I am still seeing these essays on newer job posts.

I applied for two jobs in June & July of this year.

The June job I have FJO and transfer in process (EOD accepted for 11/2/26. (This is a GS 6 step 7 I think ?) hybrid title 38 position - transferring from a gs8 step 2 also hybrid title 38 both excepted service) VA to VA transfer.

Friday 10/23 I got a TJO for VBA VSR role (title 5 I believe) competitive service (open to public DHA hiring authority) GS 7 - would be a career ladder either way because it goes 7,9,11 (highest I’ve served is a GS8)

Can I start the new job Nov 2nd and still transfer to VBA when they do the FJO ? Or will VBA yank the firm offer cause they become aware of the other job ? Is there a restriction that would prevent me from transferring again so soon after starting the GS 6 job ? I tried to see on OPM but all I could find was possibly 90 days. FWIW I will have to do 1 yr probation at VBA (wouldn’t have to at the transfer since same job/ role just a step down)

How often does the agency relocate/reassign Diversion Investigators? Does the agency require to sign a mobility agreement for "just in case we need you" scenarios, or do they actively enforce it and routinely relocates Investigators?

I'd just like to know the odds of having to forcibly relocate.

Hello, everyone! I’m a registered nurse currently working bedside in the ICU, and I’ve been with the VA for almost four years.

I’m hoping to connect with someone who works at the Phoenix VA Health Care System and can share some insight into whether the facility allows nurses with a BSN to obtain a Nurse III position through an educational waiver, without having to earn an MSN.

I’ve heard that some VA hospitals allow this if the nurse takes on a project that demonstrates Nurse III-level contributions and meets the required performance dimensions. My family and I would seriously consider relocating to Phoenix if this were a realistic possibility, so I’d love to hear from anyone who has firsthand experience with the process at the Phoenix VA.

Thank you in advance for any insight or advice!

Posting this for my wife. She is considering moving from the medical group in the Air Force to a Defense Logistics agency job.

How’s the culture at DLA? Most posts about them make it seem like maybe this isn’t the best time to go over there. She’s more bored and looking to do something else, so if it’s a nightmare over there she’d rather just stay.

GS-9 if it matters.

Returning federal employee/reinstatement. Figured I'd share my timeline since I've been stalking everyone else's while waiting 😂 Got an LOI first in August and just got another one recently in October after I did my fingerprints. Already provided my response less than 24 hrs after receiving it. Been forthright. So now fingers crossed 🤞 Lawd KNOWS I need this job!

CISA Reinstatement → FJO Timeline

TJO received — 7/21/26
Drug test completed — 7/28/26
NBIS/eApp initiated — 9/24/26
eApp completed — 9/25/26
eApp submitted to Security Officer — 9/25/26
Fingerprints + PIV photo — 9/28/26
Credit report pulled — 9/28/26
Financial LOI received — 10/21/26
LOI response submitted — 10/21/26
NBIS: Applicant Submitted / No Action Required — 10/23/26
Security processing — Pending
FJO — Pending
EOD — Pending

Was just offered a PCP physician Jon TJO with a start date of 11/30. Kinda soon. Wondering if this date is just there or I should expect some sort of delayed in the process? Or is it all on HR. Trying to decide between this offer and another offer to determine what I should do. Thanks.

NIH / HHS (Tier 2)

Applied 07/03/2026
Closed 07/07/2026
Interview Request 08/19/2026
Interview 08/24/2026
TJO 08/25/2026
FJO 10/21/2026

NPS / DOI (Tier 1)

Applied 07/12/2026
Closed 07/13/2026
Interview Request 07/31/2026
Interview 8/21/2026
Reference Check Late August 2026
TJO 09/09/2026
FJO Withdraw

- Applied about 60 positions since Feb. 2026.
- Modified and tailored resume for every single position.
- Recently discharged veteran.
- Referred about 30 positions, interviewed 7.

I almost gave up and felt I’m useless, but didn’t give up.
I know the rule “apply and forget,” but this was tough.
I hope this information helps.