i'm going back for the poly and security interview on 3/28. i was told i should expect a conditional offer (conditional upon successful completion of the poly and BI) in a week or so. i'm really excited. hope this works out.
Any idea on how long these interviews will be going on? I still havent been contacted yet....just wondering what to think.
Any idea on how long these interviews will be going on? I still havent been contacted yet....just wondering what to think.
Ditto - still "referred to selecting official."
Anyone know how long current interviews will go on?
Thanks
DM05 - Thanks for restarting this thread. I've been posting since last July and have received a ton a valuable information on the IA hiring process.
I'm just checking in with everyone - looks like they've put my app on hold (I applied to the 007 announcement). My status on the quickhire site states that I have "not been selected for this position" :( . I'm wondering if that is the end or at least until the hiring starts again in the FOs?
Im in the same boat as you, SEgis
... looks like they've put my app on hold (I applied to the 007 announcement). My status on the quickhire site states that I have "not been selected for this position" :( . I'm wondering if that is the end or at least until the hiring starts again in the FOs?
I don't think they put your app on hold. I think it's been discarded. But I would definitely apply again when it reopens. Did you apply to an FO or to HQ?
I don't think they put your app on hold. I think it's been discarded. But I would definitely apply again when it reopens. Did you apply to an FO or to HQ?
I applied to an FO. I will reapply when it reopens, but will they have to do the background / security clearance again?
I applied to an FO. I will reapply when it reopens, but will they have to do the background / security clearance again?
If you got the CO on the initial offer and did the initial stages of the BI (PPP), then they would only have to update the BI from the point where it was last completed to the present.
DM05 - Thanks for restarting this thread. I've been posting since last July and have received a ton a valuable information on the IA hiring process.
I'm just checking in with everyone - looks like they've put my app on hold (I applied to the 007 announcement). My status on the quickhire site states that I have "not been selected for this position" :( . I'm wondering if that is the end or at least until the hiring starts again in the FOs?
Not selected for the position is the end of the application process for that position. While bad, it's not nearly as bad as the "Not suitable for employment" letter that's possible after a background investigation. Reapply if you see a position that interests you.
I don't know if it is too soon for this sort of study to have been completed, but if any of you insiders have any sort of guesstimation...
With all the hiring within the last 2-3 years, what is the turnover rate among new IA hires?
And what are the reasons? Was the transition from corporate/private to federal too much of an adjustment? Was it dislike for the job? Not what they expected?
Ice Cube
03-15-2005, 11:59
The FBI Intelligence Program continually assesses mission requirements and priorities. This in turn results in program changes. As a result of the most recent program changes, a decision has been made to cancel the vacancy announcements for Intelligence Analyst positions in each field office and in several Headquarters divisions, that had an opening date of 8/22/2004 and closing date of 9/27/2004. No selections will be made from these announcements.
FBI recruitment for Intelligence Analysts will reflect these changes in terms of focus and potential recruitment incentives. The FBI will issue new announcements in the near future that will target critical skills such as country or language expertise, or other similar qualifications. Recruitment bonuses, if offered, will tie to demonstrated possession of these skills.
We regret any inconvenience caused by the decision to cancel our earlier announcements. Applicants who previously applied to the Intelligence Analyst announcements that opened 8/22/2004 are encouraged to re-apply when new announcements are posted. New applicants will also be welcome.
Although it sucks for us, it is really smart for them to identify critical needs. This will really save them time to evaluate us. To the individuals who mentioned that they were interviewed recently (beginning of March), what were your skill sets? Just curious. I have expertise in Chemistry. Anyone else?
I qualified under the "physical sciences" skill set because I have a degree in biology.
I don't think they put your app on hold. I think it's been discarded. But I would definitely apply again when it reopens. Did you apply to an FO or to HQ?
Forms and other hopefuls today is your lucky day. The announcement has reopened until 9/05 with the first cut-off date being 3/25/05. Good Luck. :D
Forms and other hopefuls today is your lucky day. The announcement has reopened until 9/05 with the first cut-off date being 3/25/05. Good Luck. :D
Well isn't this just peachy. They have thousands of qualified people already in the pipeline and then they open up another announcement. Anyway, I applied again....so let the headbanging and hair pulling begin. Thanks for the post Tifalk, since I don't check the new announcments that often.
Forms and other hopefuls today is your lucky day. The announcement has reopened until 9/05 with the first cut-off date being 3/25/05. Good Luck. :D
Has anyone been able to get in? Seems like there's such a volume of traffic that I have not been able to get into the site to see the announcement.
I got in yesterday and re-submitted the app. You can set-up the account to send you email notifications of FBIjobs you want. I can't possibly visit the site often either. From what I gathered, the re-submissions files you into a specific need catagory. I think with the massive interest in the job, they decided they needed to be more specific to reduce their review of apps. I think anyone who is not already deep into the process is probably going to have to re-submit if you haven't already. I was notified about a month or so ago about the cancellation of the 0132 HQ and FO's I submitted for on the website. I think the entry about 4 replies up is right from the FBIjobs wedsite explaining what they are doing. Good luck.
So I suppose that if I (or anyone else) don't posses any of the Critical Skills then it would not be worth my while to apply? ;) At least that is what I get from the posts above and the info contained in the job announcement; I qualify everywhere else for the announcement, just not the critical skills :( .
geographer1
03-18-2005, 11:18
Hey everybody,
I'm so glad a new thread opened up. I saw the new announcement yesterday. I went through the whole process last summer for the FY-2004 announcement. I completed the Background, poly, drug test, and a Panel interview at my chosen field office. As an alternate, I did not get in at my chosen field office and when they asked if I would be willing to relocate, I declined. One of the field offices in the new announcement is in my town and I'm debating whether to apply again. I tried to look at the posting today and the site acted all "glitchy". Finally I got in the job postings, but it said "No vacancies at this time" Is anybody else having problems? :o
SrA Scott
03-18-2005, 13:31
I don't usually post on these mega-threads because whatever I might say just gets lost in the pages. I did look at this vacancy listing this a.m. and was going to apply for it. Having read this thread I've thought better of that and will not be doing so.
I thought perhaps a mass hiring might work in my favor by increasing my chances, but the "Master's degree or 5-15 years experience" cited by a previous poster more than likely means I'd just get (yet another) "you meet qualifications but were not referred for consideration" letter. Those letters have made it pretty clear that barring a re-clas move on my part with USAF to get into Intel, it's pretty much hopeless for me.
This thread did save me from wasting my time and the bureau's, though, and I do appreciate that. Thanks.
So I suppose that if I (or anyone else) don't posses any of the Critical Skills then it would not be worth my while to apply? ;) At least that is what I get from the posts above and the info contained in the job announcement; I qualify everywhere else for the announcement, just not the critical skills :( .
while waiting to be called upstairs for the panel interview, the fbi guy in the room with me asked if i had a law degree. (i don't know why he picked that one...) when i told him no, he asked if i spoke another language. when i told him not fluently, he asked what my degree was in. when i said biology, he laughed and said something to the effect of "oh, okay. i was starting to wonder how you got here" -- aka, how could i have gotten to the interview phase without having one of the critical skills.
i'm not saying don't apply, but from that conversation, it seems your chances of getting in might not be so hot without one of the "critical" skills. maybe you could call your local field office or talk to a recruiter at a job fair to get a straight answer from a more reputable source than me.
while waiting to be called upstairs for the panel interview, the fbi guy in the room with me asked if i had a law degree. (i don't know why he picked that one...) when i told him no, he asked if i spoke another language. when i told him not fluently, he asked what my degree was in. when i said biology, he laughed and said something to the effect of "oh, okay. i was starting to wonder how you got here" -- aka, how could i have gotten to the interview phase without having one of the critical skills.
i'm not saying don't apply, but from that conversation, it seems your chances of getting in might not be so hot without one of the "critical" skills. maybe you could call your local field office or talk to a recruiter at a job fair to get a straight answer from a more reputable source than me.
About the only things I have going for me are fluent in spanish, TS clearance with currently job and a CJ degree. I never got a call on any of the last announcements, so I figured why try now. Maybe I will try again and polish up my KSAs.
Does anyone know how the interviewing process will be carried out for the current FO announcements? I noticed that the positions are nationwide and applicants must be willing to go anywhere, not just their local FO.
techlotl
03-18-2005, 23:53
Hey everybody,
As an alternate, I did not get in at my chosen field office and when they asked if I would be willing to relocate, I declined. One of the field offices in the new announcement is in my town and I'm debating whether to apply again. :o
All IAs have to sign "mobility agreements" this means that if you sign on and somehow get the office you want, you could still arrive at training and get a surprise transfer during the last week after you've already signed your 3 year service agreement. That being said, it's a highly unlikely scenario, but you get the idea. Most support don't get transfered against their will, but it could happen.
For those that have already completed the app for the latest announcement... did you get to select a FO at the end of the process. I know that in the past announcements they listed all the FOs that had openings and you applied for the one you wanted and if you were not chosen for the FO spot HQ contacted you about your willingness to relocate.
I had put in for the Omaha FO before and was an alternate. I wasn't chosen. I was then asked if I would relocate to HQ... I told them that I would love to but we were waiting on my husband's BI for an SA position... they said that was fine. Then they called me out of the blue a few weeks ago and said that if I couldn't relocate right now then I had to be deactivated... ummmm... you have my husband's file on your desk, you tell me if I can relocate.... grrrr... sometimes I don't know if these people think! I'm still aggravated about it!
All IAs have to sign "mobility agreements" this means that if you sign on and somehow get the office you want, you could still arrive at training and get a surprise transfer during the last week after you've already signed your 3 year service agreement. That being said, it's a highly unlikely scenario, but you get the idea. Most support don't get transfered against their will, but it could happen.
They are having new hire IAs sign mobility agreements for long-term flexibility within the FBI. There are not currently plans to require IAs to transfer around like SAs, but there is an interest in developing a similar career path with similar expectations. Right now, a lot of the management of the Intelligence Program is done by SAs who've gone through the steps to become supervisors. The concept that I've heard floated (and it's in a very preliminary stage now, is to identify steps along a career path for promotion to management slots for IAs which might involve mobility. By having IAs sign mobility agreements, this is much easier to implement. Additionally, it also gives the flexibility in the event of an unexpected crisis to relocate IAs to where the needs are, or, at least, to make relocation a possibility.
I've been an IA for over five years now and no one has approached me to sign a mobility agreement yet. To date, they have been for new hires (mostly 2004 and beyond).
For those that have already completed the app for the latest announcement... did you get to select a FO at the end of the process. I know that in the past announcements they listed all the FOs that had openings and you applied for the one you wanted and if you were not chosen for the FO spot HQ contacted you about your willingness to relocate.
The application for this announcement did not allow you to rank or specify FO preferences. It also had a new page at the end asking you to checkmark which of the critical skills you have that they are looking for. And a box for you to explain how/why you possess those critical skills.
They are having new hire IAs sign mobility agreements for long-term flexibility within the FBI. There are not currently plans to require IAs to transfer around like SAs, but there is an interest in developing a similar career path with similar expectations. Right now, a lot of the management of the Intelligence Program is done by SAs who've gone through the steps to become supervisors. The concept that I've heard floated (and it's in a very preliminary stage now, is to identify steps along a career path for promotion to management slots for IAs which might involve mobility. By having IAs sign mobility agreements, this is much easier to implement. Additionally, it also gives the flexibility in the event of an unexpected crisis to relocate IAs to where the needs are, or, at least, to make relocation a possibility.
Hi, Buman - are IAs assigned to LegAt offices? If so, are those positions voluntary?
Hi, Buman - are IAs assigned to LegAt offices? If so, are those positions voluntary?
IAs are not hired into Legat offices, however, there is some talk of putting Reports Officers into Legat Offices in the future. It will be handled the same way all support assignments to Legats are currently handled - advertised and selected internally for a specified tour. Upon return from the Legat assignment, efforts will be made to place the individual in the office they came out of, however, barring that, preference will be given for other assignments the individual is qualified for.
I've been an IA for over five years now and no one has approached me to sign a mobility agreement yet. To date, they have been for new hires (mostly 2004 and beyond).
BuMan,
How many times did you apply to the FBI before you got hired? Just curious as to your experience.
BuMan,
How many times did you apply to the FBI before you got hired? Just curious as to your experience.
One. I was a direct hire for a specific (non-IA) position 14 years ago. I became an IA five years ago through an internal posting.
H.Schoolboy posted a url in the News Forum for a great report titled "Transforming the FBI: Progress and Challenges." According to this report, the "OI's operational plan addresses ways to recruit high quality candidates to its analytic workforce and provides a five step, "quick hire" process for selection. This streamlined process includes an initial on-line application, cognitive ability testing followed by a full employment application, a structured interview and writing exercise, drug, polygraph, and interview screening, and final selection."
I haven't heard of the cognitive testing or the writing exercise from those currently going through the hiring process. When will this process be implemented?
Jeff MIS
03-20-2005, 16:11
I applied for the new listing as well as the one that was posted in February. My status is still listed as 'Referred to Selecting Official' for the February announcement. My degree is in Management Information Systems, so it's not Computer Engineering or Computer Science but it is still an analytical field. I'd love to get my Masters but just cannot afford it right now (I'm 23 and just recently graduated). I'm pretty sure my lack of experience is hurting my chances of landing one of these IA jobs.
I applied for the new listing as well as the one that was posted in February. My status is still listed as 'Referred to Selecting Official' for the February announcement. My degree is in Management Information Systems, so it's not Computer Engineering or Computer Science but it is still an analytical field.
What did you list as your critical skill? I was thinking about not applying this time around because I can't see where I clearly meet the critical skill requirements. I have a degree in Mathematics and a year of grad study in statistics... that usually translates to a science or analytical study... but they only list chem,bio, and microbiology and the analytical studies say there has to be a special emphasis in denial and deception. It seems to me that even though all my paperwork, poly, and BI are done that there just isn't a place in the FBI now for those of us that don't meet the crit skill requirements.
Jeff MIS
03-20-2005, 19:51
I selected none of the above. I don't necessarily posses any of the critical skills listed, one could debate that analytical degrees and skills could fit into one of these areas: strategic and
predictive analysis, forecasting and modeling; and crime mapping and
analysis. But I just mentioned that I have my degree and although it doesn't exactly fit into what they listed, it is still somewhat along the lines of the areas of interest they are looking for. On the job posting all it mentions about the crtical skills is that if you have one (or more) of those listed and you get hired, then you will be eligible for a $10000 recruitment bonus. It doesn't mention that those are required skills although I'm sure they are mostly just looking for individuals that meet that criteria.
Plus it never hurts to apply :)
sigepuofu
03-20-2005, 22:03
Hi all. I'm debating applying for the new vacancy. I'm a holdover from the first field office vacancy, and I applied for the last headquarters vacancy. I'm still waiting to hear on whether or not I'll be hired, even though it'll be two weeks tommorow from when I last interviewed.
The reason I am hesitant to apply is because I've already been through the process since last May, and I'm afraid another application will just slow things down for me, since the Bureau apparently doesn't cross-check applications (my interviewers at HQ didn't know I'd applied for the second vacancy).
Also, I just wanted y'all opinion on something else. I'm doing a third interview to be a National Bank Examiner for the Treasury Department in a couple of weeks. It's an all-day thing, and I'm expecting it to go well. I'm confident I'll get an offer at the end of the all-day interview. If I haven't heard from the Bu by then, I'd probably have to follow my own advice and take the sure offer. But, I would like to apply to be an 1811 with the Bu in a few years. I'm concerned that if I were to take the Treasury job (if it comes), and then turn down the IA job from the Bu, any chances of future employment with the Bureau would be ruined, because they've put in a lot of money and time on me, and it would all be for nothing.
I know it's all hypothetical, but I'd like to hear your opinions.
sigepuofo I'd recommend that you take the sure thing. As soon as you do though I'd contact the Bu and let them know that you've accepted another position and that you would like to withdraw from the process. That way, in a few years when you apply for an SA job you can mention that you were in the running for an IA job and something else came along first and you had to withdraw out of courtesy to your new employer.
Don't know how you feel about it, but you could accept the new job and then go with the IA job if it is offered. It all depends on what you want the most and how many bridges you are willing to burn.
Hi all. I'm debating applying for the new vacancy. I'm a holdover from the first field office vacancy, and I applied for the last headquarters vacancy. I'm still waiting to hear on whether or not I'll be hired, even though it'll be two weeks tommorow from when I last interviewed.
The reason I am hesitant to apply is because I've already been through the process since last May, and I'm afraid another application will just slow things down for me, since the Bureau apparently doesn't cross-check applications (my interviewers at HQ didn't know I'd applied for the second vacancy).
Also, I just wanted y'all opinion on something else. I'm doing a third interview to be a National Bank Examiner for the Treasury Department in a couple of weeks. It's an all-day thing, and I'm expecting it to go well. I'm confident I'll get an offer at the end of the all-day interview. If I haven't heard from the Bu by then, I'd probably have to follow my own advice and take the sure offer. But, I would like to apply to be an 1811 with the Bu in a few years. I'm concerned that if I were to take the Treasury job (if it comes), and then turn down the IA job from the Bu, any chances of future employment with the Bureau would be ruined, because they've put in a lot of money and time on me, and it would all be for nothing.
I know it's all hypothetical, but I'd like to hear your opinions.
To clarify one thing - the Bureau does know you have multiple applications in. There are several levels involved in the hiring process - the hiring office, the HR folks, and security, to name just a few. The hiring office, which conducts the review of your KSAs, the interview, etc., doesn't know anything more about you than what is in your packet that you submit online. They won't know if you applied to every field office or just that one position and they're trying to make a decision based upon the information you provided. The HR folks know you've applied to multiple jobs, but their role in the process is the initial screening of the applicants (make sure they meet the minimum qualifications for a particular grade) and then the processing of the selectees (primary and alternates). The security folks also know if you've applied before and what the results of any previous backgrounds conducted were, but they make a final ajudication and have no involvement in the interview. In a way, it's good that the hiring office doesn't know your status on anything else - you might have a well-intentioned reviewer decide you'd be a better fit for another position you put in for and fudge the numbers against you (and in favor of someone else) if they knew you were putting in for multiple jobs. Better to have the hiring at that point conducted blind.
As for the rest of your question - I'd say take the Treasury job, since it appears to be a sure thing. If the IA job comes through, you can accept or decline it as you wish and, long-term down the road, you can put in for the SA position in the FBI. Since there is little tangible benefit to being an FBI support employee when applying for an SA slot, you don't lose much or anything by applying from another agency.
Someone had previously asked the question about turnover within the IA ranks. From some numbers I saw today, over the last four fiscal years, turnover ran about 8-10% per year, with 75% of the people leaving having less than 6 years of experience. About 40% of the people leaving went to Program Analyst positions within the FBI or into the Special Agent position. This year, turnover is running much less, however, that may be partially because of a high hiring rate inflating the numbers.
H.Schoolboy posted a url in the News Forum for a great report titled "Transforming the FBI: Progress and Challenges." According to this report, the "OI's operational plan addresses ways to recruit high quality candidates to its analytic workforce and provides a five step, "quick hire" process for selection. This streamlined process includes an initial on-line application, cognitive ability testing followed by a full employment application, a structured interview and writing exercise, drug, polygraph, and interview screening, and final selection."
I haven't heard of the cognitive testing or the writing exercise from those currently going through the hiring process. When will this process be implemented?
I have a co dated 8/02/04 and have done everything except the testing which I just heard of today. I got a call on 2/13/05 to schedule an interview but I was at work when the call came. When I finally got in contact with the person she said someone would be contacting me. Anyone know who I can speak with to see what is going on? At this point I am confused.
Testing is down the road...it's not required for current IA applicants. But there will apparently be testing for IA applicants, just as there is for SA applicants.
sigepuofu
03-21-2005, 20:57
Thanks for the advice everybody. The Treasury thing isn't for sure yet, but it think its pretty close. I know there's no tangible benefit to being a support employee when you apply for an SA position, but I would think there's got to be some intangible benefits to doing it-learning how the Bureau works (from the inside), making contacts in the Bureau, etc. I'm sure it would be beneficial.
I know I probably shouldn't worry as much about the process, what will happen will happen, but I've been in the process so long, I'd just like to know yes or no definitively. Oh well
Hello, everyone. I'm enjoying the new thread and learning as much as I did from its predecessor.
I applied to one of the most recent IA vacancies (HQ-2005-0008) and was contacted last week for an interview. At first, I assumed it was a telephone screening interview until the woman said, "Actually, we want you to come out here for the interview." Oh my...
So I'm absolutely thrilled! My question has to do with the format or structure of the interview and how best to prepare. I was told the interview would only be ca. 30 or 45 minutes long and that I should be familiar with the job description and everything that's on the vacancy announcement. What else should I be doing? What are some concete steps I can take in order to shine in the interview (a 3-person panel interview, by the way)?
One more thing. I was told that the day after the interview could be for further processing. I assume this means that if the interview goes well, the next day is various testing (e.g., IQ test, personality inventory)? Could I come away from my trip with a CO, or does that follow a bit later?
Any advice or suggestions (encouragement is always nice, too!) would be greatly appreciated! By the way, I stumbled upon this site quite by accident last summer when I was making my first IA applications. It's been very helpful, and I want to thank everyone here for their contributions. Best of luck to everyone!
