Veterans' Board of Appeals Forum

[Anonymous User]

Did anyone else interview for an entry-level position in DC? I was told they are "going to move pretty quickly" but am wondering what that means in terms of a timeline for offers. Any other thoughts on working here are also welcome.

[Anonymous User]

From what I understand it's very similar to SSA attorney-advisor just a different disability program, you're basically a decision writer for an ALJ.

Not sure what it means that they opened the announcement up for 2 more weeks

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/402598800

they may be trying to hire a whole lot of people, or they don't feel like they got the applicants they wanted the first go around

[Anonymous User]

curious if they said anything to you about promotion potential during the interview, a 0905 attorney being capped at GS-9 seems a little absurd

[Anonymous User]

From what I understand it's very similar to SSA attorney-advisor just a different disability program, you're basically a decision writer for an ALJ.

Not sure what it means that they opened the announcement up for 2 more weeks

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/402598800

they may be trying to hire a whole lot of people, or they don't feel like they got the applicants they wanted the first go around

OP here. Weird.. It looks like the position you linked to is for the Correspondence Section, doing work sort of supporting the other branches of the Board of Appeals (the VA is HUGE). The position I interviewed for is what you described, though, basically research and writing decisions on appeals for the ALJs to sign, etc. I think it was actually only posted through law schools, and not usajobs. The other differences are that it has a GS-14 promotional potential and the number of positions was "many."

[Anonymous User]

curious if they said anything to you about promotion potential during the interview, a 0905 attorney being capped at GS-9 seems a little absurd

+1. Being capped at GS-9 for an attorney position is really absurd (especially in DC). Imagine they have a ton of turnover if that's true.

[Anonymous User]

curious if they said anything to you about promotion potential during the interview, a 0905 attorney being capped at GS-9 seems a little absurd

+1. Being capped at GS-9 for an attorney position is really absurd (especially in DC). Imagine they have a ton of turnover if that's true.

OP here. Actually, the position I interviewed for and the position linked to by the first responding poster differ. The position I interviewed for has a promotional potential of GS-14. I do agree that a GS-9 cap would be pretty ridiculous.

[Anonymous User]

Hey, did you ever get an offer from them?

[Anonymous User]

OP here - Yes I did. I'm coming off of a one-year clerkship and have nothing else lined up, so I'm pretty sure I will take it. Just slightly concerned about the job not really being an experience that is marketable in terms of getting other jobs later on, as well as picking up and moving to DC.

[Anonymous User]

OP, Congrats! I interviewed too, but haven't heard yet. How did you get notified and when do you have to decide by?

[Anonymous User]

Thank you! Yeah I feel pretty lucky to have landed a fed job without really having the credentials for it. Still concerned about the narrowness/repetitive nature of the job though. I got a call from HR about two weeks after the interview, but I know they are hiring a lot of attorneys so who knows whether or not everyone is on the same timeline. I was not given a deadline to decide, but feel like I have pretty much accepted it by starting the paperwork. They seem pretty disorganized and like they might not even notice if I backed out, but I probably won't at this point.

[Anonymous User]

Has anyone interviewed recently for BVA and heard back?

[Anonymous User]

Bump, anyone?

[JDMaryland]

I did last week. Haven't heard anything yet.

[Anonymous User]

I did last week. Haven't heard anything yet.

Good luck!

[Anonymous User]

I had an interview with them a few weeks ago and got an acceptance phone call the next morning

[Anonymous User]

I've asked attorneys in the federal government about the attorney advisor position with the BVA, and it garners a greater deal of respect than the SSA attorney advisor positions. The VA is an enormous agency, and attorney advisors have the possibility of applying internally to different positions within the VA dealing with employment and labor law, medical malpractice, clinical research contracting, legislation, etc., making you more attractive to other agencies depending on what fields you gain experience in.

[usproud]

I had an interview with them a few weeks ago and got an acceptance phone call the next morning

Congrats!! I will have an interview soon, how was your experience in the interview?

[Anonymous User]

Anyone know how long it takes for the background check to clear? I did my fingerprints about a week after receiving a TO, but haven't heard anything further.

[Anonymous User]

Anyone know how long it takes for the background check to clear? I did my fingerprints about a week after receiving a TO, but haven't heard anything further.

My background check took about 2 weeks.

Regarding the interview, I felt it was pretty straightforward. No surprises.

Good luck to everyone!

[Anonymous User]

I have an interview coming up soon! Since there are many positions open, I hope we all get offers. Lol.

[Anonymous User]

Can anyone who had an interview comment with the type of questions they asked and whether they actually stick to the 15 min time slot or go longer? Also, how many people interview you?

[usproud]

Can anyone who had an interview comment with the type of questions they asked and whether they actually stick to the 15 min time slot or go longer? Also, how many people interview you?

It was very straightforward about your experience and qualification. My interview was exactly 15 min and interviewed by a very friendly panel of 3.

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone know how the hiring freeze that may be implemented by the new administration will affect the hiring for these positions?

[anon sequitur]

Literally no one knows.

[Anonymous User]

I have an interview coming up. Total long shot application, this would be a dream job. I'd kill to work in the federal government. Is the interview truly just a getting to know you/resume scanner? Does being military go a long way in these interviews? I'm a reserve officer.