Why You're NOT getting referred on USAjobs | Federal Government Jobs

[@tonyr2920]

I’ve applied to over 200 jobs, I’m a veteran, disabled, and even if I get referred, I never get called. It’s been the most frustrating process of my life.

[@TempeSoldier123]

It’s been two months. How are things now?

[@tonyr2920]

@@TempeSoldier123 got “referred” for a few jobs, no calls, no interviews, rejected from most. Approaching 250 applications…

[@mtgreenwoodbustout]

Thanks for this video. It’s helping my bruised ego after receiving a “not referred” notification today.

[@armandcuret1]

It happens to most of us. Thanks for watching.

[@czechnolike]

I applied to 60 jobs, 30 interviews before my gs13. I started to tailor resume and cover letter to the positions, even if they are very similar jobs, rearrange things to make it more obvious you qualify. Also, apply to remote, undesirable locations. Dakotas, rural Texas, eastern Oregon, northern Idaho, etc.! That's how you get in. Make that resume long! Mine is 10 pages long. Make sure you have references with numbers too.

[@Deimian676]

Maybe be if we exchange info?

[@AlllieBow]

My son found the recent graduates posts. He applied to so many archeology jobs. Each job had several locations. Some had like 30! He was offered three jobs. Got his number one choice. Apply. Make sure your resume is for the FEDERAL government. Talk to someone in the job area your want. We had someone who is involved with hiring in the area my son wanted. AND you don't have to have the same experiences they want. He impressed people by being able to take a college job (RA in dorms) and was able to say how what he did was similar. Also, do research on the area/job you want. He is loving this job. Loving the perks. It is hard, but it is worth it, Oh, one thing. Look at housing in the area. You might not want to travel an hour or more a day.

[@nhan.captures5447]

Thank you so much for the video. I really wish I found your channel earlier. My past 11 years of continuously applying to an engineering position hasn’t turn out with much success. I had positions rated as eligible/qualified but had folks with veteran status applying at the same time so didn’t get referred to any interview. But I’ve learned to change from using my industrial resume to the federal resume (thanks to you and other on youtube).

[@armandcuret1]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad it helped you.

[@NaijaSaid3302]

4:20 Golden! Love the strategy, going to work on this tomorrow! Brilliant!👏

[@missmayajessica]

Thank you for the encouragement 🎉

[@louis_quinn]

I am a veteran, I know some folks, and I have applied multiple times a month. NOTHING. There is a specif location I want though.

[@madinkan]

In all fairness, there aren't enough openings for engineering degrees in my state for me to apply 4 times a day.

[@notmyrealname550]

Same but as an overseas military spouse

[@jackh3242]

Exactly. He seems to have missed this key inconvenient fact.

[@Amber-pi5vm]

I worked on base for about 13 years. Many times they post positions on USA jobs that they have no intention on hiring anyone from outside for, listing it is just a formality and they already have some lazy arse in mind that they're going to pull up from the inside and give the job.

[@MrChubhub22]

I have applied 400 applications last year I got 4 interviews most of my applications were referred. Those statistics are not true. At least not for the scientific series.

[@YuukitheMighty1]

Funny enough, Ive been referred to two state jobs (I live in CT) and haven’t been referred to anything federal yet lol

[@BrigadeOfOctopi]

Four times a day seems unrealistic. I look at jobs every single day (I have a saved search for remote work) and there definitely aren’t four jobs posted every day that I can apply for. I’ve searched through every single remote job since November and I’ve only been able to apply for nine jobs so far. I’ve been referred a couple of times, but after getting the referral email, I always immediately get an email that I was not selected. Seems like they have their picks predetermined and I’m starting to think I’ll never get in.

[@armandcuret1]

I agree that four times a day might not be practical if you are targetting a 100% remote work job. Those jobs are some of the most competitive with 1,000s of people applying at times. If the goal is to get into the government, I would apply for in person or hybrid jobs too. Also, perhaps look at other job series. Many people are eligible for multiple job series. Wish you the best.

[@jesusisdead]

You are correct. Over time is getting worse and worse. Did you get a job yet? I hope so. It took me a year.

[@TheAs63401]

The system is rigged! Period

[@AlllieBow]

Not exactly. It just takes a lot of research and following what they want. It is doable. But it takes months.