Yours,
Travis
Hello, everyone. I'm enjoying the new thread and learning as much as I did from its predecessor.
I applied to one of the most recent IA vacancies (HQ-2005-0008) and was contacted last week for an interview. At first, I assumed it was a telephone screening interview until the woman said, "Actually, we want you to come out here for the interview." Oh my...
So I'm absolutely thrilled! My question has to do with the format or structure of the interview and how best to prepare. I was told the interview would only be ca. 30 or 45 minutes long and that I should be familiar with the job description and everything that's on the vacancy announcement. What else should I be doing? What are some concete steps I can take in order to shine in the interview (a 3-person panel interview, by the way)?
One more thing. I was told that the day after the interview could be for further processing. I assume this means that if the interview goes well, the next day is various testing (e.g., IQ test, personality inventory)? Could I come away from my trip with a CO, or does that follow a bit later?
Any advice or suggestions (encouragement is always nice, too!) would be greatly appreciated! By the way, I stumbled upon this site quite by accident last summer when I was making my first IA applications. It's been very helpful, and I want to thank everyone here for their contributions. Best of luck to everyone!
Yours,
Travis
Congrats. Are they paying for you to travel to DC?
sigepuofu
03-22-2005, 16:15
The way the process has run for me (I applied for a previous field office opening, but am trying to get a slot at HQ) is as follows:
May 2004-Initial application (online)
August 2004-Conditional offer of employment (as alternate)
September 2004-Reported to field office for polygraph, security interview, drug test (Background investigation started at this time)
Early March 2005-Background investigation finished (approved for TS-SCI clearance, but not issued)-flown to DC for panel interview (was told I'd hear in 2-3 weeks)
Present-No concrete offer of employment
the wait continues....
It might be different for you because you applied to one of the later announcements. (I hear that the Bureau's trying to speed things up for these announcements, but I heard the same thing when I first applied in 2004). There's a few people on this board like me who applied to field office postings last year, and were approved for a clearance, but no field office slots were open when our clearances were approved. The Bureau's trying to place us at headquarters, as far as I know, since we're all done, but the original slots we were trying to get were filled.
If they keep you an additional day, it'll probably be so you can undergo the polygraph examination, security interview, and drug test. Those were lots of fun.
Don't be expecting to get a solid "you're hired" that quickly. You can see how long I've been in process, and I still haven't heard. Plus, there's a lot of people in the same situation as I am. A lot of your waiting time is going to depend on how complicated your life is (time lived overseas, overseas relatives, multiple residences and workplaces here in the U.S. are all factors). Also, the Bureau is extremely overworked in this department at present, because they are hiring so many people and are trying to staff up their HR department to handle the flow.
The way the process has run for me (I applied for a previous field office opening, but am trying to get a slot at HQ) is as follows:
May 2004-Initial application (online)
August 2004-Conditional offer of employment (as alternate)
September 2004-Reported to field office for polygraph, security interview, drug test (Background investigation started at this time)
Early March 2005-Background investigation finished (approved for TS-SCI clearance, but not issued)-flown to DC for panel interview (was told I'd hear in 2-3 weeks)
Present-No concrete offer of employment
the wait continues....
It might be different for you because you applied to one of the later announcements. (I hear that the Bureau's trying to speed things up for these announcements, but I heard the same thing when I first applied in 2004). There's a few people on this board like me who applied to field office postings last year, and were approved for a clearance, but no field office slots were open when our clearances were approved. The Bureau's trying to place us at headquarters, as far as I know, since we're all done, but the original slots we were trying to get were filled.
If they keep you an additional day, it'll probably be so you can undergo the polygraph examination, security interview, and drug test. Those were lots of fun.
Don't be expecting to get a solid "you're hired" that quickly. You can see how long I've been in process, and I still haven't heard. Plus, there's a lot of people in the same situation as I am. A lot of your waiting time is going to depend on how complicated your life is (time lived overseas, overseas relatives, multiple residences and workplaces here in the U.S. are all factors). Also, the Bureau is extremely overworked in this department at present, because they are hiring so many people and are trying to staff up their HR department to handle the flow.
Your timelime is the exact same as mine, except I had a CO for HQ as an alternate but later notified I wasn't chosen because the primary was selected. As far as I know the BI is complete, I'm just inactive as of now. I applied to the last HQ announcement and have been referred, no contact yet. I have also applied to the latest FO announcement as well.
sigepuofu
03-22-2005, 17:00
Your timelime is the exact same as mine, except I had a CO for HQ as an alternate but later notified I wasn't chosen because the primary was selected. As far as I know the BI is complete, I'm just inactive as of now. I applied to the last HQ announcement and have been referred, no contact yet. I have also applied to the latest FO announcement as well.
You interviewed a couple of weeks ago too? How do you know you're inactive?
Hello, everyone. I'm enjoying the new thread and learning as much as I did from its predecessor.
I applied to one of the most recent IA vacancies (HQ-2005-0008) and was contacted last week for an interview. At first, I assumed it was a telephone screening interview until the woman said, "Actually, we want you to come out here for the interview." Oh my...
So I'm absolutely thrilled! My question has to do with the format or structure of the interview and how best to prepare. I was told the interview would only be ca. 30 or 45 minutes long and that I should be familiar with the job description and everything that's on the vacancy announcement. What else should I be doing? What are some concete steps I can take in order to shine in the interview (a 3-person panel interview, by the way)?
One more thing. I was told that the day after the interview could be for further processing. I assume this means that if the interview goes well, the next day is various testing (e.g., IQ test, personality inventory)? Could I come away from my trip with a CO, or does that follow a bit later?
Any advice or suggestions (encouragement is always nice, too!) would be greatly appreciated! By the way, I stumbled upon this site quite by accident last summer when I was making my first IA applications. It's been very helpful, and I want to thank everyone here for their contributions. Best of luck to everyone!
Yours,
Travis
If the interview goes well, you would probably receive a COE that day and the next day might consist of the PSI, polygraph, and urinalysis. As of yet, there is no formal testing process for IA candidates, although one is being developed for implementation in the future.
As for the interview, it will be for a standard set of questions that all applicants for that position are asked. It pertains to the job requirements that are listed on the announcement and, potentially, to the answers you provided.
You interviewed a couple of weeks ago too? How do you know you're inactive?
I received a letter a few months ago stating my inactive status.
Its good to see things moving in the IA arena. My story is almost the same as sigepuofu timeline wise and I had actually given up and had sworn off viewing this forum but did the interview that the person said was actually more like a meet and greet about 2 weeks ago. Now its back to the waiting game, what fun! I'm working tonight and had three hang ups on my answering machine including two from a 202 area code number from today. :rolleyes: One would think a message would have been left or a cell phone tried if it was the people we all wait for but who knows.
sigepuofu
03-23-2005, 01:14
The last call I got for the interview came at about 7:30 AM where I live. I never thought I'd be so eager to hear the phone ring in the morning as have been for the last.....oh....SIX MONTHS!!!
Dear DM05,
Yes, the trip is paid for and there is a per diem as well.
Travis
Dear BuMan,
Thanks for the information! I hadn't realized things could move that quickly. I've been told to bring my FD-140 and FD-406 with me, but I didn't think a CO could come after the interview.
Thanks again,
Travis
When I interviewed a couple of weeks ago, it was a 2 on 1 casual interview. After the interview you go into a room where they shuffle you around going over paperwork and other stuff. A couple of days later they called with a COE. The polygraph was scheduled for 2 weeks later (after the initial interview).
Seems to be moving fast, hope the BI does too :)
Dear 20sx,
Thanks for the info. I shouldn't think the BI would take too long. I'm not sure what the average is, but I've no overseas travel or any relatives, criminal record, etc., that would complicate anything. But that's for the Bureau to decide... I'm a patient man.
Thanks,
Travis
No problem!
Although, from what I've read, the BI can take quite long, even with an uncomplicated past. From what I've already experienced, it does seem to be more streamlined than in the past. I'm hoping with that and the strong need for analysts that maybe, just maybe, the BI will go quicker too.
Good luck
sigepuofu
03-23-2005, 21:06
Hope is always good, but don't count on it. We heard the exact same things a year ago when they were going through the first IA hiring blitz, and the BIs still took a long time. The sheer amount of investigations and the detail that is required for each investigation simply prohibits the Bureau from going through them quickly.
sigepuofu
03-24-2005, 14:23
Well, like all good things, the wait had to come to an end. I just got "The Call" from DC. I'll be starting in either late May or early June as an Intelligence Analyst at HQ!!
I just wanted to thank everyone on the board for your support and information. Posting on this board was probably one of the few things that kept me completely sane during the hiring process.
I hope things go well for all you current applicants, stay strong, and good things will happen for you. Maybe I'll see some of you in D.C.
Well, like all good things, the wait had to come to an end. I just got "The Call" from DC. I'll be starting in either late May or early June as an Intelligence Analyst at HQ!!
I just wanted to thank everyone on the board for your support and information. Posting on this board was probably one of the few things that kept me completely sane during the hiring process.
I hope things go well for all you current applicants, stay strong, and good things will happen for you. Maybe I'll see some of you in D.C.
Congrats Sig Ep!
Keep us posted and make us Utah alums proud!
geographer1
03-25-2005, 11:35
The application for this announcement did not allow you to rank or specify FO preferences. It also had a new page at the end asking you to checkmark which of the critical skills you have that they are looking for. And a box for you to explain how/why you possess those critical skills.
Congrats Travis and Sig!!!! :D
I just talked with an HR person at my local field office and after sharing my story about going through the app process for FY2004-007 as an alternate, then going to inactive status after stating that I was not willing to relocate anywhere in the U.S. after the primary was chosen, she told me that it would not hurt to reapply. I told her that I don't feel as restricted as far as geography is concerned, I'm just afraid of getting assigned to an area with an extremely high cost of living with a GS-007 salary. I just worry about making payments (car, student loan) and helping my spousal unit out during a job search....I realize that this sounds whiney, but I crunched some numbers and it would just be impossible in a place like NYC or L.A. but places like Atlanta, and many other field offices would be feasable. The H.R. rep told me that I should apply and just say no (again) if I don't like the assigned location. She said that would not hurt any future chances. My plan after saying no the first time was to work my current job at the TVA, which is still holding on as a "technically federal agency", for a couple of years and then go for GS-009. A big part of me regrets my past decision and not taking a chance the first time. Also in the critical skills bracket, I have a physical science background, but not in the listed fields. Do they want people involved in those specific fields or are those just examples of fields involving hard core analyses.....any advice on either of these topics would be really appreciated. :)
Well, like all good things, the wait had to come to an end. I just got "The Call" from DC. I'll be starting in either late May or early June as an Intelligence Analyst at HQ!!
I just wanted to thank everyone on the board for your support and information. Posting on this board was probably one of the few things that kept me completely sane during the hiring process.
I hope things go well for all you current applicants, stay strong, and good things will happen for you. Maybe I'll see some of you in D.C.
Way to go. I guess I lost my chance since I was at work when they called me to schedule an interivew. Note to everyone wait by the phone for a call because if you are out living your life, you miss out. ;)
Hello, everyone.
I noticed a day or two ago that the FD-140 is no longer on the FBI's FBIjobs website. The SF-86, however, is. I was told to bring a completed FD-140 and FD-406 (and a copy) to my interview next month, but neither are on the website any longer. Have the SF-86 and FD-979 (that's on the website, too) superseded the FD-140 and FD-406? Or am I completely missing something?
Thanks!
Travis
I just saw the RIP FD-140 thread from a little over a week ago. It seems the SF-86 has indeed superseded the FD-140. I'm waiting to hear back from my contact at HQ, but should I complete the FD-979 as well?
Thanks, as always!
Travis
sigepuofu
03-29-2005, 17:45
You should definitely download and fill out both. The FD-979 is the release form that allows the FBI to gain access to pretty much any type of records about you that they wish-school, medical, credit, etc,etc. If they don't have this information, your BI will not happen.
Good Luck
Dear Sigepuofu,
I spoke with a woman at the Milwaukee Field Office this morning and she told me that as of 1 April the SF-86 supersedes the FD-140. She also told me to bring along the FD-979 as well.
Also, I asked her about transcripts. She said she thought the SF-86 said something about them. I cannot recall since I'm currently collecting info. for the section dealing with residences and employment history (and I'm quite preoccupied with that at the moment). But she said I should certainly have unofficial transcripts with me. She thought official transcripts would be necessary at some point, but that unofficial ones would suffice for the interview. Was that your experience, too? What about the rest of the board? Is there any other documentation besides two forms of photo ID I should have with me (e.g., birth certificate)?
Thanks, as always!
Yours,
Travis
sigepuofu
03-30-2005, 10:29
I was told to bring my passport to the polygraph/psi/drug test, but I didn't have to bring any unofficial transcripts. If she said you should bring them though, go ahead and bring them. I think I actually turned them in with my FD-140 form, though. The FBI also visited my university and got my transcripts, and visited my advisors and professors and stuff. I would just bring whatever your AC tells you to bring, and leave it at that. Be as detailed as possible in the SF-86 form, and be as truthful as possible in the polygraph and interview. If you smoked pot a couple of times in college, tell them if they ask-as long as you haven't violated the FBI drug standards (smoked pot in the last 3 years, etc.), your interviewer will take your age when you did it and the circumstances when you did it into account. Your best bet is just to be truthful, because if you aren't, they're going to find out either in the polygraph or when they interview your references, friends, associates, neighbors, etc.
Good luck
Dear Sigepuofu,
Thanks. There are no drugs, arrests, etc., in my past. Two speeding tickets is all that's there: one in the early 1990s and the other in 1997, neither one excessive. That's it. But I'm curious about the poly, though. How long did yours take? I think I've heard or read that one is given the poly twice, back to back. But I cannot recall. And is it true that the examiner goes over all the questions before the poly begins?
Thanks,
Travis
sigepuofu
03-30-2005, 16:31
Discussing the polygraph in great detail is not allowed on this board, but I can tell you that I only took the test once. The best advice I can give you is that you should be completely honest with the polygrapher, and the agent who does your security interview. Both of them will go over everything with you.
Good luck
Dear Sigepuofu,
Please don't misunderstand me. I wasn't "fishing" for the inside track on the poly. Rather, I was saying that I'd read somewhere (maybe one of Ackerman's books) that it's either in the psi or the poly itself where the questions are gone over, just as the mechanics of the poly itself are discussed. Obviously candor is crucial.
Thanks,
Travis
Dear Sigepuofu,
Please don't misunderstand me. I wasn't "fishing" for the inside track on the poly. Rather, I was saying that I'd read somewhere (maybe one of Ackerman's books) that it's either in the psi or the poly itself where the questions are gone over, just as the mechanics of the poly itself are discussed. Obviously candor is crucial.
Thanks,
Travis
The best advise anyone can give you is just to tell the truth, and do not research anything about the polygraph.
sigepuofu
03-30-2005, 23:02
I know you weren't trying to get inside info, I was asking the same questions when I first got on the board months ago, and I was told the same thing. DM05 is right, you don't want to try and research the polygraph. Most of the time, the info you find is incorrect, and the examiner can tell if you've done previous prep work or if you're trying polygraph countermeasures (controlling your breathing, etc.). You sound like you don't have anything to hide, so just relax and answer honestly, and you'll be fine.
I had quite a chuckle while reading the recent WMD Report. I didn't realize those guys had a sense of humor.
In the chapter on Intelligence Analysis, there is a subchapter about accessing and analyzing open-source information. They recommend creation of a small cadre of open source analysts or "evange-analysts," who will "lead by example" and convert traditional analysts by showing them "how to find and procure useful open source material, how to assess its reliability and biases, and how to use it to complement clandestine reporting." (p396)
:D
I had quite a chuckle while reading the recent WMD Report. I didn't realize those guys had a sense of humor.
In the chapter on Intelligence Analysis, there is a subchapter about accessing and analyzing open-source information. They recommend creation of a small cadre of open source analysts or "evange-analysts," who will "lead by example" and convert traditional analysts by showing them "how to find and procure useful open source material, how to assess its reliability and biases, and how to use it to complement clandestine reporting." (p396)
:D
Evange-analysts, that's clever. HA
sigepuofu
04-04-2005, 14:25
Hi all.
Just a quick question-are there any books, magazines, etc. I should be reading to prepare to start work as an IA in May? Still waiting on the HR packet, so I don't know if there's info in there about it. I just wanted to get your opinions.
Enjoy
P.S. How long did it take all of you to get your appointment letter and packet from HQ? My AC told me it would be a few days, and it's been more than a week!
Anyone heard anything from the recent FO anncouncements?
Hi all.
Just a quick question-are there any books, magazines, etc. I should be reading to prepare to start work as an IA in May? Still waiting on the HR packet, so I don't know if there's info in there about it. I just wanted to get your opinions.
Enjoy
P.S. How long did it take all of you to get your appointment letter and packet from HQ? My AC told me it would be a few days, and it's been more than a week!
I would suggest reading all the government reports on terrorism/wmd you can find, as well as any reports or testimonies the FBI has recently given. As far as books go, there are a ton of books on terrororism...just have to look around to find reputable ones, but then again its always good to know about the different points of view anyway. I would also suggest that you brush up on your history and geography. Be aware of cultures and religions, but I'm sure you have already started that. Good luck...
OrangeAlum2003
04-08-2005, 20:04
Hi all.
Just a quick question-are there any books, magazines, etc. I should be reading to prepare to start work as an IA in May? Still waiting on the HR packet, so I don't know if there's info in there about it. I just wanted to get your opinions.
Enjoy
P.S. How long did it take all of you to get your appointment letter and packet from HQ? My AC told me it would be a few days, and it's been more than a week!
"The History of Terrorism" by Bruce Hoffman is a good book that puts terrorism in the context of history, beginning in the early part of the 20th century.
As for the recent FO announcement, I applied a few weeks ago and haven't heard anything yet. The first cutoff date was March 31, so I don't know how long is reasonable to expect a response. I too would be interested in hearing from anybody that has heard back from the Bureau.
OK - You guys are going to think I'm the biggest nerd ever, but here's what I'm reading right now. As I have no background in intelligence analysis, most of my readings relate to that.
These are dated, but interesting all the same:
Evidence and Inference for the Intelligence Analyst by Schum (1987)
Intelligence Research Methodology by Clauser (1976)
Intelligence Types: The Role of Personality in the Intelligence Profession by Garst (1993)
A Handbook of Intelligence Analysis ed. By Garst (1989)
I'm waiting to get in (through inter-library loan) Introduction to the Components of Strategic Intelligence (1972) and Logic for Intelligence Analysts.
:sleepy: Allright, they're a bit dry too, but I figure I'm in a "need to know" situation.
I also try to keep up to date on the following magazines and journals: Economist, Foreign Affairs, International Journal of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, Intelligence and National Security, Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Journal of Database Management, and Competitive Intelligence (Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals).
I'm also working on the 9/11 Commission Report and keeping up to date on congressional testimony and intelligence reports.
On my nightstand - but not yet picked up - are Imperial Hubris: Why the West is Losing the War on Terror by Anonymous and America's Secret War: Inside the Hidden Worldwide Struggle Between America and Its Enemies by George Friedman. Have any of you read these? Any comments?
Anything else I should add to my to be read pile?
Thanks!
Hi all.
Just a quick question-are there any books, magazines, etc. I should be reading to prepare to start work as an IA in May? Still waiting on the HR packet, so I don't know if there's info in there about it. I just wanted to get your opinions.
H. Schoolboy
04-09-2005, 05:41
"The Thinker's Toolkit" is a great book on how decisions are made and what affects them. It was written by a long-time CIA analyst. It never mentions intel, but helps to to identify and approach problems and solve them.
I have a few questions regarding Intelligence Analysts and development of expertise, particularly, a country/area expertise. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
A recent International Journal of Intelligence and Counterintelligence article titled, A Look at Intelligence Analysis, briefly discussed IA development of expertise. The author stated that, to remain effective over a long period of time and minimize the effect of clientelism, intelligence analysts should be expected to continually strive to increase their knowledge, through such means as getting on the ground, closer to the subject, and improve their analytical skills, through graduate education, professional courses, participation at conferences, and interactions with colleagues in government and the academic sector
. True expertise, therefore, can be developed only through sustained motivation, and intense effort at self- and directed development over a decade or longer. And later, analysts [should] have to spend a fair part of their formative years in the area in which they are supposed to be expert. He then refers to the Army's Foreign Area Officer (FAO) program as an attractive option for this sort of training. FAOs are trained in a foreign language, sent to a university to complete a graduate degree in area studies and international relations, and given in-country training opportunities which are essentially internships to permit the officer to learn about his assigned region through service abroad in a U.S. embassy or military group.
The author also cites a report to congress, which refers to the continuing tendency within the intelligence community to develop intelligence generalists rather than intelligence professionals (i.e., experts).
First question: How long does it take an analyst to become an expert? How long until they are fully functional as an analyst?
Second question: In the FBI (or CIA if anyone knows), how does one stay connected to their country of expertise? How is continuing education carried out for country expertise? I've read about the Kent School and the FBI's College of Analytical Studies. And I know that Analysts have a shot at a JMIC spot. Are there other opportunities to develop country expertise? Any similar to the Army's FAO program? Any word on possible development of such a program for either CIA or FBI analysts?
