USAJobs Tentative vs Firm Offers - What to do when you get an offer
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ต.ค. 2024
- This video explains the difference between a tentative job offer and a firm job offer with the federal government. If you've been applying to USAjobs chances are you have either received a job offer of some kind or will at some point in the future. Make sure to watch this video to understand the difference between the two types of offers and what to do when you receive them.
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Exact information I needed to hear. Thanks
You're welcome!
I interviewed for my current federal position back in June 2023. After all the paperwork, background investigation, negotiations, and general government bureaucracy, I didn't start my job until Jan 2024! It's crazy how slowly the federal government hiring process works.
Also yes to carefully reviewing the FJO! They tried to pull a fast one and have my salary and grade match my TJO instead of the much higher grade and salary I negotiated, and they agreed to. I pointed that out immediately, and it took them 2 full days to send me the correct FJO. Pay attention to everything folks!
@@rick467 glad you got it worked out.
your entire series of videos have been invaluable to me during this process, THANK YOU. I applied to one job, received a 1st and second interview, the same day, hours after my second interview, (which was labeled as 2nd/final IV in the google meets invite for it) my application status was changed to: Selected for position-pending EOD date. It has been one week to the day since my interview and the application status change and I have not heard from anyone, when should I reach out to HR?
@@Noneya1775 that's awesome! You're very welcome! You can start reaching out to HR anytime. The status change was likely from the hiring manager making the selection but HR may be still gathering items needed for a TJO.
Very informative, thanks for the video!
You're welcome!
Hi Casey,
I was given a tentative job offer from usajobs automated system. No one called me. It was sent to by email. Thanks!
That's how the letters are sent. It looks automated but it's not. HR built the letter and sent through usastaffing.
Hi there, I got a TJO last Thurs night (no call beforehand), and on Friday I sent an email to the HR rep, asking about a possible change in grade/step. This was before I had seen your channel and all the great advice in it. The HR rep did not respond. But within a couple of hours, I got another email, from the department I would be assigned to, saying it was URGENT that I accept the TJO before the COB that same day, Friday. This is despite the initial email saying I had 3 days. I wrote them back saying I had gone through the onboarding page and also emailed the HR rep asking to be contacted. I found it strange that I was being told I needed to accept the TJO in less than 24 hours. On Saturday morning I discovered this video and your channel, and immediately accepted the TJO and did everything I could (up to the fingerprinting step) on the USAJobs onboarding page. I also emailed both the HR rep and the department and informed them I had accepted the TJO. Today's now Thursday, I haven't heard anything, and I'm wondering if I should be concerned about being passed over because I didn't accept by COB on Friday. Do you have any suggestions on how to move forward?
Hey! For this I wouldn't be worried. The deadline isn't really firm. If you accepted within the 3 day window you're fine. To rescind the offer they will have to provide you an official letter. I'd just continue forward. There are many gaps with silence through the onboarding process.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 Thanks so much. That department email was really pushy, so I wasn't sure how much patience they had for someone asking for more money lol.
@@_eternal_now I understand that! That's why it's important to accept before trying to negotiate.
I have a tjo. Just retired from army 2yrs ago. In the last yr ive incorporated alot of debt and finaces off track (which is why i went back into the job market instead of self employment). Im super anxious about failing the background check because of this.
Poor credit shouldn't be a disqualifier. The only thing would be if you have anything in collections without repayment plans set up.
@federalhiringadvice1385 ok so I need to start setting up repayment plans. Got it. I don't think anything is formally in collections yet just delinquent. I signed up with a debt settlement company but I'm going to cancel them n do it myself. But ty Monday I'll try to get my creditors on the phn n set up plans. It may affect my credit worse though because they will close my accounts most likely. The bright side is if I get a fjo I can sell my house to relocate and all of the debt will be paid off. I just hope my clearance from active army is still valid or my current debt dsnt disqualify me
Thank you for the video! I was referred by several friends directly to the head department manager for a posted position. The department head reviewed my resume, transcripts, and did a phone interview. He said he’ll approve and pushed my information to HR for further review. He said the process should take 2-4 months. Does this period include the background check? When should I expect to receive a TJO? He said I should look for an email. I know the position is secret clearance. I’m trying to build out a timeline so I can move. Thank you again!