[@TempeSoldier123]

It’s “rigged” when you don’t get what you want, huh? Typical.

[@angelojeda2994]

Armand, as always, great content and information. Truly appreciate you taking the time to educate the community on ways to improve their chances on achieving their goal of serving in the federal government or even applying this information to their private sector search. As someone who took your federal resume course, I can attest the information and tools you provide are extremely helpful and worth the investment. As I wait to transition out of the military and into a hopeful federal position, I look forward to utilizing the information taught from your course. Keep up the great work sir.

[@armandcuret1]

I am glad that you found it helpful and thank you for continuing to watch. I wish you the best!

[@ryandorobish]

. 2

[@ComicBookVeteran]

One of the big issues I am seeing is that because of my geographical location. So, I have applied for every one of the ones available, but nothing yet…

[@armandcuret1]

That is a big reason. Have you been looking at the new remote work filter on USAJobs? Hopefully, we start seeing more remote jobs show up in the near future.

[@ashleyjenkins4182]

Well.. and it’s an automated résumé selection process based on trigger words stemmed from job listing.

[@greatwashingtonacupuncture245]

But there are not 3 fited positions post per day.

[@clashofclansshield8583]

I’m surprised you didn’t do a video on the USA Hire assessment exam that some jobs now require.

[@armandcuret1]

Great idea! Thanks for watching.

[@clashofclansshield8583]

Took it. Seemed more like a personality exam instead of a knowledge base exam.

[@EricSmith-ts2pj]

How do you even reapply? I don’t see any options in USAJobs. I thought some jobs let you reapply after a few months maybe.

[@dirtyharry205]

Out of 20 applications, I got one interview request so far.

[@enriquedelcampo7778]

Can you make a video on how to get interviewed, keep getting stuck at the referred to hiring manager

[@marjipooh17]

I love your content, thank you for sharing!! I’ve been binge watching your videos, some a few times! On average what’s the time frame you’ve noticed for referrals, to be sent? I’m only 20 applications in, about 15 have closed. I’ve only received 2 referrals. Both referrals came day after announcement closed. Is it safe to say I won’t receive anymore for the remaining?

[@armandcuret1]

Thank you for watching. In some cases, you can still receive referrals a month or longer after the job announcement closes. On average, I would say referrals roughly come in 1 - 3 weeks after a job announcement closes.

[@marjipooh17]

@@armandcuret1 thank you!

[@ascensionrocksUT]

Where are you getting this data? Doesn’t track at all with what I’ve seen or people I’ve talked to

[@parker4x400m]

I applied to over 700+. Got 65 referrals and have 400 applications being currently reviewed. I have interviewed for 6 roles and have 3 pending

[@TempeSoldier123]

Have you started yet?

[@parker4x400m]

I have received 3 offers so far (Secret Service, TSA, and the US Army TRADOC), just waiting on my clearances to pass. I got referred to another 55 applications, so I will have to make a decision within 1 month or so. I'm excited and it looks like TSA wants me more based on the opportunities and locations based on where I wish to be next. The Secret Service is in DC, which is tough because I want to get as close as I can to California. It's been a journey and with me being in Colorado, my preferences are any states west of Colorado. I would hate to turn down the Secret Service, but I have TSA opportunities in Washington, California, and Las Vegas, which I would consider first.

[@parker4x400m]

Correction, I've received 10 offers thus far (1 Army, 2 from Air Force, 1 Secret Service, 1 US Marshalls, 1 USCIS, and 2 from the TSA). I forgot about the other,, really only focusing on the 3 that I mentioned earlier.

[@cesyvelez]

Can you specify when you say 4 times a day? Do you apply to the same position multiple times?

[@MannyLoxx2010]

He is saying to apply to 4 different Fed jobs every day, which is not realistic, since you're not qualified for most of those positions.

[@arminarlert7273]

My case is strange because they were giving interviews in person, and they saw my transcript (GPA) and my resume in person, and they gave me an interview rigth then and there after they reviewed both my gpa transcript and my resume. I had an interview in person, and after the interview, they told me that I had to fill out the application online anyway. I did that, and after the application closed the next day, I signed in to view my status only to find out that apparently, my application wasn't referred eventhougth I got an interview and everything and they already saw my resume and transcript and they qualified me to an interview. I also saw that the next day after the application closed, these aplications take a week to review they didn't even take 24 hours for this response. Is there an error here, and I simply have to wait because I already was referred in person to an interview, or is it something else completely?