Third Question: I know the FBI has hired/is hiring a lot of all source analysts. Is this more of a generalist position? Are they assigned and reassigned at will, according to current priorities? Do they get a chance to develop expertise in a certain area?
Thanks!
I have a few questions regarding Intelligence Analysts and development of expertise, particularly, a country/area expertise. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
A recent International Journal of Intelligence and Counterintelligence article titled, A Look at Intelligence Analysis, briefly discussed IA development of expertise. The author stated that, to remain effective over a long period of time and minimize the effect of clientelism, intelligence analysts should be expected to continually strive to increase their knowledge, through such means as getting on the ground, closer to the subject, and improve their analytical skills, through graduate education, professional courses, participation at conferences, and interactions with colleagues in government and the academic sector
. True expertise, therefore, can be developed only through sustained motivation, and intense effort at self- and directed development over a decade or longer.
First question: How long does it take an analyst to become an expert? How long until they are fully functional as an analyst?
Second question: In the FBI (or CIA if anyone knows), how does one stay connected to their country of expertise? How is continuing education carried out for country expertise? I've read about the Kent School and the FBI's College of Analytical Studies. And I know that Analysts have a shot at a JMIC spot. Are there other opportunities to develop country expertise? Any similar to the Army's FAO program? Any word on possible development of such a program for either CIA or FBI analysts?
Third Question: I know the FBI has hired/is hiring a lot of all source analysts. Is this more of a generalist position? Are they assigned and reassigned at will, according to current priorities? Do they get a chance to develop expertise in a certain area?
Thanks!
Well, the FBI obviously works a bit differently than does the military. Rather than having commands with responsibility for each of the overseas countries, the primary responsibility of the IAs within the FBI is either a program area or geographic region, depending upon assignment. An IA in a field office is primarily focused on events and happening within their program area and region and, thus, are very close to their particular area. Also, since the FBI is focusing on specific issues (CT, CI, Criminal, Cyber, etc.) and not the overall functions of a particular government within their area of interest, it's a bit easier to develop their focus and knowledge.
The FBI focus has been to provide analysts with a baseline of training, and then have them develop their knowledge and skills within an area of speciality. In this way, someone may have a specific area of specialty, however, in the event of a crisis, they can be reassigned to provide surge capacity in a particular field division or to address a problem. The analysts would have at least a familiarity with the tools and process that are used in all areas, even if they don't use specific tools frequently.
An analyst can come into an agency (whether the FBI or another agency) with a strong background in a particular field - in otherwords, an academic expert in that particular subject. Depending upon how broad the field in question happens to be, they could pick up the status of activities in their field, the historical background, and be ready to make assessments about the significance of developments within that field almost immediately. Another individual may come into an organization with little specialized knowledge and be assigned to a rather broad field and have to spend considerable time to expand their knowledge of both intelligence analysis and their subject matter. In other words, it depends upon the field and the individual's baseline knowledge.
To the second question, although it is somewhat addressed above, the FBI's primary focus is in topic areas, rather than knowing everything that's going on in a particular country from a political perspective.
Finally, the all-source analyst is not intended to be a generalist. Many intelligence agencies have a specific focus on their collection, so they are looking at a single-source of information - IMINT, SIGINT, MASINT, etc. depending upon the agency. The FBI can integrate a wide variety of sources, including open-source information, into it's analysis, hence the title, all-source analyst. This differs from other positions in the FBI, which are Reports Officer (fairly standard role within the Intelligence Community) and Operations Specialist (focusing on providing intelligence support to specific operations/investigations). All-source analysts are assigned to all kinds of programs within all divisions, and are expected to be the overarching specialists in a particular field, more so than ROs and OSs. They do develop knowledge and expertise in specific fields to support their analyses.
sigepuofu
04-10-2005, 18:04
My academic background is in finance, so I guess I might get assigned to a white-collar crime squad or something. To tell you the truth, I don't much care where I'll be working, just that I will be working as an intelligence analyst!
That is, if I ever get my appointment letter and packet I'll be working as an Intelligence Analyst. I guess I'll have to call my AC again and find out what's going on. I'm a little nervous because as I remember, you aren't officially hired unless you've got that appointment letter! :(
A finance background can fit into any of several fields in FBI Intelligence. For example, terrorist financing, tracking the flow of money in CI or drug investigations, White Collar Crime, Government Corruption/Bribery, etc.
sigepuofu
04-11-2005, 00:01
Those areas sound very interesting to me, and I think I would be happy working in any of those areas. I just want to get in there and start work. It's funny, I was so anxious about even getting the job, and when I got the call, I was totally relieved. Now I'm getting anxious to start the job. It's such a vicious cycle. :p
wandering
04-11-2005, 03:42
Hello all. I received a call several weeks ago to set up an interview for an FBI Intelligence Analyst position. When I called back I was expecting to set up a phone interview, which was probably the same experience tdstolz referred to earlier in this thread.
My problem is this: I can't get confirmation of my flight.
The lady I talked to gave me every detail I could think of either on the phone or in an email shortly thereafter. The one thing that was missing was airplane reservations as she said someone would be in contact with me "next week" to confirm that. After a week passed I called back (to the one direct phone number I have), no one answered, and I left a message. Since then I've called repeatedly with the same result, sent two emails, and even sent a fax to a number I found online next to her name. They have my phone number, my cell phone number, my email address, and a fax number at school, but I still haven't heard anything.
A friend of mine that works for the federal government told me the name of the airline the government uses to fly between my town and DC, so I called them. They told me that there is a reservation in my name, but it isn't "ticketed" (I'd never even heard of that before) - so I don't really have a flight yet.
I did find a print-out of the job listing and I'll be calling the "staffing unit" number tomorrow, but since I managed to find this forum tonight I thought I'd ask if anyone has any advice or if any of this sounds familiar.
I applied to be an analyst, not a collector :)
Thanks!
Dear Wandering,
For what it's worth, I got my travel arrangements, itinerary, etc., late last week. I'm interviewing this week, so if your experience is like mine, you might not get a ticket, etc., until relatively close to when you're supposed to leave. Good luck!
Yours,
Travis
OrangeAlum2003
04-11-2005, 15:42
Dear Wandering,
For what it's worth, I got my travel arrangements, itinerary, etc., late last week. I'm interviewing this week, so if your experience is like mine, you might not get a ticket, etc., until relatively close to when you're supposed to leave. ...
Out of curiosity, to which vacancy did you both apply? Did you apply to the most recent vacancy announcement with an initial cutoff date of March 31? The vacancy # is FO-2005-0022. I applied to this vacancy, but have yet to hear anything. I would be surprised to learn they are already calling for interviews. I look forward to hearing from you both.
wandering
04-11-2005, 15:56
Quick follow-up: I called all kinds of numbers today and couldn't reach any living people, but when I called the airline to see if they'd give me contact information for whoever made the reservation, they said it had been ticketed today and gave me the much sought-after confirmation number. So, although I still haven't heard directly from the FBI, all the arrangements seem to be in order.
I applied for the HQ-2005-0009 opening that closed Feb. 11th. I got the call March 18th for an interview April 14th.
-Nick
OrangeAlum2003
04-11-2005, 16:58
Quick follow-up: I called all kinds of numbers today and couldn't reach any living people, but when I called the airline to see if they'd give me contact information for whoever made the reservation, they said it had been ticketed today and gave me the much sought-after confirmation number. So, although I still haven't heard directly from the FBI, all the arrangements seem to be in order.
I applied for the HQ-2005-0009 opening that closed Feb. 11th. I got the call March 18th for an interview April 14th.
-Nick
They'll probably send it in a FedEx packet in the next couple of days. I interviewed with the CIA in the summer, and they sent me my flight info pretty close to departure time. I don't know how comparable, however, the two agencies operate in terms of human resource related issues. Applying for government work certainly teaches you the virtue of patience.
MTIrishgirl
04-12-2005, 08:08
Well, after I thought I was out of the running, I received "the call" 2 weeks ago for a FO. I've been waiting for the official letter and have been told that it's on someone's desk and not to worry that I have the job. However, I don't want to do anything such as sell my house or give notice to my employer that I'll be leaving until I have the letter. Anyone else have to wait a while for the letter? Should I be concerned that I might not have the job until I actually receive it? This board has been very helpful and any information/reassurance would be greatly appreciated.
sigepuofu
04-12-2005, 19:26
By the way, I just PM'd you, and I forgot to say-Congratulations. It'll be great to be part of the FBI with you.
Enjoy
I have three applications in for this position. One has been in background forever and my co letter is date 8/02/04. I was selected for an interview for another position but since I already have one in background, they aren't going to let me interview. I really want this job and have no preference which dept I go to. Is it possible for me to ask to withdrawl my application for the one in background and try for the one they want to interview me for. I haven't heard anything from the first one and my ac and contact in dc have been reassigned and the last thing I heard is my application is still active and that could mean we just haven't rescinded your offer yet.
Kinda my question also. The background people have talked to people in my neighborhood, my references, and I think most of the places where I have worked. How much longer should it take to finish...the hard work seems done.
Kinda my question also. The background people have talked to people in my neighborhood, my references, and I think most of the places where I have worked. How much longer should it take to finish...the hard work seems done.
The timetable for backgrounds is sketchy at best. Mine from start to finish took just a little over a month (then again I have no foreign travel, am only 23 years old, and have lived very few places)... my file was in DC in the final stages aboout 3 weeks of that I think. My husband on the other hand still hasn't heard about his BI... it's been in DC 2 1/2 months already! Just be happy that OPM isn't doing your background I've heard that theirs can take a year or more!
Hello, everyone.
I got back from my interview in DC yesterday and wanted to let everyone know that everything went well. My interview was on Thurs. (4-14) and after that I received a CO. The next day (4-15) I went in for my PSI, poly, urinalysis, and fingerprinting. I was told my BI would begin in a week or two. I'm thrilled!
My questions have to do with the BI and what to do at this point. I was told the BI can take from 3 to 6 months. I've heard some say that their BIs took less time. (Ackerman, I think, says they're usually 1 to 4 months.) As I've mentioned elsewhere on this thread, there's nothing in my past that would complicate anything: no overseas travel/residences, no drugs or anything criminal, no financial problems, never been sacked, etc. My PSI went very well, and I was told that my SF-86 was completed very thoroughly which they appreciate (makes things easier for them, I suppose). My poly was just over an hour, no problems, no re-test, etc. Could all this mean a quicker BI?
Also, what does one do during a BI? I realize a CO is exactly that--conditional. But I've got a family. We need to find a place to live. Our oldest daughter will be five in Sept., so we need to think about whether to enroll her in school here or out there. I suspect there isn't a lot of time between one's final offer and one's starting date, certainly not enough time to pack up a house, find a place to live, etc. So what does one do in my situation?
I realize my situation is not unique, but as a husband and father I have a special concern for my family. It's my career, but we're all in this together! Any advice, input, suggestions, etc., would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks very much,
Travis
Hello, everyone.
I got back from my interview in DC yesterday and wanted to let everyone know that everything went well. My interview was on Thurs. (4-14) and after that I received a CO. The next day (4-15) I went in for my PSI, poly, urinalysis, and fingerprinting. I was told my BI would begin in a week or two. I'm thrilled!
My questions have to do with the BI and what to do at this point. I was told the BI can take from 3 to 6 months. I've heard some say that their BIs took less time. (Ackerman, I think, says they're usually 1 to 4 months.) As I've mentioned elsewhere on this thread, there's nothing in my past that would complicate anything: no overseas travel/residences, no drugs or anything criminal, no financial problems, never been sacked, etc. My PSI went very well, and I was told that my SF-86 was completed very thoroughly which they appreciate (makes things easier for them, I suppose). My poly was just over an hour, no problems, no re-test, etc. Could all this mean a quicker BI?
Also, what does one do during a BI? I realize a CO is exactly that--conditional. But I've got a family. We need to find a place to live. Our oldest daughter will be five in Sept., so we need to think about whether to enroll her in school here or out there. I suspect there isn't a lot of time between one's final offer and one's starting date, certainly not enough time to pack up a house, find a place to live, etc. So what does one do in my situation?
I realize my situation is not unique, but as a husband and father I have a special concern for my family. It's my career, but we're all in this together! Any advice, input, suggestions, etc., would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks very much,
Travis
There is a lot to do and little time to do it in. First off, if you do get a firm starting date, feel free to discuss it with your HR rep. It's a target not a requirement. If you've got to move, they will certainly understand the situation and give you the time that you need, as long as you can give them a more or less firm date. That also gives you time to disentangle from your existing job/situation/house, which is always necessary.
If I were in your shoes and had a CO for a specific location, I would start doing online research to find out about my future home - what the neighborhoods are, where the good schools are, where you're going to be able to afford to live, commuting patterns, etc. Then, when you make a house-hunting trip, you've got a much better idea of where you're going and can focus your search. I'd also put out feelers to a buyers agent out here, if you're thinking of buying a house.
BIs are variable and the length depends on a variety of factors including workload of the investigator, availability of references, accuracy of information on previous employers/residences, etc.
It sounds heartless, but at least you know it's coming down the road. When my dad was an agent, we got a call on July 31st notifying us of a transfer (involuntary) from a rural mid-Atlantic state to an urban midwestern city. Talk about adjustments and fast reaction time required.
Congratulations on the C.O. and good luck.
Hello, everyone.
I got back from my interview in DC yesterday and wanted to let everyone know that everything went well. My interview was on Thurs. (4-14) and after that I received a CO. The next day (4-15) I went in for my PSI, poly, urinalysis, and fingerprinting. I was told my BI would begin in a week or two. I'm thrilled!
My questions have to do with the BI and what to do at this point. I was told the BI can take from 3 to 6 months. I've heard some say that their BIs took less time. (Ackerman, I think, says they're usually 1 to 4 months.) As I've mentioned elsewhere on this thread, there's nothing in my past that would complicate anything: no overseas travel/residences, no drugs or anything criminal, no financial problems, never been sacked, etc. My PSI went very well, and I was told that my SF-86 was completed very thoroughly which they appreciate (makes things easier for them, I suppose). My poly was just over an hour, no problems, no re-test, etc. Could all this mean a quicker BI?
Also, what does one do during a BI? I realize a CO is exactly that--conditional. But I've got a family. We need to find a place to live. Our oldest daughter will be five in Sept., so we need to think about whether to enroll her in school here or out there. I suspect there isn't a lot of time between one's final offer and one's starting date, certainly not enough time to pack up a house, find a place to live, etc. So what does one do in my situation?
I realize my situation is not unique, but as a husband and father I have a special concern for my family. It's my career, but we're all in this together! Any advice, input, suggestions, etc., would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks very much,
Travis
Congrats on your CO!! I can't offer any advice on the other, though. I have read posts from those whose BI took as little as 1-2 months, and from others whose BIs were dragging on for over a year.
But according to media and reports, the Bu is trying to streamline the process.... so maybe they'll light a fire under the BI folks...
Best of luck!!
Northernpike22
04-17-2005, 17:30
I was told I would have to wait two weeks, so far its been 2-3 business days. Sorry I don't have any advice for you because I'm at least a month or so behind you in the process.
I was also an alternate who was recently placed. When I saw your old post about clearing all the hurdles and not having a job, I was pretty upset and it seemed crazy that they would spend a great deal of money on a viable candidate and then let them go.
I wouldn't worry, I think we are in a great position. I only saw one post in the last year I've been on this site where a person received a start date call and then they called him back for more interviews (presumably there were other candidates who might have been more desirable). If that happens, then something is seriously wrong.
What FO are you headed to? I'm going to NYC.
Northernpike22
04-17-2005, 17:32
Sorry, not sure how to work the system yet. This post is for MTIrishgirl.
sigepuofu
04-17-2005, 19:45
Congratulations on your CO. At this point, you don't have a lot to do but wait. The length of time it takes to do your BI depends on a lot of factors. The more complicated your life is (have you lived overseas, lived in a lot of different places in the U.S. do you have a lot of past employers, how tough is it to talk to your references, etc., etc.). It also depends on if the Bureau has any available agents to do your background check-I don't know if you're going to HQ or to a field office, so it will depend on some things there.
My BI took about six months, which I'm told is the upper end of the average time range. You're probably not going to get in done that much faster than that. I'm sorry, but that's the way it is-the Bureau's got too many BI's to do, and they all require a lot of effort to get them done. I would follow BuMan's advice-if you have an idea of where you'd get placed if you get hired (or even if you know where you'd want to go) start looking for housing on the internet right now. You're not committing to anything, but what you need to do is to get an idea of housing costs, demographics, and good areas to live in the cities that you might get assigned to or would want to go to.
You also need to keep looking for other jobs-I know you're excited about getting a CO, but remember, it is conditional-if you're an alternate candidate (like I was) it'll be conditional on you passing your BI and the Bu having an open slot for you. If you keep looking, you at least have options if things go south with the Bureau-I didn't do this for a while when I was in process with the Bureau, and it got a little scary for a while, because I didn't have any backup options at the time (I do now, right when I don't need them!! :rolleyes: ).
So, all you can basically do is to keep on with what you were doing, keep looking for other jobs, and just wait. Good things should happen for you.
You might look at these websites when looking for housing. (Since I'm single, I was only looking for apartments, so I don't know about sites for home sales)
www.rent.com (Apartment descriptions, pictures, locations nationwide)
www.apartments.com (same as above, but on a smaller scale)
www.craigslist.org (Online classified ads, people put up ads for apartments, rooms, and some homes on there-this site's pretty good, I'm using it to try and find a place in DC)
www.apartmentratings.com-(lets you read reviews on different apartment complexes nationwide)
www.city-data.com-(Demographic information on cities (population %, median income, average housing prices, etc.)
Good luck with the process, try not to freak out too much (I know I did, thank God for this website), and try to enjoy.
sigepuofu
04-17-2005, 19:58
Here's a few other things I forgot-
When I got "the call" and received a verbal offer, I was given a number of starting dates to choose from. They ranged from a few weeks away to about two months away, so you will have some flexibility in when you start, so you shouldn't worry as much about that. Also, when I interviewed, the Bureau people were very accomdating about when I would be hired-I told them I wanted to finish grad school, and they said that they could just defer my starting date until I was finished.
So, try not to worry, things will work out. Remember, you won't be the first person the Bureau's hired, and certaintly not the first person with a family that the Bureau's hired. People have done this before, and they came out fine on the other end. You'll be fine.
I would not even begin looking at apartments at this point.
I have never lived overseas, lived in many places, or had alot of jobs and it is still draggin. Trust me you'll be frustrated if you start looking now.
sigepuofu
04-17-2005, 22:02
The only reason I would say to look at apartments at this point is so you can get an idea of what you'll be facing if you get assigned to a particular FO. If you look around now, you can at least find some decent apartment complexes so if the call does come from the Bureau, you've made things that much easier on yourself. It doesn't take much time (most of us are on the internet anyway). When I was going through the long process, it wasn't looking for places that made me frustrated, it was the long wait & uncertainty.
Hello, everyone!
Thanks for the good words and advice regarding my CO. I have a quick question regarding the sole hiccup in my financial past (or any area of my past).
Six years ago while I was working on my master's, I missed some payments on my one credit card (MBNA). I learned the hard way how interest works and how mistakes can cost you. In 7/1999 I decided to pay it off using Genus Credit Management. After a couple of months, however, I decided it wasn't enough to pay it off this way. I wanted to do the right thing and pay it off completely. Just after I decided to do this, I got a letter from North American Capital Corporation stating that MBNA had turned over my account to them. I called them and they told me MBNA doesn't like to work with Genus since it takes some time for them (MBNA) to get their money. I said I just want to pay the card off, so what do I owe and where do I send it? The rest is history.
I went over this in my SF-86, PSI, and poly. It was my only mistake in my adult life, I've learned from it, moved on, and since then I've never missed a payment, I never carry a balance--I learned my lesson! I was asked to provide proof of payment to my local (Milwaukee) FO. When I called MBNA, I was told to contact the collection agency. I then found out that they no longer exist--they had to pay a $250,000 settlement with the FTC in 7/2000 to resolve allegations that they violated the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. Some time after that they went under.
What I need to know is how to get proof of payment to the FO. I later called MBNA back and they told me to contact Equifax or another agency. My latest credit report is from Equifax, but it's from last August, past the 60-day mark, so I don't think I can call them directly.
Will anything else be sufficient for the FO, something from my own records or credit report? Is this a problem? I did the right thing a long time ago and have never revisited my mistakes. Please let me know what is the best thing to do, esp. as my BI nears. Thanks!
Yours,
Travis
sigepuofu
04-18-2005, 15:15
The Bureau generates a credit report on you as part of your BI. They use a private contractor to do this-I saw it on my most recent credit report, and when I tracked them down, their website said that they specialize in credit/background checks for the federal government. (I forget the name, though). I would hang tight, if they have issues with what they find, they'll let you know. Or, you can try to explain the situation to your AC and find out what they have to say.
Your AC is going to become your best friend during this process-they are the ones who act as the liaison between you and the Bureau, and they should have the answers to most of the questions you have similar to this. If they don't, they can usually get in contact with the person who does. My advice would be to contact your AC, apprise him/her of the situation, and find out from them exactly what they want you to do.
Good luck
Dear Sigepuofu,
I feel as if I should know what an AC is...