You must be non-competitive hiring eligible. HR will review your qualifications and if eligible will issue a TJO. The 2-4 months would be the onboarding process.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 thank you for the reply. Do you know how long it usually takes for the initial TJO?
@@HW-cn1ir it just depends. The hiring manager will need to provide all that is needed for a determination to be made. The delays are usually due to missing information from the hiring manager. Once HR has everything it should only take a day or two.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 thank you for the reply!
Thanks so much for this info -
You're very welcome!
Thank you! If USA staffing does not have the OF-360 form listed as a task to complete in the onboarding, will HR send the form via email? I've contacted them but not heard anything back and worry because the TJO letter said that the OF-360 needs to be complete within 72 offers of receiving offer.
They will assign it to you in onboarding. You don't have to worry about the deadline if they haven't sent you the task to complete.
Watched this video yesterday, bought the book last night and just finished reading it now. Thank you, sir. I do have a couple of questions I would like to ask regarding U.S. Citizens who reside overseas and are seeking employment and relocating back home. How can I get in touch?
I really appreciate it! If the questions aren't too complicated you can email at Kasey@federalhiringadvice.com but if you need to talk it out you can schedule a consultation at www.federalhiringadvice.com
How should informing current employer be handled? I see a lot of narrative suggesting not to inform current employer until final offer is received. However, the employer contact is part of the background/reference process. I would prefer to have this conversation with my employer and not have them be blindsided. But i also understand the reason behind the suggestion not to do so. Do you have any suggestions?
If you trust your employer you can let them know first. The reason it's not recommended is for those cases where someone might be terminated for looking and then fail a requirement and not get the federal job.
I appreciate this video today. Do you know what the requirements are for credit checks in the background investigation ? What’s the minimum credit score? What kind debt disqualifies and can a candidate wait until after the background is fully completed to start the job or does someone have to start while the background check is still going on?
I don't know that there is a certain credit score needed. It's going to be based on any delinquent debts. So things with late payments or turned into collections. It depends on the agency of you can start before it's complete.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 Thank you for replying
@@MsTTH-cam you're welcome!
If my TJO offers a recuritment incentive, how does that work? Is it only for moving expenses, like hiring a moving company? Do they give that money to you right away or do you get reimbursed after your FJO?
A recruitment incentive is just paid to you in one of 3 ways. Either lump sum when you first start, equal installments, or biweekly payments. You'll discuss how much and how it's paid out with your HR POC.
Can you at anytime decline the firm offer before your start date? Say you're happy with the pay grade and able to negotiate a start date. Is that when you accept the offer? And when you do, can you decline it before your start date? That make sense?
You can decline at anytime before your first day.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 thank you
I'm currently leaving one fed agency for another, and I accepted the TJO and then gave notice. I'm not concerned about my BI since I already completed my 5-year reinvestigation last year with zero issues, and it sounds like they're probably going to honor reciprocity (no new BI). Regardless, do you still think I should've waited to get my firm/final offer before giving notice? I can't envision any reason things would fall apart, but maybe there's something I hadn't considered?
When you are transferring from one agency to another there is not really a need to give notice. The losing and gaining HR offices work together with the managers to negotiate a transfer date. Then you transfer without a break in service.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 I suppose that's true...I just didn't want my boss to be blindsided by my decision. My team is already short staffed, and by losing me everyone's workload is going to be much worse, so I decided to prepare my boss. They even gave me a counter offer and tried to get senior management to convince me to stay, but I declined.
What if by chance you are hired for a job and start it and then a month later, you get referred and interviewed for another job you had applied for months before and you get a tentative offer for the second job, after you already started the first. How could that be handled?