[@rumy6871]

This is wrong and basically full of it. I worked for the government. You can apply to a million jobs. It won't matter. These jobs are very particular. Moreover, the Feds have to give priority to certain special classes, such as veterans, military spouses, etc.

[@kevingimmemusic]

I only apply to jobs for which I am qualified. Are you saying apply to the same title more than once? There are only 1-3 per week. I have 2 decades of state government work and I know I am qualified and have Fed HR employees review and approve my resume. Today I got a rejection stating that I didn't meet soecialized experience. I attached my resume which clearly shows that I have that and then some. My question is, how effective is the appeals process with proof of experience?

[@melcoreagmailaccount6126]

So I apply for jobs I’m qualified for but what I’m hearing is I should apply for jobs as a doctor, lawyer, scientist and so on so I can get in my 4 applications a day?? Sounds like a recipe to be blackballed.

[@mister-sclark1675]

Hello and thank you for the info. Do you have any recommendations about passing the background investigation. *not the clearance investigation*

[@msawhney59]

Are there new job openings that come out every day? If so, when you mentioned apply four times a day is that for each position or apply as many as you can

[@armandcuret1]

Four times a day if possible. Not to the exact same job announcement but you should be targetting different job announcements within a certain job series.

[@marshajones8685]

Thank you good point

[@gnkstudios6138]

My biggest issue is there are very few jobs in my job codes which is 1071, and 1060. On top those very few, I’m not a vet or military spouse nor do I have any other “qualifiers”. Are you saying I should apply for jobs that are that aren’t “open to the public”? Is that even possible? I always thought I could only apply for open to public

[@armandcuret1]

I believe you are probably eligible/qualified for other job series besides art and photography. If you have no other hiring path available then open to the public is the main one to focus on. Keep in mind most excepted service government jobs do not need to be advertised on USAJobs

[@gnkstudios6138]

@@armandcuret1 thanks for the tip. From the research I’ve done I only saw the 1071 (Audio Visual) and 1060 (Art an photography) being the only things that seem close to my experience in the workforce. If there are other similar job codes by all means please refer me to them! Thanks!

[@codylamont3832]

But I do have a question. I'm a mechanic, and I guess I can't apply for anything outside my field right? Or just apply for anything I get my hands on regardless of experience?

[@armandcuret1]

It depends on your exact experience. Did you ever assist the manager? Did you work the front desk or process payments? Did you help train other workers? Did you work any other jobs aside from being a mechanic? Target job series that you believe your experience is relevant for. Most people qualify for more than 1 job series.

[@marksartain5772]

Caveat, many people don’t want to move. So there are not 40jobs a week a person could submit for that’s in there pay grade range and job skill.

[@bobcatstillwell4844]

I wonder if once referred for a job if the hiring manager can choose to not interview you if you have applied/interviewed for the same job before but were "not selected". I would hope you could get another shot. I hoping to interview again for the same position at the same VA agency. This position just closed on June 6th. I was referred on June 7th. So far I'm hearing crickets. It says that they received "25 applicants" for this single position.

[@armandcuret1]

There are usually so many people applying that the hiring manager will rarely take notice. If anything, I think having someone continue to interview for the same position shows conviction and tenacity. If you really want the position, let them disqualify you, but do not disqualify yourself. If nothing else, you are gaining experience interviewing. Good luck!

[@bobcatstillwell4844]

Thanks Armand, So far, I refuse to quit trying. My last interview I felt very good about it but wasn't selected. Ordered a book today on Federal Hiring Process!

[@MLagarde0425]

@@bobcatstillwell4844Trust me when it is your time, no one can take what’s God had already written your name on it. Don’t give up!

[@laranini9660]

I’ve only had one referral so far and I didn’t hear anything back. I’ve applied to more positions in different agencies so hopefully when the announcement closes, I’ll be referred for a couple more.

[@armandcuret1]

I am sure more referrals will be coming. Keep improving your resume and apply often. Thanks for watching Lara!