Well, at any rate, good advice. I talked about all this during my PSI and poly, and explained it on a supplemental page of my SF-86. I want to be as open and honest and operate with as much candor and cooperation as I possibly can. No one has suggested this is a problem (i.e., a potential DQ): it was six years ago and while it's the biggest mistake I've ever made, I rectified it and learned from it. We've no debt apart from some of my student loans, we never carry a credit card balance, we live well within our means--we're bucking the national trend. (Doesn't the avg. household in the U.S. carry about $9,000 in credit card debt?)
I'm not bragging or looking for accolades. I still feel badly that I ever got into the mess in the first place, but I've shown my true character by getting out of it and never revisiting my mistake. I'd rather not make mistakes, but when I do make them I always learn from them and try to make something positive out of it. I've done both. Our children will not make the same mistakes I did--I only wish I had what I've learned over the past several years drilled into me!
Thanks again,
Travis
Okay--"Agency Coordinator," right?
Cheers,
Travis
sigepuofu
04-18-2005, 16:59
Sorry, I forgot that not everyone uses the same lingo. AC stands for Applicant Coordinator. They are basically the Human Resources people who work in the field offices that oversee your whole application process. They will serve as your Bureau liaison through the process.
I wouldn't worry as much about the credit check. The Bureau checks on it for a couple of reasons. They'll look at if you have a lot of late payments, because this would show that you might not be as reliable a person.
Mostly, though, they want to check it to see if you're heavily in debt, or have a tendency to get heavily into debt. This has security implications, because if you are constantly in need of money, you have created a vulnerability for yourself-someone could pay you off in order to obtain classified information from you-that's the biggest problem that would result.
And here I thought academics were the only ones inured to jargon. E.g., "Well, I'd love to stay and chat but I've got to prep for my DQE so I can be ABD and then work on my DDO." Don't ask...
Thanks, by the way. Does one's AC make the initial contact, or is there someone in my FO I should contact?
Yours,
Travis
sigepuofu
04-19-2005, 20:36
I'm not completely sure. On my CO letter, I had contact information for my AC at the local field office. I tried contacting her, but she never returned my call for a while. I was ultimately contacted by another lady in the same office to set up my PSI/Poly/drug test. She met me when I went in to the office, and let me around, adminstered the drug test, fingerprinting, etc. At some point, I'm sure that you must have been given some contact info either for the local FO or at HQ.
Good luck.
P.S. I had a question for any of the current IAs on the board (Buman, etc). What kind of dress code is there for an IA? I'm going to be working at HQ, and when I went for my interview, I saw people in suit and tie, polo shirt and khakis, and everything in between. I'm wondering how one finds out? I would ask my AC, but I talked to her yesterday and forgot to ask. I'd rather not call again, because she was kind of short on the phone-apparently, they're really backed up over there because the staffing unit is dreadfully behind on putting together appointment letters, packets, etc.
I had a question for any of the current IAs on the board (Buman, etc). What kind of dress code is there for an IA? I'm going to be working at HQ, and when I went for my interview, I saw people in suit and tie, polo shirt and khakis, and everything in between. I'm wondering how one finds out? I would ask my AC, but I talked to her yesterday and forgot to ask. I'd rather not call again, because she was kind of short on the phone-apparently, they're really backed up over there because the staffing unit is dreadfully behind on putting together appointment letters, packets, etc.
It varies with the unit and the assignment. Generally, if you have frequent dealings with outside agencies or upper management, it's strongly recommended you go for the dressier approach (coat, tie, slacks). On a day-to-day basis, khakis and a dress shirt with tie are usually fine, but some units allow a polo shirt as an option. Your mileage may vary. When I go to HQ, a coat and tie is generally the minimum, whereas day-to-day, 5.11s and various polo shirts are the norm (of course, I'm not at HQ or an interagency location).
eff-bee-eye
04-20-2005, 06:22
Sigepuofu: At HQ, suits are pretty much the norm for everyone. I would definitely start out wearing suits anyways. Depending on what unit you're in, and what you'll be doing, you may be able to dial it down a notch, and maybe keep a coat/tie at your desk for meetings, etc. You'll get a feel for what your managers want, and what other analysts in your unit are wearing, and then you can gauge your attire accordingly.
sigepuofu
04-20-2005, 14:45
I see. Guess I'll be going to buy some new suits then. And here I was thinking it would be like "24", where all the analysts wear casual clothes. :p Too bad.
Can any of the IA's tell me what your first few days of work were like? I imagine that you spent them in-processing, filling out forms and stuff. I was told to show up on a specific day in May, but that day's on a Sunday. I'm assuming my first real day would be Monday, I guess.
By the way, what else does the Bureau provide as part of the job? I assume I'll have to get a security pass for the HQ building, and I remember hearing that I have to get "soft" credentials, or something like that. Hopefully, not too many pictures are needed-I'm not hugely photogenic.
Can any of the IA's tell me what your first few days of work were like? I imagine that you spent them in-processing, filling out forms and stuff. I was told to show up on a specific day in May, but that day's on a Sunday. I'm assuming my first real day would be Monday, I guess.
By the way, what else does the Bureau provide as part of the job? I assume I'll have to get a security pass for the HQ building, and I remember hearing that I have to get "soft" credentials, or something like that. Hopefully, not too many pictures are needed-I'm not hugely photogenic.
It's been far too long since I went through in-processing to give an accurate description, but based on what several new hires that I work with (non-IAs) have gone through recently, if you're reporting in to Headquarters, you'll spend about three days going through the usual in-processing stuff. You will probably report to your actual office of assignment formally on the Thursday of the week you are inprocessing and they'll handle getting any required clearances processed. You do get a building access pass and pictures taken for the soft credentials, but those usually take some time to get in hand. A couple of guys I work with are still waiting on theirs, over three months into the process.
As I'm in the process of actually hiring a couple of IAs myself, I found out a bit more about the process today. Seems all IAs are being hired through the general announcements. An office with a vacancy submits a notification to staffing for the number of vacancies to be filled and gets back a list of names. The "no longer called meet and greets" meet and greet meetings are then done by the hiring office to get a better feel for the candidates prior to actual selection. Of course, we're bound by veteran's preference on the selection list.
The moral of the story seems to be that if you have submitted your application and been called in for an interview and are proceeding thereafter, you're in the pool for offices to hire. This basically means you are qualified for the position, but have to get past the actual selection panels and veteran's preference selectees on the selection lists. We haven't found out whether you can go through multiple lists of candidates yet, but we've got a request for clarification in on that now.
In the days of yore, you could have selection criteria for specific knowledge for a position, which would facilitate the hiring process, but that appears to be out the window now.
Just thought it might be interesting for people bouncing around in the process to know some of what was going on in the background.
OrangeAlum2003
04-20-2005, 18:43
[QUOTE=BuMan]As I'm in the process of actually hiring a couple of IAs myself, I found out a bit more about the process today. Seems all IAs are being hired through the general announcements. An office with a vacancy submits a notification to staffing for the number of vacancies to be filled and gets back a list of names. The "no longer called meet and greets" meet and greet meetings are then done by the hiring office to get a better feel for the candidates prior to actual selection. Of course, we're bound by veteran's preference on the selection list.
QUOTE]
Buman, regarding the most recent announcement for Field Offices, how are they determining which applicants are referred to which office? Is it based on proximity or is it based on qualifications? Just trying to figure out how it's being conducted.
Wish I knew. The information I got was that an office submits a requirement for IAs and they are provided with a list of candidates. No word on whether there is actually an attempt to match up KSAs with job requirements or locality preferences.
snowdog650
04-21-2005, 01:12
Wish I knew. The information I got was that an office submits a requirement for IAs and they are provided with a list of candidates. No word on whether there is actually an attempt to match up KSAs with job requirements or locality preferences.
In the past, my office was sent the "list" of candidates who 1) meet initial requirements, and 2) have chosen my office as their preferred locality. Form there, it is up to each office as how they select folks for meet & greets.
Some offices will just kind of pick a few folks to meet with and go from there.
Other offices (like mine) will create a career board of IA's to select a "top 5 list" of folks who they think will make a good "fit" with their particular FIG.
OrangeAlum2003
04-21-2005, 01:15
The most recent announcement for IA's doesn't allow an applicant to select a FO preference. There is a checkbox for "Nationwide" that you have to click to complete the application. I know last year you were able to choose an FO to which you wanted to apply. It seems now they're making IA's sign mobility agreements, but I'm wondering how they assign them to FO's. I would doubt it's the same as an 1811, but you never know.
diablo3305
04-21-2005, 10:28
The timetable for backgrounds is sketchy at best. Mine from start to finish took just a little over a month (then again I have no foreign travel, am only 23 years old, and have lived very few places)... my file was in DC in the final stages aboout 3 weeks of that I think. My husband on the other hand still hasn't heard about his BI... it's been in DC 2 1/2 months already! Just be happy that OPM isn't doing your background I've heard that theirs can take a year or more!
Wow, thats fast. I am in similiar situation to you (23, lived in 2 places, never travelled past east coast of US) I found out last week that my background was already in the works. Investigators have already spoken to my current employer and one previous employer, and all three of my references. Anyone know how they usually handle your schools? The information I filled out did not ask for anyone I knew at school, do they just verify that I attended or do they look around for people that knew me? I am scheduled for the poly/PSI/Drug test in 2 weeks. It seems to be moving quite quickly, I was told when I got the CO that it would take about 4 months to do the BI, however it seems as if they have already spoken to most of the people they would talk to, I don't know all that many people. About how long after your CO did you get the final call?
Dear Sigepuofu,
My CO was verbal, i.e., I didn't get a letter (not yet anyway). I heard in DC that COs were now (usually) verbal and only a final offer was written. We'll see. But this has all been less than a week--I only got back from DC last Saturday (4-16).
As far as my AC goes, here's what I've learned. I've already done my PSI, poly, urinalysis, and fingerprinting (I did them the day after my panel interview, after which I received my CO). This morning I spoke with a woman at my local FO (Milwaukee) and was told that they'd heard nothing about me or my CO and that I should sit tight for a week or two. I was told that they have to get my info. from HQ (again, in about a week or two) and when that happens they will give me a call. Also, my AC will likely be local. I have, however, remained in contact with my initial HR contact person at HQ.
That's all for now! Thanks, everyone!
Yours,
Travis
diablo3305
04-21-2005, 10:35
Dear Sigepuofu,
My CO was verbal, i.e., I didn't get a letter (not yet anyway). I heard in DC that COs were now (usually) verbal and only a final offer was written. We'll see. But this has all been less than a week--I only got back from DC last Saturday (4-16).
As far as my AC goes, here's what I've learned. I've already done my PSI, poly, urinalysis, and fingerprinting (I did them the day after my panel interview, after which I received my CO). This morning I spoke with a woman at my local FO (Milwaukee) and was told that they'd heard nothing about me or my CO and that I should sit tight for a week or two. I was told that they have to get my info. from HQ (again, in about a week or two) and when that happens they will give me a call. Also, my AC will likely be local. I have, however, remained in contact with my initial HR contact person at HQ.
That's all for now! Thanks, everyone!
Yours,
Travis
I received a verbal CO over the phone about 5 weeks ago. I was wondering if I would receive something in the mail, and about 2 weeks later I got a paper version of the CO basically outlining everything I was told over the phone. I noticed the date on the letter was about a week and a half after my phone call, so I think it just takes them some time to get the info to your local FO and send out a letter.
Dear Diablo3305,
Our backgrounds are somewhat similar. On the one hand, I'm 33 and have lived (since 18) in five places. But on the other hand, all my residences are domestic (i.e., nothing foreign/overseas). The agent with whom I did my PSI specifically mentioned how pleased she was that my SF-86 was filled out so thoroughly. Some of my work experience from way back was sketchy. I found out that one of my past supervisors died some time ago, one (perhaps two) business is no longer in business, and one place told me they keep records for about seven years (I worked there in 1993), and anything they have on me is likely shoved away in a warehouse somewhere. I went through all this in my PSI and the agent told me that the investigators do the best they can, as I did, and if there's nothing there they move on.
I'm hoping for a (relatively) quick BI, too. (But doesn't everyone?) Still, it will be what it will be. I'm not going anywhere, and I'm as honored as I am excited about my CO and future with the FBI as an IA.
Do you or does anyone else know what, exactly, one does with one's AC? How much do I do as my BI moves along? How much contact does one typically have with one's AC?
Thanks,
Travis
sigepuofu
04-21-2005, 11:27
Wow, thats fast. I am in similiar situation to you (23, lived in 2 places, never travelled past east coast of US) I found out last week that my background was already in the works. Investigators have already spoken to my current employer and one previous employer, and all three of my references. Anyone know how they usually handle your schools? The information I filled out did not ask for anyone I knew at school, do they just verify that I attended or do they look around for people that knew me? I am scheduled for the poly/PSI/Drug test in 2 weeks. It seems to be moving quite quickly, I was told when I got the CO that it would take about 4 months to do the BI, however it seems as if they have already spoken to most of the people they would talk to, I don't know all that many people. About how long after your CO did you get the final call?
While I was doing my polygraph/security interview/drug test at my local FO, an agent was at my university checking on me. They got a set of transcripts, and interviewed my undergraduate advisor, master's advisor, and one of my professors. I think they went there to interview my undergrad advisor because she was my boss in a research job when I first got to college. She told them about me being in the Master's program, and the agent went from there. I think they interviewed the professor because I had him for about four classes as a senior, so they figured he knew me well.
It took about six months from when I received my CO to get the final "call". I don't have all that complicated a life, either. Read my other posts, and you'll see.
About the only thing to do is wait, though-I got the final call and I'm still waiting for official appointment letter. I'm just hoping that since I'll be getting my Master's degree in a couple of weeks, the bureau will move me up to GS-9, because when I applied, all I had was a Bachelor's, so I was considered under a GS-7.
diablo3305
04-21-2005, 11:32
Dear Diablo3305,
Our backgrounds are somewhat similar. On the one hand, I'm 33 and have lived (since 18) in five places. But on the other hand, all my residences are domestic (i.e., nothing foreign/overseas). The agent with whom I did my PSI specifically mentioned how pleased she was that my SF-86 was filled out so thoroughly. Some of my work experience from way back was sketchy. I found out that one of my past supervisors died some time ago, one (perhaps two) business is no longer in business, and one place told me they keep records for about seven years (I worked there in 1993), and anything they have on me is likely shoved away in a warehouse somewhere. I went through all this in my PSI and the agent told me that the investigators do the best they can, as I did, and if there's nothing there they move on.
I'm hoping for a (relatively) quick BI, too. (But doesn't everyone?) Still, it will be what it will be. I'm not going anywhere, and I'm as honored as I am excited about my CO and future with the FBI as an IA.
Do you or does anyone else know what, exactly, one does with one's AC? How much do I do as my BI moves along? How much contact does one typically have with one's AC?
Thanks,
Travis
Well, the information I have from them says to contact the AC if I have any questions regarding the BI or the rest of the process. Other than that, I am not sure, other people would be able to answer that better.
I too am very excited, its a start of a career for me in an organization I have wanted to work in for years.
I looked over my FD-140 and it was filled out as best as I could, however I have to bring in some changes to them (previous supervisor is at a new location, and I accidently put the wrong year for my brothers birthday, I have no idea how I missed that when I reread it before I sent it in). My previous jobs are a bit sketchy too. I had a job in highschool at a clothing store and no one is there anymore that would remember me. In college I was a teaching assistant for a course, but I doubt anyone would remember me. I also worked on a contract job for a week, and I know for sure noone there would remember me, so its really only my past 3 employers (including current) where people would know me. I know they have spoken to two of them already.
I guess the excitement is just getting to me, its going to be a huge change in my life (moving out of my parents house, moving to DC, starting a career, etc.) I just want it all to happen as soon as possible :). Congrats on your CO by the way.
diablo3305
04-21-2005, 11:40
While I was doing my polygraph/security interview/drug test at my local FO, an agent was at my university checking on me. They got a set of transcripts, and interviewed my undergraduate advisor, master's advisor, and one of my professors. I think they went there to interview my undergrad advisor because she was my boss in a research job when I first got to college. She told them about me being in the Master's program, and the agent went from there. I think they interviewed the professor because I had him for about four classes as a senior, so they figured he knew me well.
It took about six months from when I received my CO to get the final "call". I don't have all that complicated a life, either. Read my other posts, and you'll see.
About the only thing to do is wait, though-I got the final call and I'm still waiting for official appointment letter. I'm just hoping that since I'll be getting my Master's degree in a couple of weeks, the bureau will move me up to GS-9, because when I applied, all I had was a Bachelor's, so I was considered under a GS-7.
Well good thing my advisor knew me pretty well. I know a professor that I had for 2 classes that knew me very well, in fact we still communicate to this day. Hopefully that all goes quickly. I had a job in college, but im pretty sure the head of the department I worked for won't even remember me. I met him once in all the time I was there. The only pain is that I have been in 2 graduate schools since I graduated as an undergrad, so that might complicate things alittle.
Good luck with the GS-9, hopefully you will get moved up to that. Chances are I won't be able to complete my masters by the time I get the call, because I have about another year to go if I wanted to finish, im not totally sure I want to finish this program. I am getting a masters in Computer Forensics, which is very interesting, but the program is in its first year, and needs alot of work. I don't mind putting it off for awhile and trying out other opportunities down the road. Perhaps I can take some courses at GW to finish out my degree, ill figure it out when the time comes.
sigepuofu
04-21-2005, 15:03
Well, the information I have from them says to contact the AC if I have any questions regarding the BI or the rest of the process. Other than that, I am not sure, other people would be able to answer that better.
I too am very excited, its a start of a career for me in an organization I have wanted to work in for years.
I looked over my FD-140 and it was filled out as best as I could, however I have to bring in some changes to them (previous supervisor is at a new location, and I accidently put the wrong year for my brothers birthday, I have no idea how I missed that when I reread it before I sent it in). My previous jobs are a bit sketchy too. I had a job in highschool at a clothing store and no one is there anymore that would remember me. In college I was a teaching assistant for a course, but I doubt anyone would remember me. I also worked on a contract job for a week, and I know for sure noone there would remember me, so its really only my past 3 employers (including current) where people would know me. I know they have spoken to two of them already.
I guess the excitement is just getting to me, its going to be a huge change in my life (moving out of my parents house, moving to DC, starting a career, etc.) I just want it all to happen as soon as possible :). Congrats on your CO by the way.
I'm glad you're excited, I know I was when I got my CO. (I'm in the same situation as you-moving out of my parents house, getting my first real job, moving to DC, etc.) Not to rain on your parade, but remember, it is a Conditional Offer. I doubt you would have any problems in your BI, but if I was you, I would not depend solely on getting the job with the Bureau-keep applying to other positions that interest you. It can't hurt to practice your interview skills, and if you get other offers, you then have some options at your disposal. I didn't do this as much, and I only ended up with one other job offer besides the official call I just got from the Bureau a few weeks ago. It felt great to have two options, (I declined the other job offer) but I'm sure it would feel better and safer to have more. I don't think you're being disloyal to the Bureau, you're just covering your own tail in case things fall through with the Bureau for some unforseen reason.
diablo3305
04-21-2005, 15:14
I'm glad you're excited, I know I was when I got my CO. (I'm in the same situation as you-moving out of my parents house, getting my first real job, moving to DC, etc.) Not to rain on your parade, but remember, it is a Conditional Offer. I doubt you would have any problems in your BI, but if I was you, I would not depend solely on getting the job with the Bureau-keep applying to other positions that interest you. It can't hurt to practice your interview skills, and if you get other offers, you then have some options at your disposal. I didn't do this as much, and I only ended up with one other job offer besides the official call I just got from the Bureau a few weeks ago. It felt great to have two options, (I declined the other job offer) but I'm sure it would feel better and safer to have more. I don't think you're being disloyal to the Bureau, you're just covering your own tail in case things fall through with the Bureau for some unforseen reason.
Yea, I understand. I am covered decently I think. I have a job now that I'm sure I can keep for a while. I am also applying to the DEA as a special agent in case the FBI falls through, but im trying to think positive about the FBI. But yea, i understand it is only conditional.
Hello, everyone.
I'm curious: What causes problems in one's BI? If one has been open, cooperative, forthright, etc., in one's SF-86, PSI, and poly--and continues to do this with one's AC--what is a "problem" in a BI?
I'm curious, as I've said before, since I shall be hearing from my AC within the next couple of weeks. I've been cooperative and proactive in my SF-86, PSI, and poly, and want to be as helpful as I can as I move into the BI phase. How can I best assist my AC, and what can cause one's BI to turn out badly? (I'm really not sure what's involved in a BI, apart from interviews with the people I have on my SF-86.)
Thanks, as always!
Yours,
Travis
diablo3305
04-22-2005, 13:36
sigepuofu,
Have you gotten any indication of when your training starts? Do they do that before you begin work, or do you work for alittle and then attend training?
sigepuofu
04-22-2005, 18:12
Hello, everyone.
I'm curious: What causes problems in one's BI? If one has been open, cooperative, forthright, etc., in one's SF-86, PSI, and poly--and continues to do this with one's AC--what is a "problem" in a BI?
