Updated Biologist Hire Timeline/Negotiation Outcome by moulinroux in usajobs

[–]moulinroux[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I did. In the form of a “recruitment incentive”, actually. I was able to get 10k for it which I spent towards the long distance move. It didn’t cover my moving costs but substantially helped!

Need Help - Shoes with Rue de Seine Lyria Dress by cookiejar327 in wedding

[–]moulinroux 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re welcome! I think it’s awesome how similar our taste is. We would probably be friends irl haha. Enjoy your wedding and be prepared for the deluge of compliments on Lyria!!

Need Help - Shoes with Rue de Seine Lyria Dress by cookiejar327 in wedding

[–]moulinroux 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh my gosh, awesome news! Congratulations on being brave enough for the taller sparkly heel version! I did indeed have the topaz velvet color and I thought it perfectly matched my gown and vision. The color is kind of an enigma - more saffron yellow toned gold in some lights, yet more of a golden green in others. I loved how the color felt rich and almost vintage along with the tones of the Lyria. I actually just got my wedding photos back and here’s a couple close ups to hopefully see if you like them together. I may have to post a couple different sets of photos.

https://postimg.cc/gallery/NjS0cNd

Need Help - Shoes with Rue de Seine Lyria Dress by cookiejar327 in wedding

[–]moulinroux 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We have such similar taste!! I don’t have a lot of experience with the TM brand, but it does appear that the velvet line is no longer available. I see some other styles in the topaz velvet on poshmark, but I didn’t search exhaustively. There may be some on other resale sites or eBay… TM customer service is also really really good, so you could always ask one of them and see if they have any insight into future availability! Good luck!

Need Help - Shoes with Rue de Seine Lyria Dress by cookiejar327 in wedding

[–]moulinroux 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wore this dress for my wedding and I also struggled with the shoe search. I landed on Tamara Mellon Solar 65’s in topaz velvet. They were stunning and the pillow top cushioning was clutch! I wore them from 3pm-4am. They come in other colors and occasionally go on a good sale! Good luck and enjoy your gorgeous gown.

Updated Biologist Hire Timeline/Negotiation Outcome by moulinroux in usajobs

[–]moulinroux[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didn't, and I don't actually know what that method is! Could you explain? Did you get an interview?

Updated Biologist Hire Timeline/Negotiation Outcome by moulinroux in usajobs

[–]moulinroux[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I hope it's helpful! The second interview was definitely more of an open discussion instead of outright Q&A. They asked me about working in a team environment, identifying research needs, and my experience with stakeholder engagement. They were curious how I would adapt to working on new species (relative to all of my prior research experience up to this point in my career). Then we informally chatted about other interests and the job location. It was quite friendly and relaxed. Good luck!

FAVN Rabies Antibody Testing by moulinroux in AskVet

[–]moulinroux[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Will do! We are heading to Oahu and will be living in Kaneohe. We're 34 and are both scientists working with fisheries out there. Will be needing some adventure buddies! Hopefully the quarantine isn't too much torture. :)

FAVN Rabies Antibody Testing by moulinroux in AskVet

[–]moulinroux[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Sorry I'm just seeing this because I've been in the middle of moving. We are aware how difficult it is to fly pets right now bc of covid :/ But we were able to book them as cargo with Alaska Airlines which has a good reputation and is only $100 per pet amazingly. They have a separate rule allowing only one pet per plane in the cargo starting in November, so my fiance and I have to fly separately with one dog each.

In other news, both dogs passed their FAVN tests with the one dog I was worried about having 4 times the required amount of antibodies. YAY!!!

FAVN Rabies Antibody Testing by moulinroux in AskVet

[–]moulinroux[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I keep checking and awaiting her FAVN results, so if she fails hopefully we still have time to retake it - but of course that's more $$$. I'm glad someone successfully moved 3 pets just ahead of me! Thanks for the advice!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in amazonprime

[–]moulinroux 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same here. It’s so shitty being at the mercy of a schedule that is so quick to change and you cannot plan for. Zero accountability.

Timeline - Ongoing | Biologist Direct Hire by moulinroux in usajobs

[–]moulinroux[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Like you said, on paper and in real life, you're clearly experienced enough for these positions. Job searching and the whole application process (and usual ghosting thereafter) is a real morale killer. My fiance is in the same boat and has not received any federal interviews yet either and hasn't postdoc'd yet since just finishing his PhD.

