DOJ Honors Program 2014-15 Forum

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone know specifics about the background investigation? Specifically -- any guidance on timeframe? I submitted my information mid-December. This probably varies based on component, but I was just curious to hear if anyone had heard anything or noted any progress. Thanks.

I submitted mine a month ago. I know someone has at least reviewed it because I was asked to clarify something. I am pretty positive none of my references have been contacted because I am in near constant contact with them.

[Anonymous User]

It may have been discussed earlier ITT, but have people heard much about the range of available start dates? I know I heard first week of October was the standard entry time, but has anyone heard of a willingness to let us start earlier than that?

I'm pretty sure OCIJ has a nationwide set starting date. Sept. 14, if I remember correctly. My interviewer told me that usually, that first week is spent in DC doing training.

[Anonymous User]

It may have been discussed earlier ITT, but have people heard much about the range of available start dates? I know I heard first week of October was the standard entry time, but has anyone heard of a willingness to let us start earlier than that?

I started the last week of September, which seemed to be a bit of a concession (my offer letter was poorly written and sort of misleading about when you could start). They seemed to expect me somewhere between October and December, but you can definitely ask. The difficulty is that I think they can't tell you a start date until they have the background check done, but they can't finish the background check without a start date (yeah, that didn't make any sense to me either). In any case, I don't think there's any problem asking the HR person handling your stuff if there's a possibility of starting early. They might say no, but you won't upset anyone asking.

[catinthewall]

My Section Chief told me that, after my background investigation was completed, they would contact me with a proposed start date in September but it would be negotiable. I plan on starting mid-September.

[Anonymous User]

Deana posted that EOIR OCIJ is done hiring.

Looks like that might complete this year's HP hiring?

[catinthewall]

According to the Google Drive Spreadsheet, that means we're done! Woo! Congrats everyone!

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone know specifics about the background investigation? Specifically -- any guidance on timeframe? I submitted my information mid-December. This probably varies based on component, but I was just curious to hear if anyone had heard anything or noted any progress. Thanks.

I submitted mine a month ago. I know someone has at least reviewed it because I was asked to clarify something. I am pretty positive none of my references have been contacted because I am in near constant contact with them.

Different anon - they've started interviewing my references, so there is some movement in at least my component.

[Anonymous User]

The level of silence lately is unsettling. Anyone want to chime in on movement on background check, etc?

I've had nada.

[catinthewall]

Nothing here. Completed mine in late December.

[Anonymous User]

The level of silence lately is unsettling. Anyone want to chime in on movement on background check, etc?

I've had nada.

They seem to be on the home stretch, with mine. They've interviewed all but a couple of my references, relatives, professors, etc.

[Anonymous User]

The level of silence lately is unsettling. Anyone want to chime in on movement on background check, etc?

I've had nada.

They seem to be on the home stretch, with mine. They've interviewed all but a couple of my references, relatives, professors, etc.

Why would they be contacting relatives?

I am pretty positive 0 people have been contacted from my app. This worries me, but maybe it's because I started the process much later?

[Anonymous User]

The level of silence lately is unsettling. Anyone want to chime in on movement on background check, etc?

I've had nada.

They seem to be on the home stretch, with mine. They've interviewed all but a couple of my references, relatives, professors, etc.

Why would they be contacting relatives?

I am pretty positive 0 people have been contacted from my app. This worries me, but maybe it's because I started the process much later?

To clarify - not all of my relatives, just the ones listed on my form. I wouldn't worry. I think every component is running on its own timetable.

[Anonymous User]

To anyone who knows or has gone through the application program before, if you have two interviews within the same component, is it possible to get two offers, or would they work together to only issue one offer (hopefully haha)? For instance EOIR, if you have an OCIJ interview and a BIA or OGC interview. Thanks!

[Anonymous User]

I was told that if it's the same component (like EOIR) they coordinate so you only get one offer (someone reported here one year that they asked their interviewer). I do know someone who got offers from 2 USAOs, but they're different units.

[Anonymous User]

For those interviewing with EOIR - I've heard that unless you're at a T20 and have significant immigration experience, your chances of getting an offer at the Arlington or Baltimore court is slim to none. Any truth to this? I have a lot of immigration experience and interned at an immigration court last summer. My school is on the lower end of rankings, although I'm in the top 3%.