I'm curious, as I've said before, since I shall be hearing from my AC within the next couple of weeks. I've been cooperative and proactive in my SF-86, PSI, and poly, and want to be as helpful as I can as I move into the BI phase. How can I best assist my AC, and what can cause one's BI to turn out badly? (I'm really not sure what's involved in a BI, apart from interviews with the people I have on my SF-86.)
Thanks, as always!
Yours,
Travis
sigepuofu,
Have you gotten any indication of when your training starts? Do they do that before you begin work, or do you work for alittle and then attend training?
First of all, I haven't been given any official indication on when my training will start. Everything I've heard says that you usually go to work for a while and then get sent to the Q for training. But, I'm not sure-I still haven't even gotten my official appointment letter and relo packet.
Second,
Problems in your BI could be varied. If you have bad credit or a history of excessive amount of debt, that's a black mark against you, because if you are always in need of money, someone can buy classfied information off you. Your former roommates could also be a black mark-if they are criminals or have associations with foreign governments, this could be a black mark. If members of your immediate family have multiple problems with the law, this could be a black mark. If former employers or fellow employees give you bad reviews-for example: A former boss could say "Travis stole from the cash register once or twice when he worked here". even though you didn't do it. If the information is corroborated by several people, that would be a black mark. In this case, more than likely your AC or the agent doing the BI would ask you about it before they filed their report to get your story.
Morethan anything, they'll be trying to find out what kind of a person you are (trustworthy, honest, etc.) because this will be important on whether or not you can be trusted with classified information. They'll also want to see how likely it is that you could be compromised-(in need of money, have a lot of skeletons in your closet that would allow blackmail, hidden anti-US tendencies or feelings, etc.)
If you've led a decent life, are not a criminal, and generally keep on good terms with people, I doubt you have anything to worry about. I know you're anxious-I was when they were doing my BI.
The best thing you can probably do right now is wait. You can best assist your AC and the agent doing your BI by responding promptly if they call you and answering as best as possible any questions they might have. Other than that, let them do their job-you're not the first person they've done a BI on, so they know what they're doing. If you try to be actively involved (i.e. calling your AC too frequently or trying to coach your references on what to say when interviewed) you're only going to hurt yourself. It's okay to call your AC every now and then to see how things are going, but don't pester him/her-remember, with the current hiring blitz, they're probably overseeing a lot of applicants and background investigations.
Good luck, and for what its worth, try to relax. (Yeah, I know, fat chance, but try)
sigepuofu,
Have you gotten any indication of when your training starts? Do they do that before you begin work, or do you work for alittle and then attend training?
Until December (at the earliest), you will report to your field office, do your inprocessing there, start work, and then get scheduled for training. In December or so, the plan is to start joint training with IAs, Language Specialists and SSG types. New personnel will report to Quantico, go through their initial training, and then report to their field offices.
Can anyone who recently received their packet notify us of the benefit details? Are they giving new IA hires full relocation package? If so, what does the package include? What about house-hunting and travel expenses? Thanks for any information.
Dear Sigepuofu,
Thanks! This is, of course, my first BI. So it's a lot like my first poly--an unknown and plenty intimidating. There's nothing in my past that would DQ me, and I cannot imagine fmr. supervisors or friends, etc., saying anything nasty about me. I've led a "decent life," as you say. But this is new territory for me, and I know I'm not alone!
It seems to me, then, that the best thing I can do--apart from relaxing and letting the BI do its thing--is to volunteer whatever I can to my AC, tell the truth (obviously), and keep in touch (although not pester) with my AC. I trust the good people who do BIs know what they're doing and have the best of intentions.
Still, as I told my wife last night, part of me wants to say, "I did it! As soon as I get past the BI, we're on our way!" But another part of me wants to say, "Whoa, a BI. Maybe I should be excited, maybe not." Then again, maybe a BI is like an extended poly: never all that pleasant, but something everyone has to go through.
Thanks again,
Travis
sigepuofu
04-24-2005, 01:38
Can anyone who recently received their packet notify us of the benefit details? Are they giving new IA hires full relocation package? If so, what does the package include? What about house-hunting and travel expenses? Thanks for any information.
Dear Sigepuofu,
Thanks! This is, of course, my first BI. So it's a lot like my first poly--an unknown and plenty intimidating. There's nothing in my past that would DQ me, and I cannot imagine fmr. supervisors or friends, etc., saying anything nasty about me. I've led a "decent life," as you say. But this is new territory for me, and I know I'm not alone!
It seems to me, then, that the best thing I can do--apart from relaxing and letting the BI do its thing--is to volunteer whatever I can to my AC, tell the truth (obviously), and keep in touch (although not pester) with my AC. I trust the good people who do BIs know what they're doing and have the best of intentions.
Still, as I told my wife last night, part of me wants to say, "I did it! As soon as I get past the BI, we're on our way!" But another part of me wants to say, "Whoa, a BI. Maybe I should be excited, maybe not." Then again, maybe a BI is like an extended poly: never all that pleasant, but something everyone has to go through.
Thanks again,
Travis
First, I spoke to my AC at HQ last week, I believe, and she told me that the staffing unit is just extremely behind in sending out the relo packets. The HR people from the Directorate of Intelligence are probably going to have to step in and help get everything out. I don't see why they wouldn't grant full relocation to the new IA hires-according to the latest vacancy announcement (FO-2005-0022), the Bureau will pick up relo costs. I hope they do, because I don't want to have to pick up the costs myself.
I did have one question-do IA's qualify for locality pay? I think my official offer's going to end up being for GS-7, even though I'll be getting my Master's here in two weeks. Base pay for GS-7 is about $30,567, but with locality pay in the DC area (where I'll be going) it runs about $35,452. I know the extra $5,000 or so doesn't sound like much, but I think its going to be significant for me. Also, in the earlier announcements the Bureau was offering recruitment bonuses for IA's. Anyone know if they're still doing that? (i applied under FO-2004-007, one of the old field office announcements). I didn't get into a field office, but they took me at HQ. I wonder if I'd qualify for the bonus?
The wait goes on, but at least I have final projects/exams to keep me busy. :eek: (At this point I feel like I have one foot in the *@#$A grave!)
PS-Sounds like you got it under control, Travis. About all you can do is relax and go with the flow. Guess it wouldn't be worth it if it wasn't hard to get, right?
diablo3305
04-24-2005, 05:06
First, I spoke to my AC at HQ last week, I believe, and she told me that the staffing unit is just extremely behind in sending out the relo packets. The HR people from the Directorate of Intelligence are probably going to have to step in and help get everything out. I don't see why they wouldn't grant full relocation to the new IA hires-according to the latest vacancy announcement (FO-2005-0022), the Bureau will pick up relo costs. I hope they do, because I don't want to have to pick up the costs myself.
I did have one question-do IA's qualify for locality pay? I think my official offer's going to end up being for GS-7, even though I'll be getting my Master's here in two weeks. Base pay for GS-7 is about $30,567, but with locality pay in the DC area (where I'll be going) it runs about $35,452. I know the extra $5,000 or so doesn't sound like much, but I think its going to be significant for me. Also, in the earlier announcements the Bureau was offering recruitment bonuses for IA's. Anyone know if they're still doing that? (i applied under FO-2004-007, one of the old field office announcements). I didn't get into a field office, but they took me at HQ. I wonder if I'd qualify for the bonus?
The wait goes on, but at least I have final projects/exams to keep me busy. :eek: (At this point I feel like I have one foot in the *@#$A grave!)
PS-Sounds like you got it under control, Travis. About all you can do is relax and go with the flow. Guess it wouldn't be worth it if it wasn't hard to get, right?
my CO, said i would get locality pay, bringing it up to about $35,000, plus a $7500 bonus if i signed for 3 years.
0132 IA positions are in the GS pay system and, as such, are entitled to receive locality pay.
To avoid confusion, they do not receive LEAP (Law Enforcement Availability Pay) and do not generally receive AUO (Administratively Uncontrolled Overtime) unless specific authority has been granted for AUO. If requested to work additional hours, they can generally receive either compensatory time or overtime, depending upon their preference and the needs of the agency. Compensatory time is straight 1:1 for additional time worked, and overtime is: a) for GS-10 Step 1 and below: 1.5x their base pay, b) for GS-10 Step 1 and above: 1.5x base pay of GS-10 Step 1 or their own hourly pay rate, whichever is higher.
OrangeAlum2003
04-24-2005, 12:00
Has anyone out there been called for an interview for the most recent announcement #FO-2005-0022? It's been a couple of weeks since the first cutoff date, and I'm just trying to see where I might stand in relation to other applicants. My application now stands at "referred to selecting official." Do all applicants that meet basic requirements get referred to selecting official? Buman, you may know the answer to that one. I understand the process is long, even for those successful ones. Believe me I know, I went through 80% of the hiring process with the CIA before withdrawing my app. Can't help me for being a little impatient though, knowing how badly I'd like the job. I look forward to hearing from some of you other applicants, especially those of you who applied recently.
Has anyone out there been called for an interview for the most recent announcement #FO-2005-0022? It's been a couple of weeks since the first cutoff date, and I'm just trying to see where I might stand in relation to other applicants. My application now stands at "referred to selecting official." Do all applicants that meet basic requirements get referred to selecting official? Buman, you may know the answer to that one. I understand the process is long, even for those successful ones. Believe me I know, I went through 80% of the hiring process with the CIA before withdrawing my app. Can't help me for being a little impatient though, knowing how badly I'd like the job. I look forward to hearing from some of you other applicants, especially those of you who applied recently.
From what I was told with regard to the hirings I'm making, the lists go out to offices with vacancies with a number (unspecified) of names and details. The offices have two weeks to review and hold a competency verification interview (formerly known as meet-and-greet) and then submit the names with completed FD-140s/SF-86s back to Staffing. So they are trying to get the hiring offices to speed up the process.
One word of advice...if you have submitted your application electronically at the www.fbijobs.com site, then start filling out a SF-86 or FD-140 NOW. If you can identify where the information gaps are, then you can work to get them filled before you get the call. The indications I'm getting are that they have to be turned in with the names, so if you get a call to an interview, you'll probably need to bring a completed set of forms with you.
OrangeAlum2003
04-24-2005, 17:59
BuMan,
I've read a lot of your posts but may have overlooked it, so forgive me if you've already answered this one. As I understand it, FO's submit a requirement for IA positions they need to fill. HQ sends back a list of names to choose from. Do you have any knowledge of how those names are given to the FO's. Is it based purely on critical skills or are the candidates qualified applicants who live in a commuting distance to that particular FO? Given the new mobility requirement for IA's I'm just trying to see how they are matching up applicants with locations. By the way, are you in a FO? If so, any chance you would PM me your location? Just curious.
Dear Sigepuofu,
Thanks! I know all the work (and worry) will pay off--it already is!
By the way, BuMan's right. My experience, at any rate, was such that I was told to bring in my completed SF-86 and one or two copies (I had about five with me, just in case). Part of my PSI was going over the SF-86 itself. The SA with whom I had my PSI told me she really liked how thoroughly I'd filled the form out. She said a lot of people leave things blank or are otherwise vague.
So follow BuMan's advice: start filling out the SF-86 right now. At least look over the form and find out what kind of info. you'll need to provide. I already had a lot of notes, so when I got the call and was told to bring my SF-86 with me, it was no big deal. It was still a tedious process, though (working back to age 18 for work history, I mean). Lots of e-mails and phone tag...
Also, and perhaps I mentioned this before (my apologies for being redundant), while I did a pretty good job with my work history, one of my supervisors from years ago had died, a couple of my employers were no longer in business, and a couple of places (again, from years ago) told me that they only keep employee records for ca. seven years, and if they had anything on me it would be buried in a warehouse somewhere. (And they weren't about to go looking, either.) I explained all this during my PSI and the SA said don't sweat it, it's not uncommon, and when the folks doing the BI call past employers and get the same line, that's really all anyone can do. They key, as I believe has been said, is not leaving any gaps.
Yours,
Travis
OrangeAlum2003
04-24-2005, 19:46
Unfortunately for me, I just completed an SF-86 about 6 months back for my CIA offer. I was going through some old files about a month ago and decided to shred it, thinking that since I didn't complete the process that it wasn't necessary to keep it around. Just goes to show you, SAVE YOUR OLD FILES! Oh well, I kind of like spending countless hours tracking down people whose names I can't even remember.
Has anyone out there been called for an interview for the most recent announcement #FO-2005-0022? It's been a couple of weeks since the first cutoff date, and I'm just trying to see where I might stand in relation to other applicants. My application now stands at "referred to selecting official."
I applied to FO-2005-0020 and -0022. On Thursday I also was "referred to selecting official."
It may be my imagination, but they seem to be moving faster than on any other announcement in the last year. However...who is the selecting official? Before I thought it was the hiring person/team at the FO. But now they aren't asking you which FO you want, so who's the selecting official? The nearest FO? Or are there people at HQ designated as selecting officials?
Inquiring minds want to know... :)
BuMan,
I've read a lot of your posts but may have overlooked it, so forgive me if you've already answered this one. As I understand it, FO's submit a requirement for IA positions they need to fill. HQ sends back a list of names to choose from. Do you have any knowledge of how those names are given to the FO's. Is it based purely on critical skills or are the candidates qualified applicants who live in a commuting distance to that particular FO? Given the new mobility requirement for IA's I'm just trying to see how they are matching up applicants with locations. By the way, are you in a FO? If so, any chance you would PM me your location? Just curious.
I should find out this week how it works. All I know is that I work in a unit with rather specialized requirements and we weren't asked to identify any special skills or anything else to narrow down the applicants to meet our requirements. I'm told a list of candidates should be in my hands this week, so we'll see then if there's a method to the madness or not.
I'm not in a traditional field office, nor am I in a traditional HQ division.
I applied to FO-2005-0020 and -0022. On Thursday I also was "referred to selecting official."
It may be my imagination, but they seem to be moving faster than on any other announcement in the last year. However...who is the selecting official? Before I thought it was the hiring person/team at the FO. But now they aren't asking you which FO you want, so who's the selecting official? The nearest FO? Or are there people at HQ designated as selecting officials?
Inquiring minds want to know... :)
They are trying to speed things up, with a two week turnaround from the time staffing provides you with the list to the time you submit a list of selectees. The selecting official is in the office that is doing the hiring and will head up a selection panel to pick the best qualified candidates on the list provided to the office. No idea how they are narrowing down the list.
Unfortunately for me, I just completed an SF-86 about 6 months back for my CIA offer. I was going through some old files about a month ago and decided to shred it, thinking that since I didn't complete the process that it wasn't necessary to keep it around. Just goes to show you, SAVE YOUR OLD FILES! Oh well, I kind of like spending countless hours tracking down people whose names I can't even remember.
Another suggestion for the newly hired: Keep copies of important forms (your original SF-86, any foreign travel forms you submit for personal/official travel) and get a copy of the reinvestigation questionaire and keep track of key information, particularly if you have roommates. When it comes time to do the five-year reinvestigation, it will make remembering the name of the roommates much easier. Also, ensure that you follow protocol with regard to reporting roommates names to the FBI on the designated form (a five-year reinvestigation is a bad time for the FBI to find out about all the roommates you've had), and be sure to provide advance notice on any changes in marital status.
OrangeAlum2003
04-24-2005, 22:23
I applied to FO-2005-0020 and -0022. On Thursday I also was "referred to selecting official."
It may be my imagination, but they seem to be moving faster than on any other announcement in the last year. However...who is the selecting official? Before I thought it was the hiring person/team at the FO. But now they aren't asking you which FO you want, so who's the selecting official? The nearest FO? Or are there people at HQ designated as selecting officials?
Inquiring minds want to know... :)
Forms,
For which Grade were you referred if you don't mind me asking. I applied as both a GS-9 and 11, though admittedly I realistically only have a shot at a GS-9. I figured it couldn't hurt to apply though. I didn't apply as a GS-7, however, since I have a Master's degree. I wonder if that hurts my chances of getting an interview. Last year I was a finalist for the FO vacancy. That notice came via snail mail. I wonder if the Bureau still relies on the Postal Service, or if they have come into the 21st century with email.
sigepuofu
04-24-2005, 23:12
Hey OrangeAlum,
I'm assuming you were a finalist for the FO-2004-007 announcement last year. I was considered for that too, but I got taken at HQ once they had filled all the slots for the FO announcement.
It sounds like you were in the same situation I was, so I'm wondering why they didn't try to take you at HQ.
Lucky for me, I kept a copy of my FD-140 form, it's sitting in a file in my safe.
So, quick question, BuMan. What goes on in the 5-year reinvestigation? Please tell me we don't have to repeat this entire process :eek:. Oh, and I heard that we have to repeat our polygraph every couple of years, too. Is that true?
And, one more question, probably for BuMan or one of the other current IA's. What exactly are we allowed to say to people about our job? Lots of friends/family have been asking me what I'll be doing, and right now, I can say that I don't really know, because I haven't started work yet. But, after I start, what would be appropriate to say if someone asked me? I'm sure that we'll be trained in the Bureau's security standards and all that, I guess. Do you guys run into problems with that each day?
Hey OrangeAlum,
I'm assuming you were a finalist for the FO-2004-007 announcement last year. I was considered for that too, but I got taken at HQ once they had filled all the slots for the FO announcement.
It sounds like you were in the same situation I was, so I'm wondering why they didn't try to take you at HQ.
Lucky for me, I kept a copy of my FD-140 form, it's sitting in a file in my safe.
So, quick question, BuMan. What goes on in the 5-year reinvestigation? Please tell me we don't have to repeat this entire process :eek:. Oh, and I heard that we have to repeat our polygraph every couple of years, too. Is that true?
And, one more question, probably for BuMan or one of the other current IA's. What exactly are we allowed to say to people about our job? Lots of friends/family have been asking me what I'll be doing, and right now, I can say that I don't really know, because I haven't started work yet. But, after I start, what would be appropriate to say if someone asked me? I'm sure that we'll be trained in the Bureau's security standards and all that, I guess. Do you guys run into problems with that each day?
The 5-year reinvestigation is a lot like the background. You provide current information on you and your status and a BI will check in with your neighbors, references, etc. to verify that you are still an upstanding citizen. If you have SCI access, plan on taking a polygraph every five years from here on out. Typically, you'll get a note notifying you that it's time for your five year and directing you to submit the paperwork for the five year reinvestigation. You'll have a PSI with your division's security officer and get referred to the poly if you have SCI accesses and then it's pretty much life as normal.
You can let people know that you work for the FBI, that you're an IA, and where you work (if it's an overt location). You shouldn't get into anything about specifics on what you're working on if it's classified. Most of my neighbors know where I work, but not what specifically I work on. Heck, there's an FBI agent in the neighborhood and there was another support person who lived two doors over until recently.
eff-bee-eye
04-25-2005, 06:04
Yeah, you really don't receive any training/advice on talking about your job to others, except they sometimes talk of discretion (mostly for the agents). But if you're an agent or an analyst, it is fine to say that is your position. But just remember that key word...discretion. It's fine to say that you are an Intelligence Analyst for the FBI, working Counterterrorism, etc. Just don't broadcast it, and be careful when talking to strangers. Sometimes with random sales people or strangers that ask me what line of work I'm in, and I don't want to talk to them about it I'll just say I work in the government, or maybe DOJ. But it's not like we're in the clandestine service, sometimes I just don't feel like chatting about my job with randoms.
Like Travis, I interviewed in Crystal City on the 14th and 15th of this month. I was extended a CO (GS-9), and very happily returned home to start the ball rolling on this end. Unfortunately, it's become clear that my wife isn't ready for such a dramatic move (she had held out hope that I could grab a position in the Denver FO, and the reality of a DC move - something she had thought herself ready for - hit her a bit harder than she had anticipated). As such, I'm turning the position down. When you sign up for a move like this, after all, you sign your entire family up, as well.
My dilemma is this: when in my PSI, the interviewer suggested that if I weren't happy with the pay grade (or even location), that I might want to wait until after my BI was finished, and then begin bargaining. I didn't know what to make of this suggestion, and, upon checking in with the Denver folks, my contact told me in no uncertain terms that this was a bad idea. As such, I decided to put a stop to the BI as quickly as is possible, to avoid the expenditure on the FBI's part, and to keep myself in good standing for future (hopefully Denver-based) opportunities. My only contact is a woman back in DC, who initially called me to set up the interview. I tried calling her multiple times last week, but when I couldn't reach her, I left a message detailing both my decision, and my reasons for that decision. I had assumed that things were taken care of, as I'd also informed my Denver contact of my decision.
Not so, it would seem, as I've just learned that some folks from the Denver FO spoke with my references today.
Should I turn my attention to the Denver FO to handle this? I've not been contacted by anyone (DC or otherwise) since my interview and offer, and I don't want to waste taxpayer dollars on a BI for a position that I can't afford to accept - for either family- or finance-related reasons.
OrangeAlum2003
04-27-2005, 00:35
Like Travis, I interviewed in Crystal City on the 14th and 15th of this month. I was extended a CO (GS-9), and very happily returned home to start the ball rolling on this end. Unfortunately, it's become clear that my wife isn't ready for such a dramatic move (she had held out hope that I could grab a position in the Denver FO, and the reality of a DC move - something she had thought herself ready for - hit her a bit harder than she had anticipated). As such, I'm turning the position down. When you sign up for a move like this, after all, you sign your entire family up, as well.
