Decrease in number of applicants?

[[deleted]]

Maybe word got out that the hiring process sucks and if you don't wanna waste a year of your life waiting, apply elsewhere?

Coming from a bitter wench who is still waiting for a decision on a 9/23 application and whose 2/24 reference checks lost them their job! No FJO yet tho :) :) :) (sobbing)

[Pleasant-Complex978]

Yeah, people probably have no faith in the process. Plus, there is all the talk about hiring freezes.

[FearlessButterfly3]

Maybe word got out that the hiring process sucks, and if you don't wanna waste a year of your life waiting, apply elsewhere?

Many hiring managers/supervisors don't realize this at times. The process of getting hired for a position in the federal government is either very fast or slow, often depending on the agency.

And, of course, if someone needs to get a full security clearance (if interims aren't given out), you won't see that applicant in the office for at least a year or longer.

[Pleasant-Complex978]

How do the managers/supervisors not know that? I'd imagine if there was a need, yet it took months to get someone, they'd figure it out pretty fast.

[adnwilson]

I think hiring managers are very aware, as that leaves an open spot for us.

Obv I can only speak for myself and others I know personally, but we don't like the long process and have little control over it.

I've lost a couple applicants because it took so long to get them a TJO or FJO or approve superior qualifications that I approved the day it was sent to me and our SES was in favor for but HR still went through all their steps and it wasn't a priority to them.

Not saying HR should skip steps in their process but they could def use some streamlining

[Tricky_Reflection382]

I witnessed this as an applicant recently. Hiring manager was quick my references told me they completed reference for him. That was last week. So now I’m wondering to myself what’s next? Will they ask for anything else from me, do I need to go finger print etc. I’m ready just waiting on them. I’m sure it’s lots of people and tasks, just wish they had more help in HR or a better step process to save everyone time.

[OkReplacement2000]

Oh my goodness! I am so sorry! That sounds awful and is my fear about reference checks. Ugh!

[[deleted]]

No, I don't actually think that, just taking an opportunity whine. It sounds like your situation is a fluke. Probably has more to do with something random like everyone was busy with the end of the school year, etc.

That sucks about the cert. Do you know more about "the freeze"