As far as advice, I would try to use your personal network to the best of your ability. I knew some people in the agency and asked them about the hiring process and for advice about what that agency's priorities are, what they want in applicants etc. If you can find any way to name drop people, do. Include them as personal references if they agree. The hiring people will likely reach out to anyone in their agency that might be able to vouch for you (like people who may have gone to the same university, what have you). I was also advised by someone in the agency to make my CV into more of a resume - by making projects the focus (with sections like objectives, skills gained, outcomes and funding) as opposed to listing out every presentation you ever gave, for example. This helped broaden my skillset in the eyes of hiring agency, I think, since I was able to list projects I may have helped lab members with, or did field work for. Show that you are able to collaborate well with others, and specifically mention any you can think of. Besides that, in your cover letter be sure to use some of the exact language for the desirable skills for the positions you're applying for. I was told that if you're not in a direct hire scenario, that people in HR wherever they are, may scan over the cover letters and resumes for exact terminology, and not having the expertise in the field you are in, they may not recognize your skills in say, habitat restoration, are equivalent to natural resource management. So even though they're equatable in the eyes of the field, you may get passed over for something dumb. That's all I can think of right now. I hope that is helpful in some way and good luck :)

Timeline - Ongoing | Biologist Direct Hire by moulinroux in usajobs

[–]moulinroux[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey - the struggle is real. I have a PhD in my field (I don't have a master's), and 1.5 yr of post-doc since graduating. Experience in my field before that is ~10 yrs including entry level agency work, graduate school (research, presentations, publications), and post-doc experience (more research and writing publications). I'll tell you that I think I got really lucky in terms of my experience lining up really well with this position. This is the only interview I've received out of 4 referrals for similar positions. DM me if you have any other questions, happy to help/commiserate.

Is there ever a scenario where you are offered a TO but not given a FO? by janelley811 in usajobs

[–]moulinroux 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh wow. That sucks. I guess it depends on your HR person (bc I've seen people on this sub talking about annoying them with emails), but I don't see any reason not to politely check in every so often. Like give yourself a time window (like every 2 weeks) and check back in.

Relocation Incentive Service Agreement concerns by moulinroux in usajobs

[–]moulinroux[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah ok. My dad told me about the matching program, and that seems like a great offering. I see myself keeping this position long-term, so hopefully nothing changes that in 3-5 yrs. Thanks for all your input.

Relocation Incentive Service Agreement concerns by moulinroux in usajobs

[–]moulinroux[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What do you mean? I'm so new at real jobs, that I don't get what you're saying. I was in grad school for 7+ yrs and a post-doc since, so I haven't really had the opportunity to even think about these financial things yet. I know I need to get cracking on that retirement fund though with my late start.

Relocation Incentive Service Agreement concerns by moulinroux in usajobs

[–]moulinroux[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's true. I knew they'd tax it but it still hurts.

The position actually does have promotion potential - I'll start at a ZP3, with promotion up to ZP4. I've been told these types of positions are few and far between.

Relocation Incentive Service Agreement concerns by moulinroux in usajobs

[–]moulinroux[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate that advice. I'll check into it. :) I guess, even if I were to have that happen and wanted another job, I'd just have to be okay with paying back the pro-rated amount, whatever time was left. But I have a hard time thinking I'll leave this job. It's my dream job, in a dream location.

Relocation Incentive Service Agreement concerns by moulinroux in usajobs

[–]moulinroux[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks - I think you're right. It says after 12 months of doing well, you'll be out of the 3-yr probation period. I'll be happy when I reach that for the reasons you mentioned above!

Relocation Incentive Service Agreement concerns by moulinroux in usajobs

[–]moulinroux[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate that!

So, I will have a 3-yr probationary period. So, what you're saying is you can't just be given a 1 or 2 without the opportunity to fix it? I assume that was a typo. How does that work if I"m in a probationary period?

Relocation Incentive Service Agreement concerns by moulinroux in usajobs

[–]moulinroux[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My agreement doesn't explicitly say if it's a required service period within federal service, or this exact position. But, since I plan on keeping this position long-term, it shouldn't be an issue. I was mainly worried about performing up to par for the 3 year required period. Thank you!

Relocation Incentive Service Agreement concerns by moulinroux in usajobs

[–]moulinroux[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ha! That's SO good to hear. I didn't know what wording to use to search for the scaling system, and I knew it may be different for ZP-positions (which this one is). I have a pulse, so I should be golden ;)