In those cases you can generally accept that offer and move if you want since you applied before you started the job you are in.
I recently received a TJO, and filled out all the online pre-employment paperwork. Would I be notified of any possible errors in the paperwork or will I be disqualified without a chance to fix it, seeing as the paperwork submissions have deadlines?
They'll let you know if anything needs to be updated.
How long approximately would it take to receive a FJO for a DOD Secret Clearance position if already a federal employee with a Public Trust? thank you
It just depends on if they will let you start before the clearance is complete. It could take months for the clearance to be completed. If you can start before it's done and you don't have any other requirements then it would be as soon as you complete eqip. So around 2-4 weeks at the soonest.
Hello, I am currently employed as an RN with the VA. I was involved in a very unfortunate incident in 2016 that resulted in a Tort Claim. This claim is still pending. I am trying to transfer to another VA and have 2 TJOs. Will this incident prevent me from transferring?
It's possible since you have to go through credentialing still. I would just make sure to disclose it when possible so it doesn't loom like you're hiding anything.
Okay, thanks! I will just have to pray and wait and see🙏🏾
@@pamelabrown6401 yes ma'am!
Sir your videos are great and I listen to them at work but your volume is LOW on your videos. can you please increase the sound on your videos. I've tried it at work and my new MacBook. can you please increase the volume.
Thank you! I'll see what I can do.
If I received a TJO months ago and accepted that from an agency and am still in final steps of that hiring process but recently applied to another location at the same agency and received another TJO am I able to accept both TJOs? I’m worried it will kick me out of the application process if the one I’m almost complete with
You can accept multiple TJOs since all announcements are independent.
Thank you so much for the videos.
Question: if already at a VA and get a TJO at another VA but it has lower locality pay, could you negotiate to get paid the original salary from the first VA?
You're welcome! That would be up to the gaining facility. If it is a reassignment same grade and step it's possible you could lose the locality. Just have to work with your POC.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 thanks for responding so quickly!
Would the POC be the hiring manager or the HR rep?
@@lovelyleslie you're welcome! It would be the HR rep that issued your TJO.
Is the salary always at the lowest end for the position on the tentative? I assumed I would be in the middle but my tentative salary is at its lowest.
@@bwilson0191 it is usually. Anything higher requires additional justification and approval.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 How do I go about that?
@@federalhiringadvice1385 Should I accept and try for the approval later or request to be contacted now?
Is HR required to notify candidates via email if they have or have not been considered for the position, post interview. It has been over a month since my interview.
They do have to send a disposition notice that lets people know they weren't selected. It can take forever though.
What if you have multiple tentative offers? One of my hiring processes is moving much faster than the other but I would like to see what the other offer is before deciding. They may be a few weeks to a month apart. Can I accept one and back out to take the other?
You can do exactly that. You can accept multiple tentative offers and decline one at any time.
I got an email that said this is not a job offer. I am tentavily eligible for the position and that they were going to check my DD 214 and rewview my qualification and will email if my eligibility changes.
What is the chances of me getting this position?
That sounds like the notice of results. It's basically saying you rated yourself eligible. Then they will review all applicants and send out the notice of referral. That will be what let's you know if you're really eligible and might get an interview.
How did it go for you ? Did you get your offer ?
In the VA does the Firm Job Offer need to be signed by the director of the VA Medical Center where hired?
The firm offer is issued by HR through USA STAFFING just like the tentative offer. The MCD may need to approve first but doesn't actually sign the letter.
Man I’m in the tentative stage now and I hasn’t heard anything from my hiring manager. I called HR and they said they are waiting on my incentive 😅
During the tentative offer stage you'll work with HR. Probably won't hear from your hiring manager much since they are outside of HR.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 should I reach out to HR since I haven’t heard from them since 6/27? Just don’t want to be aggravating is all. My 45th day of my tentative was Sunday but I guess some agencies it can go way past that ?
@@Arossv1did you hear anything back? Have you started?
