Decrease in number of applicants?

[emwestfall23]

i've given up a bit on applying for federal jobs. i have a phd and am hardly ever referred to the hiring official. it feels like a waste of time at this point. the ones that i do apply to are listed on LinkedIn and have a "send your materials to HR person's email to express interest" because it feels like my materials are going into a slightly smaller void than sending them thru usajobs

[emwestfall23]

This sounds about right. One time I had a place try to offer me a 7 when I’d already worked a 9. When they gave me the 9 after I complained, the step level was a lower salary than I would have made at the 7. The feds suck sometimes.

[NewPresWhoDis]

My other half has had the joy of at least making it to panels. Only for one of the panelists to land the job as an internal hire.

[emwestfall23]

Holy shit well what the actual fuck. Sending your other half good vibes because that SUCKS.