New ALJ Announcement Imminent

New ALJ Announcement Imminent New ALJ Announcement Imminent New ALJ Announcement Imminent Get ExpertConsulting and Writing Help Feb. 7, 2013 Update: See the OPM press release (Feb. 7, 2013) Free Webinar with Nicole Schultheis Wed, Feb 13, 2013 12:00 Noon 12:30 PM EST Wed, Feb 27, 2013 12:00 Noon 12:30 PM EST According to several sources, OPM may soon announce the reopening of the Administrative Law Judge examination early in 2013. Although reports are conflicting, some say a new announcement could be posted as early as January, while others say February or March 2013 is more likely. Administrative Law Judges are attorneys who hear and decide contested cases on behalf of the Executive Branch of government, under the Administrative Procedure Act. Most hear Social Security cases, and the rest are scattered among 30 federal agencies. They are distinguished from other administrative judges and hearing officers in that they preside over contested matters governed by the Administrative Procedure Act. Our Newest Book The ALJ examination has several stages. First, an applicant must file a written application, consisting of a resume, competency narratives, and qualifications statements documenting the applicant’s eligible litigation and/or administrative law experience. This is followed by a written exam, during which the candidate will be asked to write a sample decision. After that comes a structured interview, which may be conducted by a team of two or three interviewers, including at least one lawyer and a non-lawyer. Moreover, the requisite accomplishment narratives have a highly specific structure and format. You could easily spend 16 to 20 hours, or more, preparing your application materials with due regard for all of the requirements. Get expert Consulting, Coaching and Writing Help for your Accomplishment Records The ALJ exam yields a combined score of up to 100, based on adding the individual component scores assigned to the each phase of the process. In the past, a score of 40 or higher would entitle a candidate to be placed on the ALJ register, from which hires are made, but only those receiving scores of 60+ were best positioned to receive offers. Veterans’ preference points (5 or 10), if applicable, are added to that total. Incidentally, 10-point veterans can apply to become an ALJ today. 10-point preference eligibles, as defined in 5 U.S.C. 2108(3)(C)-(G) and 3309(1), have the right to open an examination that is closed. If this applies to you, write to aljapplication@opm.gov and they’ll send you a modified version of the 2009 announcement, along with instructions on how to apply. Applying to become an ALJ is not something one does on a whim. Sending in a typical private sector, academic, or career office style resume is not recommended. Remember, non-lawyers are weighing your qualifications, just as hiring specialists decide what it takes to become a successful program analyst, claims administrator, or other member of the competitive civil service. Unlike attorneys, ALJs are not Excepted Service positions. Applying for them calls for the preparation of a federal style, outline format resume. Moreover, the requisite accomplishment narratives have a highly specific structure and format. You could easily spend 16 to 20 hours, or more, preparing your application materials with due regard for all of the requirements. The Resume Place assists qualified candidates by creating superior resumes, provides expert ALJ consulting and writing support for the narrative part of the ALJ exam, and helps candidates prepare for structured interviews. The process of applying successfully to become a federal ALJ, and more detailed advice on the federal resume, application and interviewing processes are included in the new whitepaper, The ALJ Writing Guide, revised for 2013. In addition, a free, 30-minute webinar, 7 Tips for Writing the Administrative Law Judge Application, is also being offered, bi-monthly in 2013.