Not so, it would seem, as I've just learned that some folks from the Denver FO spoke with my references today.
Should I turn my attention to the Denver FO to handle this? I've not been contacted by anyone (DC or otherwise) since my interview and offer, and I don't want to waste taxpayer dollars on a BI for a position that I can't afford to accept - for either family- or finance-related reasons.
Being that I'm not an employee of the FBI, I am certainly not an authority on giving specific advice. That said, I totally understand the decision you made. I too was in a similar position earlier this year. I was given an offer from the CIA to become an intel analyst, and had started the BI process. It had become apparent that my wife was not interested in moving back to the East Coast from CA. So, I chose to withdraw my application fairly early in the process. I think the bigger issue for you is with respect to privacy and not as much about worrying about spending taxpayer dollars. Keep in mind that the government makes no apologies for wasting applicants' time. I would want to halt the BI ASAP, because the gov. no longer has a right to investigate you, despite the fact that you may have nothing to hide. The woman who set up your interview was likely just an admin in HR, and though she may know whom to contact, she's probably not someone whom you should rely on to make sure the process is halted. I would contact the local FO and make sure they are aware that you have withdrawn your application, because it appears as though they have started to do some of the BI groundwork. I'm sure that some of the FBI employees on this board will have some more specific advice to help you sort it out. Good luck finding the right opportunity in the right place. It just takes some patience sometimes. I'm still waiting for my match.
sigepuofu
04-27-2005, 14:09
Hey all.
Just a quick question-I still haven't received my official letter of appointment from the Bureau, and its been a few weeks-I called my AC last week, and she said that they were just severely behind. That calmed me down some, but now I'm worried that something could go wrong with my selection. Does anyone know of any occurances when someone has gotten the "CALL" but for whatever reason was rejected after that (i.e. got the call, but wasn't given an official appointment?) I'm nervous about it, especially because my start date is rapidly approaching, and I don't know my relocation package, plus, I turned down the only other offer for a job that I received-(i only went deep in the process with the OCC and the FBI).
Any thought would be much appreciated.
OrangeAlum2003
04-27-2005, 16:29
Hey all.
Just a quick question-I still haven't received my official letter of appointment from the Bureau, and its been a few weeks-I called my AC last week, and she said that they were just severely behind. That calmed me down some, but now I'm worried that something could go wrong with my selection. Does anyone know of any occurances when someone has gotten the "CALL" but for whatever reason was rejected after that (i.e. got the call, but wasn't given an official appointment?) I'm nervous about it, especially because my start date is rapidly approaching, and I don't know my relocation package, plus, I turned down the only other offer for a job that I received-(i only went deep in the process with the OCC and the FBI).
Any thought would be much appreciated.
Although not currently employed by the government, I have been through several different hiring processes for government positions, and have many friends and colleagues employed by various federal government agencies. That said, I wouldn't read into the timing too much. If they've given you an actual start date, I would think your position is pretty secure. Remember, in these large bureaucratic entities, the people making hiring decisions and the ones processing paperwork and the actual people informing you are often very different. I would not at all be surprised if there was some disconnect between the hiring official and the HR people responsible for getting you all of the paperwork. Obviously, there is a tremendous amount of document processing that has to happen for someone being hired on condition of acquiring a security clearance. I worked at the State Department and there was a good two month gap between when I was told I had the position and when they actually sent the information with where to show up and whom to meet. Just keep calling and see what you dig up. I'd probably be worried too if I were in your shoes, just because I understand how badly you want the position, but I doubt anything has come up that would change your status. It seems unlikely to me at least.
For those who are in the process, here's a little more information. If you went through the interview process (and the PSI, poly, pee tests) a couple of months back here in DC, then your names should be showing up in front of hiring panel boards where you'll get parceled out to a division. Patience is a virtue and you may start to hear something in 2 weeks to a month (rough estimate).
geographer1
04-29-2005, 07:22
For those who are in the process, here's a little more information. If you went through the interview process (and the PSI, poly, pee tests) a couple of months back here in DC, then your names should be showing up in front of hiring panel boards where you'll get parceled out to a division. Patience is a virtue and you may start to hear something in 2 weeks to a month (rough estimate).
I was wondering. Do applicants who have federal (civilian gov't employee) status have a much better chance even if they're not in the GS123 series.
I was wondering. Do applicants who have federal (civilian gov't employee) status have a much better chance even if they're not in the GS123 series.
Not really. The general hiring postings for 0132 IAs are open to all (thanks to the system we use, they're listed three times (once for public status, once for current govt employees and once for FBI employees). Once they are through the screening and the interview process, then folks sit down with the list of approved candidates and wrangle over who goes where. It's a bit like a modified version of the draft - if a list has x people, then each division may have a quota (a maximum number they can draw off the list). The group identifies people with specific skills or abilities and try to match them up with the appropriate units off the bat. Then they review the recommendations from the interviewers on where someone might fit in and that division gets a chance to take or pass on them (up to their quota), then they get the last run through for not otherwise selected IAs and divvy them up.
sigepuofu
04-30-2005, 01:31
Hey all.
The wait for the letter goes on, and on. Oh well, as long as I still have a job as an IA, I'll be happy. Would be nice to have my packet so I can choose a place to live and start planning to move.
I just had a quick question about the mobility agreement that I'm going to have to sign when I start work as an IA.
What does the agreement entail, specifically? Will the Bureau have the ability to reassign me whereever/whenever they want?
I'm not worried about having to move around, I'm more than willing, the only reason I'm wondering is because it's going to influence the kind of place I rent when I start work. If I can be reassigned with little notice, than I'd probably want to rent on a month-to-month lease.
Any thoughts you all have would be appreciated.
If I can be reassigned with little notice, than I'd probably want to rent on a month-to-month lease.
Try to see if you can find a place that will add a condition to the lease that will allow you to break the lease without penalty if you are transferred. I believe that they do this for the military all the time. My husband and I have this in our current lease and we just need to give them 2 months notice if his job is transferred and then we are free and clear. It's worth a try... definitely cheaper than paying a month to month rate.
Hey all.
The wait for the letter goes on, and on. Oh well, as long as I still have a job as an IA, I'll be happy. Would be nice to have my packet so I can choose a place to live and start planning to move.
I just had a quick question about the mobility agreement that I'm going to have to sign when I start work as an IA.
What does the agreement entail, specifically? Will the Bureau have the ability to reassign me whereever/whenever they want?
I'm not worried about having to move around, I'm more than willing, the only reason I'm wondering is because it's going to influence the kind of place I rent when I start work. If I can be reassigned with little notice, than I'd probably want to rent on a month-to-month lease.
Any thoughts you all have would be appreciated.
I've been in meetings with the EAD-I where this was discussed. Currently, there are NO plans to forcibly move IAs in a manner analgous to the SA population. As the Directorate of Intelligence begins to expand the Career Management Program for IAs, there has been some discussion that IAs looking to move up and out of a particular work role into policy positions may need to broaden their experience somewhat to make them a well-rounded IA who understands the entire FBI Intelligence Program and not just the facets of one unit. So, for example, you have an IA who has risen to a -14 or -15 position within a particular unit working one issue at HQ or (theoretically) in the field. Their experience may be somewhat limited in terms of the rest of the FBI, but they want to compete for a unit chief or section chief position somewhere. The idea would be to get them some experience in a FIG down the road (as FIG supervisor) or in a HQ position if they're already in the field. A mobility agreement is required to make this possible, so everyone gets one. Right now, there is only a very limited budget for support transfers at the FBI, so it's not a high priority. Additionally, the number of potential positions in play are pretty limited, so it's not going to be a widespread thing in any case.
My suggestion - get the housing that you want and plan for it long term rather than making only short-term plans just in case.
Hello, everyone.
A quick question, and perhaps it's been covered before. Our oldest of two children will be five in Sept. and she'll be starting five-year kindergarten in the fall. Ideally my BI would be over and we'd be in DC by then. (My BI started earlier this week.) My question: Is it out of line or otherwise ill-advised to let my AC (or anyone else) know that we have a child who is of school age and that we would like to be able to register at school in the DC-area before school starts?
Thanks, as always.
Travis
OrangeAlum2003
05-02-2005, 13:07
Just wondering if anybody on this board has yet been called for an interview for vacancy #FO-2005-0022. I know patience is a virtue, but it doesn't curb my curiosity and anticipation. I know a lot of you on the board are in the hiring process for ealier vacancies, but I'm looking to hear from those of you who applied to the same vacancy as I. Good luck to all.
My question: Is it out of line or otherwise ill-advised to let my AC (or anyone else) know that we have a child who is of school age and that we would like to be able to register at school in the DC-area before school starts?
It won't make a bit of difference. They tell you to continue your life as though you have never applied. Register her locally if you have to do it now. Or if you are very sure of being hired on, move to DC. I just don't think anyone is going to expedite your paperwork or the hiring decision or open a slot or whatever because of a 5 year old's school schedule. She will be fine if she moves mid-year. This year I moved my kids to a new state and for 4 months we rented while I looked for a house. They not only went to a new school, it was the first time they'd ever gone to a public school. They did fine. Four months later I moved into a new house and a week before Christmas, a week before the semester ended, they moved to another school in the same county. They did fine. Please don't worry about your child (I know, easy to say, hard to do); he or she will do fine if s/he has to move mid-year.
The first day I showed up at the NSA for employment, they had a whole group of us and put us into a week-long orientation program at the Friendship Annex. The second day they pulled me out of class and said: "Sorry, but we have to rescind our offer of employment; there was a mix up about slots." I was astounded and horrified. "But I QUIT MY JOB!" :mad: She was not as apologetic as I would have thought. "I'm sorry but the needs of the agency are paramount." :argue: I went home mid-day Tuesday. :burnt: On Thursday I got a letter in the mail (it must have been mailed the same day they sent me home), offering me the same position and to start the following Monday :o . So I had three and a half days off. Although, honestly I was so angry I thought seriously about declining. :rolleyes: However, I had o job, so I showed up. I was always glad I did. :D
Moral of the story (other than I am irresponsible with emoticons), is that they are driven by their own mission and internal concerns and not by convenience to you. You can ask, but chances are she's going to tell you to enroll your child as though you never applied.
Just wondering if anybody on this board has yet been called for an interview for vacancy #FO-2005-0022. I'm looking to hear from those of you who applied to the same vacancy as I. Good luck to all.
I was referred to selecting official a week or so ago according to the website, but don't anticipate hearing anything for weeks yet.
sigepuofu
05-02-2005, 14:50
Hey all.
I just talked to my AC, and she said that my letter's still in process, but that nothing's gone wrong with my selection-they're just still backed up on getting the packets out. :D That's a massive load off my shoulders-I was worried that something had gone wrong with my selection (just like Forms' experience with the NSA).
So, I guess the relevant news for everyone is that the Bureau's still backed up on getting official letters out, but they're trying to get them out ASAP. So, everyone who's waiting, I guess we might have to wait a little while longer.
OrangeAlum2003
05-02-2005, 16:27
I was referred to selecting official a week or so ago according to the website, but don't anticipate hearing anything for weeks yet.
Yeah, I'm still in the same boat as you. Considering, however, some of BuMan's recent revelations about speeding up the process I'm hoping that we hear something sooner than later. Although possible, given my experience with the government, it may not be likely. I still like to keep my fingers crossed anyway. I'm so desperate to get out of my current position, I'm a bit more impatient than I typically would be. I've been looking for work in a number of areas for a few weeks now. The FBI is my ultimate goal, but I'd settle for a gig pushing a broom over what I'm doing now :p
Hello, everyone.
With the talk of the FBI speeding up the hiring process, I thought I'd chime in. This morning I rang my FO (Milwaukee). I told a lady with whom I've spoken in the past that my BI began last week and now I'm simply waiting. I asked her what I needed to do, if either HQ or the FO needed anything else from me, etc. She said the FO would let me know when I need to come in for the poly, etc. I told her that I did that last month. "Oh," she said.
She pulled me up on her computer and, sure enough, my PSI, poly, and urinalysis are all done. She said that I'm definitely on a speeded up version, and that there's nothing more for me to do. I'm "way ahead of the game," as she said. She said the first part of the BI (i.e., contacting everyone on my SF-86) will take a couple of weeks, and then it's just waiting for the adjudication or whatever else the investigators do in granting security clearances.
This was, of course, just my experience. I was in DC in mid-April at a hiring blitz: interview and CO one day, and then PSI, poly, urinalysis, and fingerprinting the next.
For what it's worth...
Travis
OrangeAlum2003
05-02-2005, 19:17
Hello, everyone.
With the talk of the FBI speeding up the hiring process, I thought I'd chime in. This morning I rang my FO (Milwaukee). I told a lady with whom I've spoken in the past that my BI began last week and now I'm simply waiting. I asked her what I needed to do, if either HQ or the FO needed anything else from me, etc. She said the FO would let me know when I need to come in for the poly, etc. I told her that I did that last month. "Oh," she said.
She pulled me up on her computer and, sure enough, my PSI, poly, and urinalysis are all done. She said that I'm definitely on a speeded up version, and that there's nothing more for me to do. I'm "way ahead of the game," as she said. She said the first part of the BI (i.e., contacting everyone on my SF-86) will take a couple of weeks, and then it's just waiting for the adjudication or whatever else the investigators do in granting security clearances.
This was, of course, just my experience. I was in DC in mid-April at a hiring blitz: interview and CO one day, and then PSI, poly, urinalysis, and fingerprinting the next.
For what it's worth...
Travis
Travis, you may have already answered this, but when did you apply to the position? I know it was an earlier announcement than the one for which I am waiting. I'm just trying to get a sense of the overall timeline from when you first submitted an app to when the announcement closed and you were called etc.
diablo3305
05-03-2005, 06:17
I wonder if mine is one of those that is sped up. I got my CO on March 21st, and my BI started about 3 weeks later. I go for my Poly/PSI on thursday. So far everyone I expect to hear from said they spoke to the FBI, but there are still a few recent employers where no one really knew me.
I've been reading here about what others have been posting regarding the BI and such...and wanting to know how long everything is going to take. here is my story, and whether it helps or frustrates, i hope everyone's BI goes smoothly and quickly...
I was also at the April 12th-15th DC trip and had my PSI and poly there, passed, and am waiting for the BI to end... ;)
I don't know where you live, but i am in iowa and my BI started on 4/22. There are three ex-agents working on my case and they all have contacted me regarding little things such as contacts and phone numbers...I asked each one how long it would take to get done, assuming things go smoothly. One guy said he will definately have his stuff done by the second week of May, and another said something similar. Almost everyone on my FD140 has been contacted and interviewed. Another ex-agent was here at my work yesterday interviewing by boss and co-workers. It seems as though they are really going fast with mine. I asked the man here yesterday how long until i can expect to get everything totally done and he said July 1st. Holy cow, that is fast.
I guess i am just telling you this to give you some hope that i think they are really speeding everyone through the BI process.
I am counting on August 1st as a good date to start in DC, as that is the date that i have recieved from numerous people when i ask them. We'll see!
I don't know if this helps or hurts. hope your BI's are quick. :)
Dear Dublin,
My story is almost exactly the same as yours. I was in DC April 13-16: interview and CO on the 14th, and PSI, poly, urinalysis, and fingerprinting on the 15th. My BI began (to the best of my knowledge) last Wednesday (i.e., 27 April)--a friend called and said he'd be meeting with an investigator later that day.
That's all I know--I've not heard from anyone else about having been contacted. Maybe I will, maybe I won't. A lot of my friends and family have known for some time that I've been going after an IA position with the FBI, and they know I came back from DC with a CO. So when they're contacted, it won't be out of the blue.
1 July? Wow. Well, for either yours or mine to be finished that quickly would be nice, now wouldn't it? I'm suddenly feeling very pressured to get some very concrete housing plans underway!
Also, the position to which I applied was (I think) HQ-2005-0008. This one was open very briefly, only about a week. In fact, I think the opening was 4 Feb. and the closing was 11 Feb. I got a call from HQ in early March, not quite a month after the closing. There was no telephone screening interview--I was told that I'd be flown out to DC.
I hope this helps! Good luck, everyone!
Yours,
Travis
of course this is all assuming my BI goes smoothly and there are no problems that may come up.
Optimism is my buddy.
diablo3305
05-03-2005, 10:07
of course this is all assuming my BI goes smoothly and there are no problems that may come up.
Optimism is my buddy.
I hear you, same here. I get nervous sometimes because my future job relies on this last part coming out ok. While I have no reason to believe it won't, you just always wonder sometimes. For me this is huge, my first full time job, moving out of my parents house, career change, my dream organization and a job I would love. Its almost like a dream that I have made it this far. I wish you luck though, hopefully we both make it.
I wasn't given any dates on when mine would be done, but I hope sometime before the end of the summer.
OrangeAlum2003
05-03-2005, 12:59
This is a more general question regarding BI's but I thought it was appropriate given the direction of the thread the last few posts. Have any of you ever had a bad experience when your ivestigator contacts your current employer? Obviously you have to be discreet at your current job, because if they find out you're leaving you put yourself in a bad position, especially if for some reason the gov. job falls through. I had a friend who was employed at Lockheed Martin when he was going through the CIA BI and his manager was pretty clueless when the investigator called. I think he thought it was just for some internal process, because so many of the employees needed clearances to do government contract work. I'm just wondering if any of you guys have any embarassing stories to tell.
sigepuofu
05-03-2005, 21:15
This is a more general question regarding BI's but I thought it was appropriate given the direction of the thread the last few posts. Have any of you ever had a bad experience when your ivestigator contacts your current employer? Obviously you have to be discreet at your current job, because if they find out you're leaving you put yourself in a bad position, especially if for some reason the gov. job falls through. I had a friend who was employed at Lockheed Martin when he was going through the CIA BI and his manager was pretty clueless when the investigator called. I think he thought it was just for some internal process, because so many of the employees needed clearances to do government contract work. I'm just wondering if any of you guys have any embarassing stories to tell.
No embarrasing stories, my fellow employees at my last job were pretty impressed when an agent came there and asked for my boss. He gave me a glowing recommendation, from what I hear, though.
I hope for your guys' sake that your BI's go quickly, though. I think that having them done by July might be a little too optimistic, but then, what do I know? Not to rain on your guys' parade, but when I got my BI back in August, we were hearing and being told that the BIs were being speeded up, and we should hear for sure by November-December. My BI wasn't done till the beginning of March. But, then again, maybe they've increased the amount of agents and HR people they have doing the BIs. I hope that things do go quicker for you guys. Just try and relax, and let the BI take its course-there's nothing you guys can do to make it go faster, or improve your chances. What will come will come.
Enjoy
I posted this also in coffee break not knowing this thread moved.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Has anyone else seen the Yahoo news article on how the FBI is Still Slow in Hiring Intelligence Analysts. It details how the bureau failed to meet its hiring goal and has failed to get enough analysts in Field Offices. The good news is that there are 37% more analysts than pre 9/11 yet that seems scant improvement for 3 1/2 years hiring effort. Interesting information.
I don't know if this will mean anything or not to those in the hiring process.
sigepuofu
05-04-2005, 12:41
I'm glad to see that a forum was created for positions of this type. Great job by the moderators.
Hey, my post count even changed. Too bad we can't include the posts from the original thread-I'd probably be a general by now. :p
Good luck all
OrangeAlum2003
05-04-2005, 15:07
I'm glad to see that a forum was created for positions of this type. Great job by the moderators.
Hey, my post count even changed. Too bad we can't include the posts from the original thread-I'd probably be a general by now. :p
Good luck all
Thanks to the moderators for creating the new section. I think it's a good move, given all of the interest for such positions on the board.
OrangeAlum2003
05-04-2005, 18:25
I have a question regarding vacancies that have multiple grades from which a hiring official can select. For example, in the most recent IA vacancy announcement they are hiring GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 and GS-14. I applied for a GS-9 and GS-11 spot, though I know I don't have the experience required to be referred as a GS-11. I do have a master's degree, however. That said I didn't apply as a GS-7, thinking that given my graduate degree I am eligible to start at a 9. All things equal, I meet the qualifications to enter Gov. service as a GS-9. Would applying at the lower level, GS-7 increase your chances of getting hired? Although working on a GS-7 salary would be tight, I'd rather get the job at that pay rate rather than not be considered at all. Thinking if I should reapply to this or future vacancies at levels below GS-9?
I am new to the federal application process, so please excuse my naiveté. I've recently finished a Ph.D. in Microbiology (molecular virology) and all of my experience is in scientific research and analysis. I'm applying for the intelligence analyst position at GS 11. How realistic a candidate am I without any intelligence experience; i.e. is this an entry level position?
Dear amh0576,
I think you are a terribly realistic candidate. You may lack intelligence experience, but what you've got going for you as a PhD (in any field) are all the skills you've developed in order to obtain your degree. Part and parcel of the work of an IA is research, analysis, synthesizing info. into what you already know, communication (oral and written), etc.--quite likely a lot of what you've been doing for quite some time now. I'm in the humanities (very soon to be ABD, working on a PhD in Religious Studies), and for me--and I suspect for you as well--the intelligence cycle mirrors what I do in my own work nearly everyday.
