What’s the best way to handle the long wait times between application submission and response for government jobs? I applied for a frole three months ago and still haven’t heard a thing. I know the process is slow, but the waiting game is brutal. Refreshing my email every day isn’t helping! Has anyone found strategies to stay patient and optimistic during this process? Do you keep applying elsewhere, follow up, or just wait it out?

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The general rule with government jobs is apply and forget. I would apply other places and take an offer of interest to gain experience. If you hear back and are still interested in the government job, evaluate the offer then.

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The gov is going through a hiring freeze. I just reached out to a fed gov recruiter and she provided this information. As we all know, POTUS fired a lot of people during their probationary stage so I don't think the feds will be hiring anytime soon...or atleast while he is still in office.

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Government hiring processes are notoriously slow, as I'm sure you know. But I’ve been there, refreshing my inbox like a mad person. I’ve found it helps to keep applying elsewhere while you wait. It takes the pressure off and keeps your options open. Following up can be useful, too, but don't stress too much if you don't hear back right away.

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Keep applying and keep records on the job posting, including the reference number. I had received an interview call up to 6 months later and the only thing the email said was a reference number. Also, at least for the Fed, USAjobs generally doesn't update until the selected person onboards. That can be near a year from the job post. Keep trying and good luck.

likesmart

That can depend on any number of factors, and it's often related to the level of government you're dealing with. Obviously, if you applied for federal jobs, stop worrying about them, that's probably not going to happen. If it's at a state or local level, you can remain optimistic, but there's really not much you can do but wait it out. These things can take forever.

likesmart

I would definitely keep applying elsewhere. Sadly the government goes on hiring freezes all the time so one minute you think you have the role and then they are on a freeze and have to call you when that is up. Its definitely best to keep applying.

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