Hello, I received a tentative offer through email with a 3 day acceptance timeline. I accepted and turned in all forms needed before starting through the on boarding portal. Is background check next? Also I am a federal employee already but different organization. Would my TJO to FJO be quicker? Thank you and great videos.
Thank you! If you did all your paperwork background should be next. They'll review what you already have versus what you need in the new position. It's possible you may not need a new investigation. Time between TJO and FJO could be quicker but EOD will be decided through discussion between the gaining and losing supervisors. Could be a pay period or two before the transfer.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 great, thank you so much for the information. The videos are also a huge help in understanding the processes.
@@alfredodelamerced100 you're very welcome! Thank you for the positive feedback!
Hello and thank you for those videos they're highly informative. I received a TO through email 2 days ago from DHS/USCIS for an Asylum Officer postion. Ialready completed the on boarding process by submitting all the forms that were requested from me. I know that the next steps should be the background check, and my concerns are that i have a couples of CC debts collections in my credit report, could i get disqualified because of that?
Thank you in advance for replying
It is possible that could affect your investigation. It would depend on how long ago and if you are on a repayment plan. Ultimately it will be up to the adjudicator though.
@federalhiringadvice1385 just wanted to ask say how long ago, is that mean the more recent the more it could negatively impact my investigation? And also I requested payment plans as debts settlement to my creditors, but they haven't answered me yet. Could that count favorably for me as well?
@@myrlandecharles4418 the more recent does mean more negative usually. You'll just have to explain when you get the chance.
Hi! I have a FJO with a start date in less than 2 weeks, but just received a TJO from a different job of which I really wanted to do. Can I both proceed with FJO and start the 1st job , and at the same time accept the TJO for the 2nd job? I don’t want to lose or recind the 1st job offer without securing the 2nd job offer. What should I do in this situation?
You can accept the TJO and request to have your start date moved out another pay period. If they won't move your start date and it's not going to be a burden on you it's possible to start the one job and transfer when the other is ready.
@@federalhiringadvice1385joining this conversation late. Is it still possible to transfer to the second position if you’ve been in the first position for less than 90 days?
I accepted a firm offer but due to a hiring freeze the start date is months out. I have a possibility of another position within the same agency before that. Can I accept two firm offers and cancel the first , or will the agency hold that against me?
You can accept multiple offers and decline the one you don't want anytime.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 thank you! Your video is extremely helpful!
On the TJO, is the salary permanent or is it possible that the FJO salary can be different/ higher??
Depends on the situation but if it's your first job you can try to negotiate. I have a video just on that process if you haven't seen it yet.
Hello! Thank you for the video! I received a TJO from a VA location but also had another interview with a closer VA location. Do you think I am still able to reconsider or turn down(?) the current offer if I receive another offer from the closer VA location? TYIA
You're welcome! You should be able to accept the current offer and switch later if you get the second offer. If both locations were on the same announcement then you'll want to make sure to let HR know when you accept the offer that you prefer the other location because it will look like you aren't available in the system once you accept the offer. Then they can move you to the other certificate no problem. If they were different announcements then you won't have to worry about that issue.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 I appreciate your insight! thank you so much!
@@sungcheoljung8235 you're very welcome!
@@federalhiringadvice1385 I have the same question about a firm offer. I will have a firm offer by tomorrow, but I also have a tentative offer and am waiting on background check from another agency where the position is MUCH better. Can I accept the firm offer, then reject before first day is the better position goes theough with a firm offer? Both positions are good, but the second one is great.
@@mithicash1444 absolutely! You can back out anytime before EOD. When you get the firm offer just try to push out a pay period or two before you start to give yourself more time for the other offer.
What if you accept a FJO for one job but have another TJO offer in the works, (that you really want)? How do you handle that? Also once you accept the FOJ does it stop the process for the other TJO?
