Thread: Failed attempts

So I am currently interning with DCIS, as some of you may know. In addition, I have applied to a few FLE jobs (NCIS, DEA, AFOSI) and was turned down. I think Ive got a decent shot with DCIS, assuming an opening occurs. My question is this: do I make it readly known to my supervisors that I was shot down at other agencies, or does it make me look like less of a good candidate? I really want DCIS, but would be happy elsewhere, I just really think DCIS is my best opportunity. I am not suggesting I'd hide the failed attempts from my supervisors, but Im not sure whether I should 'chat' about them. If anyone has advise, I'd love to hear it!

what is DCIS?

Originally Posted by madupz4

what is DCIS?

Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

Here is my two cents. If you apply for an 1811 slot, my experience has been that most agencies ask at some point about current LE processes with which you are under consideration for. If you are not under active consideration for AFOSI because you got dropped from the process (for whatever reason) thats not something that I think they care too much about. Personally I have applied to most of the 1811 slots that were open, some I tested with and it didn't go any further than that and others I have completed and am waiting for a final hiring decision. People get dropped from agency consideration for a number of reasons, many of which have more to do with the type of person the agency is looking for rather than you as a candidate. What I am trying to say is that I don't think that they will hold that against you for not making it through other 1811 processes, they will be more interested in those that you are receiving active consideration for.

Sweet internship by the way.

1811rBust

I don't think that being rejected by an agency is a statement about you or your potential for FLE...it just means that a few people decided that their was someone more competititve. I applied to many and had successes, but also had the joy of receiving the "thin letter."

I wouldn't talk to my superiors and say ....."Yeah Skip I really sucked ass this week...I got rejected by another 3 agencies." I guess you could just talk about other things...like the great hockey season we had.....el nino......or whatever frosts your pop tart.
I don't know what kind of relationship you have with your employer...so I'm basing this on the student/teacher relationship,...my point is that I always like to "appear" compotent to my supervisors, so why tell your boss if you don't have to......unless your trying to get advice on how to better yourself and work on things that are your weak points............., but other than that why disclose your painful memories of disappointment.

yeah, the agencies have all given me the 'you are qualified, but we have a very competitive process' speech. Obviously DCIS is somewhat interested in me, or they would not have spent the energy on a security clearence or entertianing me everyday.. its just that openings are fewer and far between. Assuming there were openings, I think I have a good shot at an 1811, I just want them to know that I am active in the process. As of now, I think I don't have an application active anywhere (except if you consider DCIS, where I remind my SAC just about everyday that he should hire me). Thanks for the advise so far, and if anyone else has advise for me to impress my supervisors into giving me a job, Id love to hear it!

I don't know if you tried posing questions like ...what could I do to make myself more competitive to become an 1811 with DCIS so when a shot comes to apply you're good to go.

I had a plan "A-G" on what I would do to get an 1811 position with AFOSI...if I didn't get it the first time round....as long as you think about options and continue to work hard at the process your being proactive to the situation.

Good luck.

For many stints in non-1811 slots are the stepping stone they wishes someone had advised them on earlier on in their lives. For many others those stints become satisfying ends in and of themselves.

Just my thoughts...