[@laranini9660]

@@armandcuret1 hopefully I do receive a few more and thank you for responding!

[@OmegaIvanovic117]

I’m definitely interested in applying for a federal job within the 0500 series, currently I’m a budget analyst for the city government I live in. Do you recommend to build up an entire new resume or fill a profile within USAjobs and build a resume in there

[@armandcuret1]

If you do not have experience creating a federal resume, I recommend using the USAjobs resume builder. This is because it will make sure you do not miss required information. Otherwise, I would upload your own resume.

[@OmegaIvanovic117]

@@armandcuret1 thank you. I’ve watched several of your videos, still gathering experience/info to get that specialized experience filled in aligned with the job I’m seeking.

[@ty_ley]

This is not true. I rarely apply and I've been referred a few times.

[@NaijaSaid3302]

Thank you for your videos. I have a M.A in Human Services and it's so hard to find a fit for this on Usajobs. Do you have any suggestions under this career path?

[@armandcuret1]

Thanks for watching. I do not know your exact experience but based on your education (M.A. in Human Services), I would suggest the 0100 job series. I believe social services is a subset of human services and the 0100 job series has social science jobs (0101 & 0102) but you are probably also eligible for 0301 jobs too.

[@NaijaSaid3302]

@@armandcuret1 Thank you very much for this information. Greatly appreciated.

[@rubyapril7521]

I have financial background in approving loans etc. I wanted to apply for a grant specialist job but under the assessment ; it ask questions about approving grants, negioitating grant terms etc. I do all of these for loans but not necessary grants. If I mark myself an expert, don’t I get disqualified and not referred because it’s technically not “grants” that I was dispositioning ? I’ve asked multiple people and they said I can’t say I’ve done any of those because I never did it for grants . I would assume it’s similar processing . What are your thoughts?

[@armandcuret1]

I would say it is probably a little different. I assume the job you are applying for might be in the 1109 job series and if you do not have grant experience then you might want to focus more on the 0500 job series which is where most of the government financial jobs are. When you fill out the questionnaire, usually a computer makes an eligibility determination based on your responses and then a HR specialist will review it to validate the computer's decision. Whether you get disqualified or referred depends on the person reviewing it.

[@rubyapril7521]

@@armandcuret1 the terms used in the questionnaire are pretty much everything I have done at an expert level, the only thing different is I do it for loans but not grants. Does this mean I have to mark myself as “I know it but never done it?” It is a GS9 position

[@MrArtVein]

@@rubyapril7521 it's a game man. Treat it like the game it is. Pay $30 for a Shopify website to help people apply for grants. Help 2 people. Add to your resume. Utilized financial expertise to engage multiple clients in government resource and funding, successful allocating x$ in grants in accordance with blah blah. You actually missed out big time during the pandemic lots of schools didn't know how to go about getting funds for the CARES Act. They were dying to find someone like you.

[@thewatchfuleye8401]

Question? I had applied on USAJOBS for a high grade position and was referred for a GS/15 Director position. I was really excited based on referral to hiring manager over last few weeks and thought i was going to get to interview. Ultimately i just was informed today that posting was cancelled. Does this mean that they werent happy with the referred candidates? and chose to cancel and restart the process? Was just curious on your perspective on reasons why a Fed job is canceled after fielding and referring candidates. Thank you for all your insights and videos!

[@armandcuret1]

The job can be canceled for several reasons to include: 1.) A mistake was found on the job announcement, and it has to get fixed and reposted 2.) The hiring manager interviewed 4 - 7 candidates and didn't select anyone (announcement will probably get reposted) 3.) Funding was pulled 4.) Management decided not to fill it for whatever reason Thanks for watching!

[@thewatchfuleye8401]

@@armandcuret1 Thanks Armand! I appreciate the response and insight. All the best.

[@royharper2003]

they may have knew who they wanted to hire but they weren't referred, happens all the time

[@ducktheworld1466]

Would you recommend one resume full of anything or everything you’ve ever done or multiple resumes, each one deleting things that don’t pertain to the job which you are applying for?

[@armandcuret1]

I recommend making your resume as relevant as possible to the position you are applying to.