You can have other offers at the same time. I wouldn't recommend declining an FJO until the other is ready though. If you don't have to relocate you can just move from the one job to the other. If you did have to move you can try to delay your start date until the other offer is firm. They are independent so the TJO won't stop because you have a different FJO.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 thank you, I was really freaking out.
@@brittneypinckney7317 you're welcome!
I had the same question. Thank you for answering my dilemma.
I'm in the same position right now. Thank you for the clarity.
All my references were contacted a few days ago. How long to get a TJO. Applied to SSA Direct Hire
Could be anytime. Once reference checks are done the hiring manager submits everything to HR for the TJO.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 should I email HR asking if I’ve been selected?
@@BlueEyedGaming1 probably wouldn't hurt. May give them a reminder.
Hi there, in the same day, after the interview, I got an email asking for references. Like 15 days after that, my status was updated to Referred. ( That supposed to come before the interview, right?) It has been more than a month and never heard from them. I thought the check references was a good signal 😢
What did the status update from? Could be they just didn't send the notices when they were supposed to. Sending notices is what updates the status on USAjobs. Usually they only check references on their top candidates. If it's close they could be checking on more than one person. You can check with HR on a status update. A month should be long enough for a TJO to go out if you were ultimately selected.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 the status came from USA jobs but 15 days after the interview process. It is crazy.
I don’t think I am going to be selected. The interview and the check references were completed on March 14. More than a month now. I am going to let you know when I got the bad news 🥹
@@HB-lq1ou hopefully it works but definitely let me know.
All I received is a referral letter for one grade lower role? What does this mean?
May not have been found eligible for the higher grade.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 Got it! However, curiosity. It says:
GS-1102-11; You are tentatively eligible for this series/grade combination based on your self-rating of your qualifications.
And
You have been referred to the hiring manager for position GS-1102-11 in Anywhere in the U.S. (remote job)
Is this a good sign? Or not until I get a call for an interview?
Can you have multiple tentative offers accept them. Accept the fjo for one then later accept the fjo for another.
Yep!
Heyy have you heard of a
"Pre firm offer pending EOD selection"
When will I receive the final offer? Does it mean I'm hired?
Thanks!
Sounds promising! That looks like a newer status. If you had the TJO, then you'd be working towards the firm offer.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 awesome, thank you!
@@ajenehumber6608 you're welcome!
@@federalhiringadvice1385 Heyyyyy, just to update you, I received my FJO today 🥳🥳🥳. Thanks for your help again!
@@ajenehumber6608 awesome! Congratulations!
Hello. I know of a situation where an employee recently applied for an internal position and was selected for the job but didn’t have to interview. Is that unusual to be selected without interviewing? Thank you.
Interviews aren't required. It's possible they were the only person on the certificate or something like that.
I missed a tentative job offer on board requirements deadline. Should I reapply for that job?
The deadlines are just system generated. Missing a deadline doesn't mean you automatically lose your offer. Unless you get a letter or are notified by HR that your offer is rescinded then you are fine. Just communicate with HR and get things done as quickly as you can.
I'm going through the process with DHS for federal agent and my packet has been selected and now at Staffing Office. I was told staffing is the one that gives me my start date not sure if that's right. I completed the final part that was pass the PT test and the agent told me that Staffing will contact me with a start date.
That is correct. Once everything needed is clear they will give you the firm offer and start date.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 si is that what staffing does? This is for Deportation Officer…
@@juanmorales4873 yes sir.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 thank you so much. Just been waiting for 4 days now. Passed my pt test last Friday and still waiting. I appreciate your videos and advice.
@@juanmorales4873 you're welcome!
Thanks for the info! I got a phone call saying that I was selected and would receive an email with the tentative offer. How long should it take for me to receive it?
You're welcome! Should be quick. The call confirms all the details then they build the letter to send out.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 Awesome! Thank you 😊
It has been a week since I got a phone call that I was selected. Should I keep waiting or contact the person that notified me that I haven't received anything in my email?
@@ManuelOrtiz-lc3gy if HR was the one that told you that you were selected I'd follow up with them.
