Government Letters

Today I received several confusing emails from USAjobs, the hiring office for the federal government. Let me start at the beginning: in late August or early September, I applied for a training position with Customs and Border Patrol. (Actually, I applied for two; the information I received today pertained to the higher GS level job.) I did it on a whim, found it by accident. The only reason I applied at all is that the new CBP complex is about ten minutes away from my oldest son's house. And at that pay grade, I could afford to keep my house in Florida, tele-commute part of the time, and spend more time with my son and granddaughters. I don't really want to leave Florida, but applying for a job isn't a commitment; it merely expresses interest. I had written it off because it was so long ago and I hadn't heard anything, and I never mentioned it because if and until I heard anything, it didn't matter.

So the first email I received this morning or early afternoon said that my information had been reviewed, and if my application packet would be forwarded to the agency, I would receive a letter. Well, that kind of threw me into a tailspin. I'm teaching three classes now, and that is a commitment. Even if adjunct teaching isn't exactly a great career move, I'd hate to leave my students (and administrators) in a bind. But, again, I tried to put it out of my mind, and just go about my business -- and it's been a serious business kind of day!

After my late afternoon class, I checked my email before driving home, and there was another letter from the hiring agency. Here is what it said:

We have reviewed your application and found you qualified for the position listed above.  However, you were not among the most highly qualified candidates. Therefore, your name will not be referred to the employing agency at this time.  If we receive a request from the  agency for additional candidates, or another agency requests a list of eligibles for a very similar position within the next 90 days, your application will again be reviewed for possible referral.    


Thank you for your interest in Federal employment.    

Did I read something wrong in the first letter? Didn't they say they would send me a letter only if my application packet was forwarded to the agency? On the one hand, it is the government, and I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that it makes little sense. On the other hand, I'm glad they at least had the courtesy -- even if it could have been phrased more kindly -- to send me anything about my status. What's especially ironic is that it's the same position I held for two years at a different government agency; I'm not sure how I can NOT be among the most highly-qualified candidates. Ah, well. It wasn't meant to be -- and I'm okay with that.