Also, when it comes to your résumé, KSAs, and esp. interviews, don't focus on the negatives, but rather position yourself as positively as you can. E.g., don't say, "I lack intelligence experience." Rather, say, "Unlike someone with a background in law enforcement or intelligence, what I bring to the table is ____." Fill in the blank, you get the idea. What you and I have are called "transferable skills," and the trick is to present yourself in the best way possible. It's less about finding you niche in the FBI and more about showing them what you and only you can do for them, what about your background makes you unique, etc.
Good luck. Speaking as an academic who is getting ready to leave academe for a non-academic job, it's easy (esp. in the humanities) to say, "But I can't do anything. What'll I do if I leave academe?" Anyone who is driven (and, frankly, smart) enough to get a PhD has a whole range of skills at their fingertips, skills which the FBI will very happily put to good use. The bottom line: In the process of becoming an expert in one area, you've developed the skills with which to become an expert in others.
Yours,
Travis
eff-bee-eye
05-05-2005, 12:24
I have a question regarding vacancies that have multiple grades from which a hiring official can select. For example, in the most recent IA vacancy announcement they are hiring GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 and GS-14. I applied for a GS-9 and GS-11 spot, though I know I don't have the experience required to be referred as a GS-11. I do have a master's degree, however. That said I didn't apply as a GS-7, thinking that given my graduate degree I am eligible to start at a 9. All things equal, I meet the qualifications to enter Gov. service as a GS-9. Would applying at the lower level, GS-7 increase your chances of getting hired? Although working on a GS-7 salary would be tight, I'd rather get the job at that pay rate rather than not be considered at all. Thinking if I should reapply to this or future vacancies at levels below GS-9?
Hmm, I wouldn't. I would not want to run the risk of applying for 7/9/11, because then they know you will accept any of those, and they know they only have to offer you the 7. Not to say that happens, but it could.
You qualify for a GS-9 with your masters, so why settle for anything less? Don't short-change your education....just my .02
geographer1
05-05-2005, 12:33
Hmm, I wouldn't. I would not want to run the risk of applying for 7/9/11, because then they know you will accept any of those, and they know they only have to offer you the 7. Not to say that happens, but it could.
You qualify for a GS-9 with your masters, so why settle for anything less? Don't short-change your education....just my .02
I'm in a similar situation. I have a Masters degree, but not in one of their critical areas (It's Geography). I also currently have status as a fed employee. I'm strongly thinking of re-applying for GS-9 under the current listing. Last time I applied for both 7 and 9 and only got the CO for the 7. I made it through most of the background and the 3 p's last time. The field office I applied for filled up and I told them that I was not interested in relocating (I've been kicking myself ever since). I'm going to apply for 009 and hope for the best.
OrangeAlum2003
05-05-2005, 13:09
Hmm, I wouldn't. I would not want to run the risk of applying for 7/9/11, because then they know you will accept any of those, and they know they only have to offer you the 7. Not to say that happens, but it could.
You qualify for a GS-9 with your masters, so why settle for anything less? Don't short-change your education....just my .02
That's what I thought when I applied, so I think I made a good decision. I do want the job badly, but I definitely think starting below a GS-9 would be a compromise on my part. Thanks for your opinion. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Hmm, I wouldn't. I would not want to run the risk of applying for 7/9/11, because then they know you will accept any of those, and they know they only have to offer you the 7. Not to say that happens, but it could.
You qualify for a GS-9 with your masters, so why settle for anything less? Don't short-change your education....just my .02
Well, I'm willing to compromise a little and apply for both 7 and 9. Like geographer, I have a Master's - but not in a critical area. I don't feel I would be short-changing myself (or my education). I know my worth....I just want a chance to prove it to the FBI. :D
Also, from reading past posts, I believe that a level 7 can be promoted up to level 9 after about a year. Those with the Bu may want to comment on that.
OrangeAlum2003
05-06-2005, 11:37
Well, I'm willing to compromise a little and apply for both 7 and 9. Like geographer, I have a Master's - but not in a critical area. I don't feel I would be short-changing myself (or my education). I know my worth....I just want a chance to prove it to the FBI. :D
Also, from reading past posts, I believe that a level 7 can be promoted up to level 9 after about a year. Those with the Bu may want to comment on that.
I can totally see your point. If someone were to tell me, "you will get hired as GS-7, but not as a GS-9," then I would certainly take the GS-7 spot. The way things are, however, I guess you just have to take a measured risk. I have a master's in international relations, with a focus on national security, so I'm gambling on the fact that I'm qualified per the announcement to begin as a GS-9. If I am viewed as a qualified candidate, which may or may not prove to be true, and the hiring official had the ability to hire me on as a 7 or a 9, I think it would not be at all surprising for him/her to select for the lower grade and save some money on the budget, knowing that since you applied for a 7 you'll in all likelihood accept such an offer. In the end, there's probably really no real way to measure probability in this scenario. We'll just have to wait a few months to see who gets hired and who doesn't and at what levels. Let's hope we all have a good shot.
eff-bee-eye
05-06-2005, 12:10
Honestly, I don't think the Staffing Unit really says, "Well, since he'll take a GS-7 then we'll save that money in the budget."
But do as you please, if you want to risk it by applying to both, go for it. Yes, it WILL only be one year between a 7 and a 9, so it's not the end of the world. Only about 8,000 bucks. :D
Honestly, I don't think the Staffing Unit really says, "Well, since he'll take a GS-7 then we'll save that money in the budget."
But do as you please, if you want to risk it by applying to both, go for it. Yes, it WILL only be one year between a 7 and a 9, so it's not the end of the world. Only about 8,000 bucks. :D
Not necessarily. It is a minimum of one year before someone is eligible to apply for the next level, but there is the new promotion process for IAs, which is tougher than any other position in the FBI. For 7->9 and 9->11, there is a division career board which reviews a promotion package that you prepare and approves the promotion, following concurrence by a designated official from the DI (usually a Section Chief at FBIHQ, an ASAC in the field). For the 12->13 and 13->14, it's a DI career board that reviews the package and is looking for performance and achievement of subject matter expertise and knowledge. I don't remember, off the top of my head, at what level the 11->12 promotion is done, but it's not an automatic promotion. The boards only meet four times per year, so if you come in the door as a -7, spend a month waiting for ACES (which would be very fast), spend two months in ACES, you've only got about six months to produce publications which then have to be submitted at least three months prior to the next promotion board.
As I said, it's a challenging process and far tougher than anything an SA has to go through.
Curious if anyone here read the entire DOJ IG report on IA issues in the Bureau (and not just what was in the media)? Wondering if anyone who read has reservations about continuing with the application process? While realizing the report draws its conclusions from data obtained several months ago, it seems there are some fundemental issues that need to be addressed. I would think any analyst reading this document should have concerns before considering a position. What are your thoughts??
Any analyst applying for any agency should consider what the issues are with the agency. At least an applicant for an IA position within the FBI can see a discussion of what current analysts feel the issues are, what the FBI is stating they are doing to address them, and all of this from a relatively independent outsider.
Everyone out there would probably benefit from being able to see this kind of discussion of the potential problems with their agency and job position. It's rare to see a discussion of issues on this scope (agency-wide) for a position like the IA position. Every IA was interviewed for this.
Anyone who applies after the report has come out should have their eyes wide open. Of course, the agency and the program is changing, so it's more of a picture from a particular moment rather than a ongoing picture of what's going on.
eff-bee-eye
05-08-2005, 09:39
Not necessarily. It is a minimum of one year before someone is eligible to apply for the next level, but there is the new promotion process for IAs, which is tougher than any other position in the FBI. For 7->9 and 9->11, there is a division career board which reviews a promotion package that you prepare and approves the promotion, following concurrence by a designated official from the DI (usually a Section Chief at FBIHQ, an ASAC in the field). For the 12->13 and 13->14, it's a DI career board that reviews the package and is looking for performance and achievement of subject matter expertise and knowledge. I don't remember, off the top of my head, at what level the 11->12 promotion is done, but it's not an automatic promotion. The boards only meet four times per year, so if you come in the door as a -7, spend a month waiting for ACES (which would be very fast), spend two months in ACES, you've only got about six months to produce publications which then have to be submitted at least three months prior to the next promotion board.
As I said, it's a challenging process and far tougher than anything an SA has to go through.
Sorry Buman, but you're wrong there is not a career board for the 7 to 9 promotion. You only need to submit the cover sheet, narrative addressing the 3 critical work functions, and 1-4 work products. The only approval you need is your immediate supervisor (usually your Unit Chief), he signs off on your SF-52 and you are GOOD TO GO. Everyone, unless a total screw-up, should be able to get their 9 exactly one year after being a 7. (and you won't have to worry about that 2 month lag for any promotion board meeting as you mentioned)
For the 11/12 level, there is a Field Office level board as well as a FBIHQ level board. 11's are easier to get than the 12's obviously.
For 13/14, you go to the Directorate of Intel board, which does not like to promote people from within very often. MUCH easier to come in from the outside at the 13/14 level.
which then have to be submitted at least three months prior to the next promotion board.
Oh, and it's only 30 days, not 3 months.
I'm sure you haven't had to do one of these packages recently, so sorry for harpin' on ya. I guess when you're sittin pretty on the higher end of the scale you don't have to worry about this stuff too often. :D
OrangeAlum2003
05-08-2005, 12:13
Curious if anyone here read the entire DOJ IG report on IA issues in the Bureau (and not just what was in the media)? Wondering if anyone who read has reservations about continuing with the application process? While realizing the report draws its conclusions from data obtained several months ago, it seems there are some fundemental issues that need to be addressed. I would think any analyst reading this document should have concerns before considering a position. What are your thoughts??
To first answer your question, as a current applicant for an IA position within the FBI, the report has not influenced me to consider withdrawing my application. That said there are a multitude of issues within the organization that must be addressed to not only appease analysts currently employed but to more importantly transform the FBI into the type of agency it needs to be to confront modern day threats.
I didn't find many of the findings in the report all that astounding. The FBI is an organization that has long been dominated by Special Agents, for good reason. Following 9/11, the FBI has been given the mandate to revamp its intelligence collection and analytical capabilities. Given the scope of change, four years is not an inordinate amount of time to accomplish such a goal. The notion of taking out trash or escorting non-cleared personnel, though not glamorous, would not unilaterally dissuade me from accepting a position. In any job, you are going to do things that are not necessarily related to your primary job description. As long as the FBI is making a sincere attempt to recruit/retain qualified analysts and make their work as meaningful as possible for the good of the country, that's enough for me to give it a shot if given the chance. I think that as the ratio between SA's to IA's becomes more balanced within the organization, the true value of the IA community within the FBI will become realized. Other intel agencies have their own problems, not excluding the CIA. So, in any venture you have to weigh risks and rewards and take steps of faith. The prospect of playing a meaningful in protecting this country in a respected and well-grounded government agency is enough to keep me in the application process.
snowdog650
05-08-2005, 12:18
For the 11/12 level, there is a Field Office level board as well as a FBIHQ level board. 11's are easier to get than the 12's obviously.
For 13/14, you go to the Directorate of Intel board, which does not like to promote people from within very often. MUCH easier to come in from the outside at the 13/14 level.
This depends on your office. In our office, all 12 promotion boards are in-house with a final recommendation for approval left up to our FIG supervisor and ASAC.
Likewise, we have created GS-13 SIA positions who will report directly to our GS-14 SIA. However, these 13 slots are all internal (that is, only folks currently in our office will be considered), and we will have a career board consisting of SIA's from our portion of the U.S. Final selection (and subsequent promotion to SIA) will be decided by this career board with no input from HQ.
However, from what I have seen across all other offices, this is incredibly rare; nonetheless, it is quite possible to obtain GS-13 in the field if you have appropriate and quality leadership over your FIG. We are also one of the few offices where the FIG is lead by an SIA and not an SSA.
For 13/14, you go to the Directorate of Intel board, which does not like to promote people from within very often. MUCH easier to come in from the outside at the 13/14 level.
Heck, I've been wrong before...I got a vacation from here once, after all. Sorry for any misinformation.
Part of that perception problem is the fact that someone applying from the outside doesn't have to submit examples of their work for consideration by the same board that reviews internal promotions. If they put together a good writeup for the computer that ASD uses for the QuickHire system, they can get hired for the GS-14 position directly without having to deal with the career board at all. Internal applicants have to go through the career board which is looking at a set of criteria and determining whether someone matches it. If you feel strongly that the process isn't fair, I'd suggest you bring it up to your IAAB reps.
Oh, and it's only 30 days, not 3 months.
I'm sure you haven't had to do one of these packages recently, so sorry for harpin' on ya. I guess when you're sittin pretty on the higher end of the scale you don't have to worry about this stuff too often. :D
My bad. And there's no sitting pretty in my shop. We're busier than heck and I never have a shortage of things to do. The higher you go, the more responsibilities that get heaped upon you, at least when you're in a division/unit with a real shortage of IAs.
sigepuofu
05-09-2005, 02:43
Heck, I've been wrong before...I got a vacation from here once, after all. Sorry for any misinformation.
Part of that perception problem is the fact that someone applying from the outside doesn't have to submit examples of their work for consideration by the same board that reviews internal promotions. If they put together a good writeup for the computer that ASD uses for the QuickHire system, they can get hired for the GS-14 position directly without having to deal with the career board at all. Internal applicants have to go through the career board which is looking at a set of criteria and determining whether someone matches it. If you feel strongly that the process isn't fair, I'd suggest you bring it up to your IAAB reps.
My bad. And there's no sitting pretty in my shop. We're busier than heck and I never have a shortage of things to do. The higher you go, the more responsibilities that get heaped upon you, at least when you're in a division/unit with a real shortage of IAs.
Well BuMan, if I ever get my official appointment letter, I'll be more than happy to get in and help your division out.
Just had a quick question-in some of the posts I've seen, people who have started as IAs or other gov. position have mentioned something about their EOD. What exactly is that?
I'm assuming that it refers to your official letter/appointment package. If that's the case, I'm still waiting for my EOD, and it's been about a month and a half. Anyone know if this is normal?
I know, I probably shouldn't worry as much (Lord knows I've been telling all the current IA applicants not to) but, easier said than done, y'know?
Oh well. and another related question-I've seen you guys talking about the promotion process and potential for IAs. Like I've said, I applied as a GS-7, but I just barely graduated with my Master's last Friday (2 days ago, thank God I'm done!!). I saw in one of the posts that to move from GS-7 to 9 you have to wait a year and put together your packet, along with a few publications. Since I just got my Master's, do you think I'd still have to go through this process, or would the Bureau bump me up automatically?
Just wanted to pick your guys's brains. You all have no idea how helpful your input has been throughout this entire process. I'd probably have even less hair on my head right now if it wasn't for the board.
Well BuMan, if I ever get my official appointment letter, I'll be more than happy to get in and help your division out.
Just had a quick question-in some of the posts I've seen, people who have started as IAs or other gov. position have mentioned something about their EOD. What exactly is that?
I'm assuming that it refers to your official letter/appointment package. If that's the case, I'm still waiting for my EOD, and it's been about a month and a half. Anyone know if this is normal?
I know, I probably shouldn't worry as much (Lord knows I've been telling all the current IA applicants not to) but, easier said than done, y'know?
Oh well. and another related question-I've seen you guys talking about the promotion process and potential for IAs. Like I've said, I applied as a GS-7, but I just barely graduated with my Master's last Friday (2 days ago, thank God I'm done!!). I saw in one of the posts that to move from GS-7 to 9 you have to wait a year and put together your packet, along with a few publications. Since I just got my Master's, do you think I'd still have to go through this process, or would the Bureau bump me up automatically?
Just wanted to pick your guys's brains. You all have no idea how helpful your input has been throughout this entire process. I'd probably have even less hair on my head right now if it wasn't for the board.
Sorry, my division has very few IAs (two at the moment, going to 10 overall in two different units) and both my unit and the other one hiring are looking for people with specific specialized experience.
EOD, in this context, refers to Entry on Duty. Your official start date with the FBI. This is typically the start of the pay period where you begin work. For instance, if you were reporting next Monday (the first normal workday of the pay period), your EOD date would be Sunday, 5/16/2005.
As for where you get hired, I'd contact the HR person who is your POC and/or an AC if one has been identified for you. Mention that your academic qualifications have changed while you've been going through the process and see if they are willing to increase your grade commensurate with the increase in academic achievement.
eff-bee-eye
05-09-2005, 05:12
As for where you get hired, I'd contact the HR person who is your POC and/or an AC if one has been identified for you. Mention that your academic qualifications have changed while you've been going through the process and see if they are willing to increase your grade commensurate with the increase in academic achievement.
And if that doesn't work, and you have to grind out the year as a 7, then yes you will still have to do the GS-9 promotion package (even with a Masters). This package is pretty easy to do, and as I mentioned above it only requires your direct supervisor's Herbie Hancock to approve it.
sigepuofu
05-09-2005, 13:13
Okay, I guess I can do that. I'm almost afraid to call my AC until I get my letter, though, because I've been calling her so much trying to track down my official letter. Worst comes to worst, I guess I can survive for a year as a GS-7 before I bump up to GS-9.
My EOD is rapidly approaching (in about 3 weeks), so I guess I'll find out everything soon. Should be interesting.
Thanks for the info, all.
geographer1
05-10-2005, 10:30
What's up with the IA announcement? The general posting is gone. Does anybody know if it's coming back. Also could anybody tell me about the Intel assistant and the Records conversion specialist positions.
eff-bee-eye
05-10-2005, 11:32
Yeah, not sure what happened to the general announcement. The Intelligence Assistant job (or other "IA" job) is mostly clerical in nature, checking databases, processing the flow of paper, etc. This is a general description I know but just keep in mind that it is a GS 5/6/7/8 position, and you could be doing a variety of clerical/admin tasks.
Oh and for the Records Conv. job, the vacancy spells it out pretty good. VERY paper-intensive job.
sigepuofu
05-10-2005, 13:36
Hey all.
For the current IAs on the board- I just had a quick question about when you all relocated to work for the FBI. Did the Bureau arrange everything themselves (i.e. moving your stuff, flight to your new location, shipping your car, etc, etc?) or did you have to make the arrangements yourselves and then present receipts to the Bureau for reimbursement?
I'm wondering because I'm trying to make arrangements to move out to DC, but I don't have any official information, because my packet hasn't gotten to me yet. Any thoughts or information would be very helpful.
Thanks
OrangeAlum2003
05-10-2005, 16:44
What's up with the IA announcement? The general posting is gone. Does anybody know if it's coming back. Also could anybody tell me about the Intel assistant and the Records conversion specialist positions.
The announcement was tentatively scheduled to close on 9/30/05 I think. In the announcement, however, the Bureau reserved the right to close it at anytime if they received enough qualified applicants. I would speculate that they closed it early because of strong response, but that's just a guess. I've seen that happen multiple times to announcements over the last year. Maybe one of the current Bureau employees can provide substantiation.
The announcement was tentatively scheduled to close on 9/30/05 I think. In the announcement, however, the Bureau reserved the right to close it at anytime if they received enough qualified applicants. I would speculate that they closed it early because of strong response, but that's just a guess. I've seen that happen multiple times to announcements over the last year. Maybe one of the current Bureau employees can provide substantiation.
Here's the little bit that I know. The Bureau did a hiring blitz in the DC area (but accepted applicants from outside that area), which consisted of at least 400 candidates. (Fact) Candidates were flown to DC for a series of interviews and the start of the hiring process (PSI/poly/pee) and their backgrounds were started. (Fact) The first wave of external hires from that group are going to go in front of the selection board (think NFL draft) and be assigned to divisions/units and offers extended. (Fact) Another surge is going to happen, except this time, the interviews will be conducted in the field divisions. (Fact) I believe (but do not know as an absolute moral certainty), that they have temporarily closed the announcement so they can process the ones they have received, do the interviews, do the PSI/Poly/Pee tests and see how many of those wash out immediately and how many proceed further. (RUMINT) Once they get an idea of how needs are met to this point, then the announcement will go back up. (RUMINT)
Hope this helps. If you came to DC for the interviews and did the paperwork at that time, you should be getting close to getting a letter, barring any unexpected problems with the background.
OrangeAlum2003
05-10-2005, 17:45
Here's the little bit that I know. The Bureau did a hiring blitz in the DC area (but accepted applicants from outside that area), which consisted of at least 400 candidates. (Fact) Candidates were flown to DC for a series of interviews and the start of the hiring process (PSI/poly/pee) and their backgrounds were started. (Fact) The first wave of external hires from that group are going to go in front of the selection board (think NFL draft) and be assigned to divisions/units and offers extended. (Fact) Another surge is going to happen, except this time, the interviews will be conducted in the field divisions. (Fact) I believe (but do not know as an absolute moral certainty), that they have temporarily closed the announcement so they can process the ones they have received, do the interviews, do the PSI/Poly/Pee tests and see how many of those wash out immediately and how many proceed further. (RUMINT) Once they get an idea of how needs are met to this point, then the announcement will go back up. (RUMINT)
Hope this helps. If you came to DC for the interviews and did the paperwork at that time, you should be getting close to getting a letter, barring any unexpected problems with the background.
Now, when you say interviews will be conducted in field offices in the next "surge" do you know if those interviews will take place at the FO's closest to the applicants' current residency, or if applicant's will interview straight away with a division that is interested in their critical skill set?
In any event thanks for the update. I'll just cross my fingers that I'll be included in the second wave of interviews. As always, BuMan, your intel (pardon the reference) is much appreciated.