[@jesusisdead]

At one point the were using OCR text recognition to weed people out. I was inserting words in white to avoid getting removed. Don't waste your time trying to cater to a specific job. In most cases you have no idea what the job is exactly

[@sitouannam6018]

Thank you

[@Logdog69]

I don't have my DD214 nor my VA rating (should be >30%). I'm doing the letter you recommended that will be signed by my Commander with the anticipated Honorable discharge, so should I hard charge when I get my rating or will I have a chance without it

[@armandcuret1]

The signed statement of service will be enough for +5 veteran preference if your service qualifies. Upload that in place of the DD-214. You will have to wait for your VA letter to use >30% disabled vet +10 points. Apply as soon as you can with the +5 points do not wait on the VA.

[@Logdog69]

I figured as much, my DAV rep told me they won't give me a rating till I'm separated, because I can't disabled and be on active duty. Ive been applying for the 300 jobs mostly, hoping my adjustments get me noticed. They're mostly GS 13/14 positions that I'm looking at/for.

[@VincentWelch-h7s]

Do you charge to do an assessment on a resume?

[@armandcuret1]

Yes. If interested you can consider scheduling a call here: clarity.fm/armandcuret

[@UncleJay310]

Apply 4 times a day for the same job? Or applying to all jobs in general ?

[@armandcuret1]

Not the same job. Different job announcements that you are eligible for. I recommend targetting a specific job series with one resume or multiple job series with multiple resumes.

[@drummerboy2487]

How do I get a confirmed strong federal resume?

[@armandcuret1]

I would start with the OPM Job Series Handbook. If you know people who work for the government then ask them to look at your resume to give you feedback. If you still need help, I offer a course here federalgovmasterclass.thinkific.com Thanks for watching!

[@Brandywine-farm]

Is age discrimination real in fed jobs

[@armandcuret1]

Age discimination is real everywhere but I believe it happens a lot less in government jobs. The average age in the federal government is a lot higher than the private sector. Thanks for watching!

[@mikeruck2888]

Too much fluff. It's enough unqualified people that have been hired that none of this makes sense 🤣😂

[@weaponx100]

Hide my diversity so they can’t count me out based on race

[@royharper2003]

WTF government loves hiring minorities, maybe you're white?

[@harmony3279]

You can do all these things and still not get in.

[@armandcuret1]

Correct. You can do all the right things and still not get in. However, if you keep doing all the right things over a period of time you will greatly increase the probability of getting in.

[@kymlawrence3862]

not true

[@ihatetheantichrist9545]

Once I’m referred should I take any extra steps to try to get them to contact me? Also roughly how long would it take? I got referred for a job I would absolutely love at an entry level but I have a sneaking suspicion I won’t even get an interview.

[@acesmooth8292]

Sorry, but you do need to know someone to get in. Have you heard of Friends of Friends System?

[@armandcuret1]

Having friends always helps but many people get in without knowing anyone, including myself.

[@autumn_b905]

my sibling didn't know anyone in federal. she simply applied and was hired. if it was about nepotism, I would've had a job already. I have been seeking federal government employment for 2 years now. I am watching his videos to improve my strategy

[@acesmooth8292]

@@autumn_b905 Even if you attend their websites, they tell you to network with employees who work their which increases your greatly chances. I suggest you try it as they are having several workshops (virtual & in person).

[@autumn_b905]

@@acesmooth8292 thank you. networking helps in private industry too.

[@Kimmyhamlin]

Facts! I've been a federal employee for 9 years trying to move up in the company for the past 5 years have yet to be referred for a higher wg spot.

[@bootywarriror8793]

Any thoughts on if they try to focus on people in the local area vs someone in another state who would be willing to move for the job?

[@armandcuret1]

Even if you are out of state or the local area, you should still apply. The federal agency will still interview and select you if you are the best qualified applicant.

[@bootywarriror8793]

Thanks, I have 10 years of budget experience in the Army and took a year for self employment after getting out. Put together a good Federal Resume and am applying across the US and some overseas positions utilizing 30% or more va preference. Starting to see more referred to hiring manager notices in email than when I first started with a basic one page resume.

[@bootywarriror8793]

I've been customizing it here and there using sites like fasclass to incorporate certain words and tailoring the resume to specific roles