Update: I just got the tentative offer letter today, so it took 2 months for me.
I was given a firm offer however I was asked the following week to do an interview on my federal background investigation and I told truth on everything. Do you know how long this process will take and will I be notified? I waited months for my background investigation to be completed but now after an offer I feel I’m going backwards or starting over. I start in 5 days..
Shouldn't be an issue. Many agencies let you start before the background check is fully complete. If it impacts your start date HR will let you know.
Hello. Did you get a chance to start your government job?
Hello. Can I accept more than one TSO offer at one time?
@@jbaby9594 yes you can!
Thank you
It clearly says it in the video 🤦
@@jbaby9594 you're welcome!
on the TJO is this the base salary or the locality salary?
Should be both but usually at the step 1.
@@federalhiringadvice1385
The GS number on the TJO does not match the salary of the locality. I am wondering if HR made a mistake. This is why I asked the previous question… Is the TJO the base pay w/o added locality pay? Will the FJO include the locality pay? I am thinking about calling HR to ask this question. Thoughts or Suggestions?
@@federalhiringadvice1385 doing the SF 86 today in sections. Thanks for your channel. I pray everything goes well for me.
Hello, I was offered a job and accepted the firm offer with a start date of Nov 7th. Recently, I was offered another job that pays about 10k more than the current offer. Can I still reject the firm offer ?
Yes sir! You can withdraw up to your start date.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 SInce, I'm about to contact HR to withdrawal from the position since receiving the firm offer. Will my current agency accept me back till the other agency pick me up either Nov 7th or Nov 15th? Most likely I will use vacation time if the start date is extended to Nov 15th. Again, thank you
@@bobbyduate if you haven't left your current position then they have no choice but to keep you until the other position gets you a firm offer and start date. You'll want to discuss with your supervisor just to be sure though.
My references were just contacted recently, and I want to prepare to negotiate pay/grade. The grade offered on the job posting was GS9/GS11. What justifications could be strongpoints to use to when I negotiate for the GS11 position?
You can check out my video on negotiating if you haven't already. You can't negotiate a grade, only steps. If you weren't found eligible for the 11 you won't be able to negotiate it. For steps it's based on superior qualifications so you'll want to highlight your experience that exceeds the requirements.
I received a tentative job offer via email no call was made which I thought was odd. It’s a direct hire
Congratulations on the TJO! They may have just been in too big a hurry to call first.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 oh ok! Cause usually I don’t check my email often I was taken by surprised and yes it was a 2 day turn around
@@federalhiringadvice1385it was 14 offers that went out in our agency to contractors that applied. So I’m just waiting on the next step
Hi, I got an official offer with a start date in two weeks. Since I’m relocating from out-of-state, I asked for it to be extended to four weeks. It was approved by the hiring office. I accepted the official offer. Now, I have to go get an agency badge in a few days. After I get a badge, can I still decide to decline the FO before the start date? Will it be a huge inconvenience? I still want to work for the agency, just in another position.
If it is the same agency you should be able to get the card and keep it. The card should work throughout the agency.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 thank you! I just didn’t know if I would be considered a douche if i backed out of the job, after asking for an extended start date AND getting credentials. Lol
@@DW20uno it would only matter to that hiring manager. If you have another position lined up then get the card. If you don't, then don't get the card because you'll have to return it anyway.
@@federalhiringadvice1385 thank you, appreciate it!
@@DW20uno you're welcome!
Would you say this is the same for national guard title 32 jobs?
It should be similar. The difference is the legal authorities and area of consideration with those positions.
How about for federal employees?
What do you mean?
Hello! How long does it typically take to go from TJO to FJO?
It really just depends on the type of position and what the requirements are. On average I'd say 2-6 weeks is pretty close.
Why did this video show someone counting $1.00 dollar bills?
Good enough stock video for government work. 😅
So odd and evil that all these videos are of actors. Real life office environments are almost always the opposite. Boring, toxic, and deceitful.