Now, when you say interviews will be conducted in field offices in the next "surge" do you know if those interviews will take place at the FO's closest to the applicants' current residency, or if applicant's will interview straight away with a division that is interested in their critical skill set?
In any event thanks for the update. I'll just cross my fingers that I'll be included in the second wave of interviews. As always, BuMan, your intel (pardon the reference) is much appreciated.
The word that I got was that it would be the FO whose territory the candidate resides in. These will be the same type of interviews as the DC hiring blitz - panel interviews operating from a guide to elicit critical skills of interest and fill out a matrix which divisions will select from. A FO could, conceivably, hire someone they've never talked to, but another FO did. This will contribute to keeping the selection process costs down (no air, hotel, per diem for candidates).
Here's the little bit that I know. The Bureau did a hiring blitz in the DC area (but accepted applicants from outside that area), which consisted of at least 400 candidates. (Fact) Candidates were flown to DC for a series of interviews and the start of the hiring process (PSI/poly/pee) and their backgrounds were started. (Fact) The first wave of external hires from that group are going to go in front of the selection board (think NFL draft) and be assigned to divisions/units and offers extended. (Fact) Another surge is going to happen, except this time, the interviews will be conducted in the field divisions.
Will this second surge of interviews be with applicants for the HQ position posted in February? With applicants selected from the recent FO position announcement? Or both?
Thanks!
Any analyst applying for any agency should consider what the issues are with the agency. At least an applicant for an IA position within the FBI can see a discussion of what current analysts feel the issues are, what the FBI is stating they are doing to address them, and all of this from a relatively independent outsider.
Everyone out there would probably benefit from being able to see this kind of discussion of the potential problems with their agency and job position. It's rare to see a discussion of issues on this scope (agency-wide) for a position like the IA position. Every IA was interviewed for this.
Anyone who applies after the report has come out should have their eyes wide open. Of course, the agency and the program is changing, so it's more of a picture from a particular moment rather than a ongoing picture of what's going on.
I've been reading through the report and had a question about analyst "job satisfaction." According to the quote below (from page 12 of report) analysts at HQ are generally less satisfied in their work assignments than analysts in field offices. Why do you speculate that is? The report listed some possible reasons, but I wanted to get thoughts from the board.
"Our survey found that the vast majority of FBI intelligence analysts are generally satisfied with the work assignments they receive. However, certain categories of intelligence analysts are less satisfied with their work assignments than intelligence analysts as a whole: 1) analysts at headquarters are less satisfied than those in field offices; 2) analysts with advanced degrees are less satisfied than those without advance degrees; 3) analysts hired within the last three years are less satisfied than those who have been with the FBI for more than three years; and 4) analysts who have military intelligence experience, intelligence community experience, or are Presidential Management Fellows are less satisfied than those who do not have that experience. "
I've been reading through the report and had a question about analyst "job satisfaction." According to the quote below (from page 12 of report) analysts at HQ are generally less satisfied in their work assignments than analysts in field offices. Why do you speculate that is? The report listed some possible reasons, but I wanted to get thoughts from the board.
"Our survey found that the vast majority of FBI intelligence analysts are generally satisfied with the work assignments they receive. However, certain categories of intelligence analysts are less satisfied with their work assignments than intelligence analysts as a whole: 1) analysts at headquarters are less satisfied than those in field offices; 2) analysts with advanced degrees are less satisfied than those without advance degrees; 3) analysts hired within the last three years are less satisfied than those who have been with the FBI for more than three years; and 4) analysts who have military intelligence experience, intelligence community experience, or are Presidential Management Fellows are less satisfied than those who do not have that experience. "
It could be a combination of factors. They are identifying where and who is unsatisfied, though, not why. I suspect some analysts in multiple categories (HQ analysts with advanced degree who have IC experience) may be included in here. Since the big push for IAs has come in the last three years, that might be the same person identifying dissatisfaction and showing up in four categories.
For someone coming in from the outside, particularly someone with IC experience, the automatic deference that appears to exist towards SAs may be a source of friction. At most/all other IC agencies, there isn't this distinction between agents and analysts that exists in the FBI, so someone coming in from the outside could easily be frustrated with the environment. IAs who have been there a while have had time to adjust to the situation and accept that life is that way in the FBI, so they may be less frustrated with that.
Analysts with advanced degrees have also worked hard to build their academic credentials and may be hired at something less than a competitive wage and chafing in a environment where SAs are king and they are vassals.
Also, the FBI as a whole and the Intelligence Directorate in particular has been going through a lot of change over the past four years, meaning that people are entering an organization that is fighting through change, which could lead to frustrations among people in any of the four categories listed above.
geographer1
05-11-2005, 09:20
Thanks for all the info everybody! I'm thinking that I dropped the ball as far as the FBI IA job goes :o . FYI: www.intelligence.gov seems to be a good site for those who want to work in the intelligence community. I might check out the CIA and NGIA along with the FBI if they repost. Good Luck to all in the process :D
Dear BuMan,
Yesterday you said: "If you came to DC for the interviews and did the paperwork at that time, you should be getting close to getting a letter, barring any unexpected problems with the background." As I have mentioned before, I was in DC 13-16 April where I got my CO for an IA position (HQ), having gone through/passed my panel interview, PSI, poly, urinalysis, and fingerprinting. My BI began ca. 2 weeks ago. Last week, in fact, an investigator was here in Milwaukee and talked with all my friends, neighbors, supervisors, etc. I spoke with him a few times and he told me everything is going well and he wants to wrap up quickly so I can get my final offer ASAP. (He wrapped up last Fri.)
When I spoke with a woman at the Milw. FO on Mon., she told me everything was on fast forward as far as FBI hiring goes. She said HQ will only look at one's BI once everything from all the investigators has been submitted, then there's the determination and then the clearance. Apart from the fellow who was here in Milw. and did his work in less than a week, there are only a couple of other states where I've resided where investigators will be doing similar work (maybe they already have?).
So BuMan, "barring any unexpected problems with the background"--and I'm not planning on any (the woman at the FO said, "If you're not worried about anything, we're not worried about anything")--any idea on how close "close" is? We're currently looking at townhouse rentals, schools, and churches in northern VA and MD, too. I suspect this could move more quickly than I have in mind...a nice problem to have, of course!
Thanks!
Travis
sigepuofu
05-11-2005, 13:50
Well Travis, I hope for your sake that things do go quickly for you (quicker than me, at least). I still don't have my letter, and I can't get a hold of my AC at HQ to find out what's going on!!! ;) . Oh well.
So how have you been looking for townhouses/etc in NOVA and MD? I've been using Craigslist a lot, but I'm sure there's other sites. From what I hear, you want to stay out of Prince George's County in Maryland-that's College Park, Greenbelt, etc. People on the board have been saying that, and I've seen the same thing on other places on the Internet-apparently,its the most violent county in the U.S. (I'm there!!!) :rolleyes:
Good luck.
So BuMan, "barring any unexpected problems with the background"--and I'm not planning on any (the woman at the FO said, "If you're not worried about anything, we're not worried about anything")--any idea on how close "close" is? We're currently looking at townhouse rentals, schools, and churches in northern VA and MD, too. I suspect this could move more quickly than I have in mind...a nice problem to have, of course!
It's really impossible to guess how long it could take. The investigator in Milwaukee ("it's pronounced "mill-e-wah-que" which is Algonquin for "the good land."") may have a fairly clear plate when it comes to doing background, while the BI somewhere else may be piled high with investigations and it'll take a little longer to get his part done. As they said, they don't do the ajudications (one for suitability, one for security risk) until all the facts are in, but once that happens, it should move quickly.
BTW, for those of you frustrated with the Bureau's hiring process - even the Unit Chief of the Intelligence Directorate Unit responsible for hiring folks is frustrated. I was talking to her today, mentioning some of the frustrations that people have like lack of status updates, lack of notification of what happens, etc., and she was just as furious with the folks handling the hiring as y'all can sometimes be about the lack of info. It's probably more of a case of lack of interest in exerting themselves than a lack of capability, but she's definitely intending to improve the flow of communications to applicants with regard to status, even if she has to write and send the form letters herself.
Well Travis, I hope for your sake that things do go quickly for you (quicker than me, at least). I still don't have my letter, and I can't get a hold of my AC at HQ to find out what's going on!!! ;) . Oh well.
So how have you been looking for townhouses/etc in NOVA and MD? I've been using Craigslist a lot, but I'm sure there's other sites. From what I hear, you want to stay out of Prince George's County in Maryland-that's College Park, Greenbelt, etc. People on the board have been saying that, and I've seen the same thing on other places on the Internet-apparently,its the most violent county in the U.S. (I'm there!!!) :rolleyes:
Good luck.
Right now, renting seems to be cheaper than buying anywhere with less than an hour's commute into DC. Seems the low mortgage rates have encouraged a lot of renters to buy, so the sales market is red hot (>1000 ft townhouse in Springfield VA near Metro about $300K), but the rental market is a little soft. Figure out what you think you'll be able to afford, figure out what you're willing to commute time-wise (unless you're in a carpool, from the Beltway it's about 45 minutes to an hour to get into town, from 234 (on I-66 or I-95), it's about 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic, route, etc.). I'm in Virginia and wouldn't really consider moving to MD or DC thanks to gun laws, crime and my workplace, but if you're in DC, MD is an option, although PG inside and around the Beltway is not the best option.
cugrad33
05-11-2005, 19:11
I've a question for BuMan: I'm interested in HQs IA positions and love downtown Washington, but probably would seek opportunities elsewhere in the field after 2-4 years in a headquarters assignment. Do you know how "difficult" it is for HQs analysts to transfer to field offices (my Bureau friends tell me an IA transfer policy may be forthcoming but that there currently isn't one)? I'm hoping the Bureau can offer folks like me with 6-7 years of experience something that other beltway agencies can't: long-term geographic flexibility. Appreciate any insight you may have.
I've a question for BuMan: I'm interested in HQs IA positions and love downtown Washington, but probably would seek opportunities elsewhere in the field after 2-4 years in a headquarters assignment. Do you know how "difficult" it is for HQs analysts to transfer to field offices (my Bureau friends tell me an IA transfer policy may be forthcoming but that there currently isn't one)? I'm hoping the Bureau can offer folks like me with 6-7 years of experience something that other beltway agencies can't: long-term geographic flexibility. Appreciate any insight you may have.
There currently is one, but a revised policy is in the works. Based on conversations I had today on this very topic with a couple of very senior folks in the Intelligence Directorate, the transfer policy is not going to be like the SA transfer policy, but it will be a necessary step to career advancement. There won't be a mandatory move unless someone is seeking to get certified and move upwards in the ranks. Even then, a move won't be a necessity, as there may be opportunities to do a combination of detail assignments, TDY assignments, etc. The goal is to avoid someone with a one-track mind (for example, someone who knows only one particular subject area and work environment) from moving up into higher ranks. Someone who seeks to move up should have an understanding of how HQ works, how the field works, and how the different roles work. To accomplish having the flexibility of moving people, new applicants are required to sign the mobility agreement when they come on board.
There may even be some effort made to streamline the internal transfer policy, should someone seek that type of move in the FBI. For example, if you are a GS-12 at Headquarters and want to spend some time in a field office, right now, you have to go through the same application process (fbijobs.com) as every other applicant, even if it's an internal position and you're already an IA. They are evaluating how to streamline that, probably after the new personnel evaluation system comes on line later this year.
The final, revised policy is in development, but those are the broad outlines of what it will be.
Like many others here, I have applied for an Intelligence Analyst position with the FBI (no word on that yet). I recently noticed the Financial Analyst positions that are posted.
Does anyone here know the difference between the Financial Analyst position and the Intelligence Analyst positions? The description of the Financial Analyst positions in Tysons Corner sound similar to some of the possible duties of Intelligence Analysts, yet there is not any mention of training for these positions and I get the feeling that these positions are treated differently than Intelligence Analysts.
eff-bee-eye
05-12-2005, 06:28
Like many others here, I have applied for an Intelligence Analyst position with the FBI (no word on that yet). I recently noticed the Financial Analyst positions that are posted.
Does anyone here know the difference between the Financial Analyst position and the Intelligence Analyst positions? The description of the Financial Analyst positions in Tysons Corner sound similar to some of the possible duties of Intelligence Analysts, yet there is not any mention of training for these positions and I get the feeling that these positions are treated differently than Intelligence Analysts.
Well, again the vacancy does a pretty good job of detailing the duties. These Financial Analyst jobs in Tysons Corner are in the Terrorism Financing Operations Section (Counterterrorism Division). Promotion potential goes to a GS-13 (unlike GS-14 for IA position), and your primary duties will focus exclusively on the flow of money, terrorist funding and financing, etc. Some IA's do similar tasks, but usually not exclusively. Also, I do not believe there is a formal training program for the Financial Analysts, although there was a FA sitting right next to me at Quantico for the IA training (ACES). I am not sure if she got special permission to attend the course, since it was designed for IAs.
achefswife
05-12-2005, 09:57
I have a question for BuMan: I'm new to this thread. I too have recently applied for an IA position....hoping to get in the field office closest to me in B'ham, AL. I've been referred to the hiring agency for one of the positions (this was the position at HQ), but no word yet on anything else. I really want to get in one of the field offices and not at HQ; I applied to get my foot in the door. I also sat for the Agent test (I passed) but I turned down the offer because I really wanted to hold out for an IA position. Could this have hindered my chances of getting in.
achefswife
05-12-2005, 10:54
Im so confused about the whole process. One minute they say its gonna be shorter, but then again it might not be. I've been referred, but nothing else. Any idea when the next hiring blitz will be?
Dear BuMan,
Thanks for your reply. Thusfar, I've not gotten an AC. At least no one has identified him or herself as such. I've gotten to know a woman at the Milw. FO with whom I'm in touch every other week or so, and there is also my contact (HR) at HQ who contacted me about flying out for the interview last month.
Obviously my BI is carrying on nicely, so I've got no complaints. I leave a voice mail message with my HQ contact every week, rarely making contact. But since she's HR, I doubt she'd be able to tell me anything about my BI or anything else--am I right? The woman at the Milw. FO has been very helpful in general, but since mine is an HQ position, there are some things she isn't able to tell me.
This is all fine. I know I'll be contact if the investigators need any additional info., and I'll certainly hear from someone when I get my final offer. But ought I to have an AC as such? Am I missing something, or is there someone I've failed to contact? Thanks!
Yours,
Travis
geographer1
05-12-2005, 11:55
But ought I to have an AC as such? Am I missing something, or is there someone I've failed to contact? Thanks!
My AC (at my local field office) was identified in my CO letter. You haven't failed to contact anybody. They should give you the contact.
Good luck
Dear BuMan,
Thanks for your reply. Thusfar, I've not gotten an AC. At least no one has identified him or herself as such. I've gotten to know a woman at the Milw. FO with whom I'm in touch every other week or so, and there is also my contact (HR) at HQ who contacted me about flying out for the interview last month.
Obviously my BI is carrying on nicely, so I've got no complaints. I leave a voice mail message with my HQ contact every week, rarely making contact. But since she's HR, I doubt she'd be able to tell me anything about my BI or anything else--am I right? The woman at the Milw. FO has been very helpful in general, but since mine is an HQ position, there are some things she isn't able to tell me.
This is all fine. I know I'll be contact if the investigators need any additional info., and I'll certainly hear from someone when I get my final offer. But ought I to have an AC as such? Am I missing something, or is there someone I've failed to contact? Thanks!
Yours,
Travis
In my experience the best person to talk to is the human resources specialist in the FO. There is an AC as well as a couple of specialists, but my AC was more interested in the SA's not IA's.
I have a question for BuMan: I'm new to this thread. I too have recently applied for an IA position....hoping to get in the field office closest to me in B'ham, AL. I've been referred to the hiring agency for one of the positions (this was the position at HQ), but no word yet on anything else. I really want to get in one of the field offices and not at HQ; I applied to get my foot in the door. I also sat for the Agent test (I passed) but I turned down the offer because I really wanted to hold out for an IA position. Could this have hindered my chances of getting in.
The determining factor as to whether you are going to be able to get Birmingham is the number of vacancies there. Haven't seen numbers broken down by FO lately, but that's the primary factor. If you didn't get called in for the HQ positions, then that may be a good sign, as it means you may still be in the running for hiring in the field office sweep right now. I know they finalized an interview guide (so everyone gets the same questions) this week, so that process is moving forwards as well.
Taking the agent test doesn't mean anything for IA hiring. I've seen the writeups on IAs that goes to the hiring blitz folks and there's no indication in there about whether someone has applied for an SA position concurrently. So it should have no effect.
achefswife
05-12-2005, 21:30
Thanks for the information.
Dear DM05,
Thanks for your note. Everyone at the Milwaukee FO has been very helpful. The one rather complicating factor is that mine is an HQ position, not an FO one. But apart from that they've been very helpful and cooperative--no problem reaching anyone, either.
By the way, I got back from DC on 16 April. I've not yet been reimbursed. Has anyone been reimbursed or does it take a bit longer? Thanks!
Yours,
Travis
i also have not been reimbursed for my April 12-week trip. I did remember to call the lady and give her my additional expenses, thankfully.
i'm not sweating it too much cuz i am just thankful that i didn't have to pay for the trip...
patiently waiting...
dublin
OrangeAlum2003
05-13-2005, 09:55
The determining factor as to whether you are going to be able to get Birmingham is the number of vacancies there. Haven't seen numbers broken down by FO lately, but that's the primary factor. If you didn't get called in for the HQ positions, then that may be a good sign, as it means you may still be in the running for hiring in the field office sweep right now. I know they finalized an interview guide (so everyone gets the same questions) this week, so that process is moving forwards as well.
Taking the agent test doesn't mean anything for IA hiring. I've seen the writeups on IAs that goes to the hiring blitz folks and there's no indication in there about whether someone has applied for an SA position concurrently. So it should have no effect.
BuMan, now that they've created an "interview guide" do you have any idea for the timeline when they might start interviewing for the FO vacancies? I would hope they'll begin this process relatively soon. :)
As for reimbursement for travel, it took me about two months to get reimbursed for a CIA trip. I can't imagine the FBI is any faster processing the paperwork especially given the current hiring situation.
I know they finalized an interview guide (so everyone gets the same questions) this week, so that process is moving forwards as well.
Dear Abby... er... BuMan: :D
Are the interview questions of the "behavioral" style?
achefswife
05-13-2005, 15:04
The determining factor as to whether you are going to be able to get Birmingham is the number of vacancies there. Haven't seen numbers broken down by FO lately, but that's the primary factor. If you didn't get called in for the HQ positions, then that may be a good sign, as it means you may still be in the running for hiring in the field office sweep right now. I know they finalized an interview guide (so everyone gets the same questions) this week, so that process is moving forwards as well.
Taking the agent test doesn't mean anything for IA hiring. I've seen the writeups on IAs that goes to the hiring blitz folks and there's no indication in there about whether someone has applied for an SA position concurrently. So it should have no effect.
I have not heard anything about the FO positions, my status is still at app. rec'd...I was actually "referred for the HQ position and that is were it's been for the longest. Is it a possiblity (which I'm sure that everything is a possibility witht the Gov.) that many of us will just stay "stuck" in referred to hiring official and nothing else ever happens? Or will they eventually tell us to get on with our lives.... you're not getting hired?
Maybe I'm to used to regular civilian jobs were the job closes and you know in a few weeks whether or not you can start telling your old boss see ya.
sigepuofu
05-13-2005, 17:30
Dear DM05,
Thanks for your note. Everyone at the Milwaukee FO has been very helpful. The one rather complicating factor is that mine is an HQ position, not an FO one. But apart from that they've been very helpful and cooperative--no problem reaching anyone, either.
By the way, I got back from DC on 16 April. I've not yet been reimbursed. Has anyone been reimbursed or does it take a bit longer? Thanks!
Yours,
Travis
Travis, the AC at my local field office was given in my CO letter. My AC at HQ wasn't assigned per se, she was the one who called me to tell me that I'd been selected.
Just out of curiousity, what are you being compensated for? When I flew out to DC to interview, the Bureau paid for my plane trip, but that was it-they flew me in and out the same day, so I didn't have a hotel room or anything. Come to think of it, they didn't even offer to compensate me for per diem. I'm not complaining (I got a free trip to DC, and the job I wanted, so thats not bad), I was just curious.
sigepuofu
05-13-2005, 17:41
Hey all-
I talked to my AC today, and it was more of the same-the Staffing dept. is working on my official packet, I should hopefully have it in a week, two at the most. (funny, I'm supposed to start 5/29) :eek: . Oh well.
Thanks for all the information, support, etc., etc. Especially the great, wise, all-knowing IA known as Yoda...I mean, BuMan. :)
Enjoy
Sigepuofu.
PS-"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard everybody would do it. The hard is what makes it great.."-Tom Hanks
Dear Abby... er... BuMan: :D
Are the interview questions of the "behavioral" style?
No, not yet. More like defining your knowledge base to identify where you might be best utilized within the FBI.
CPD-Dispatcher
05-13-2005, 19:07
This thread is now over 2 months old and just shy of 250 post's to it. Lets start a fresh thread on this subject.
Thread Closed
vBulletin® v3.6.8, Copyright ©2000-2010, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.