Interview and Selection FAQ
How long does it usually take after the announcement closes until I am notified whether or not I will be interviewed?
We do our best to make hiring decisions within 45 business days of the closing date of the job announcement; however, managers typically have up to 90 days to make a final selection. You may check your application status online at
http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/a9hhs.asp by selecting the My USAJOBS tab and following the on-screen instructions.
How will I be notified if I am to be interviewed?
In most cases, the selecting official or a member of his/her staff will call you to arrange an interview.
Who will interview me?
You will be interviewed either by the selecting official or by an interview panel consisting of three to five individuals familiar with
the job.
If I'm interviewed, how long will it be before I am notified whether or not I got the job? How will I be notified?
The selecting official or a member of the interview panel should be able to provide you with a projected time frame for filling the position. Once the selecting official has made a final selection, he/she will contact the human resources office. The human resources office will contact the selected candidate over the telephone and extend a "tentative" offer of employment. Tentative offers are followed by a formal letter outlining the terms and conditions of employment. Candidates who were interviewed but not selected are notified after the selected candidate has accepted the official offer.
If I receive a "tentative offer of employment" and intend to accept it, should I give notice to my present employer or should I wait for the official offer letter?
We recommend that you wait until you receive the official offer before giving notice to your present employer or making financial commitments to relocate.
If selected, will I be required to undergo any type of background investigation?
Yes. We conduct a standard background check on all new hires and employees transferring from another federal agency. For most positions, this is a fairly straightforward process that takes approximately three - five weeks to complete. For positions that require a higher-level "security clearance", the background investigation process is more extensive. The job announcement will indicate whether or not a position requires a security clearance. If you are selected for a position that requires a security clearance, you will receive specific guidance and instructions from us about what to expect during the investigation process.
If selected, when will I start working for the CDC?
Most new hires and employees transferring from another federal agency start work two to four weeks after receiving their official offer of employment.
If I am hired by CDC, will I be required to complete a "probationary" period? If so, how long will this probationary period last?
Yes, most of our positions require the completion of a one-year probationary period.
If I have to relocate to accept a job, will CDC pay for my moving expenses?
The decision to pay for moving/relocation expenses is made before a position is posted and is reflected in the job announcement.
