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Topic: Working for the USPTO (Read 449610 times) |
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Isaac
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Posts: 3472
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Re: Working for the USPTO
« Reply #145 on: Jul 2nd, 2005, 3:59am » |
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For the most part, no. Most of the things don't make the
PTO a bad place to work. Instead the place is not as attractive
a place to current employees. I expect the changes to be more
of a retention issue that a recruiting issue.
The only thing that really worries me is the strategic plan to
contract out searches and a couple of things in the proposed
agreement that seem to be in preparation for dumping examiners
if they are no longer needed. Given the historic lack of
success for retaining examiners, when the PTO proposes new policies
that would probably negatively affect retention, it might be
logical to think they are anticipating a need to lower retention.
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Isaac
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DCbound
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Re: Working for the USPTO
« Reply #146 on: Jul 7th, 2005, 9:48am » |
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For those of you applying to the USPTO, here are some tips: 1) never leave a message on anyone's answering machine becausse they will never return your calls - always talk to someone in person; 2) get ready to send your transcripts and resume via fax, email, postal copies, and postal copies forwarded from your university directly, about 10 times total.
This is just my morning rant after receiving an email from HR telling me that JARS needed ANOTHER copy of my transcripts/resume now that i was hired (still waiting for them to send my binding letter). I sent them transcripts every which way and even called to verify that my file was complete - and that doesn't count the multiple copies i sent to various supervisors! Another tip: scan everything in an be ready to shoot off email copies - its easier that way.
Oh well, guess its another trip to Kinkos to fax these things off since they wanted it that way this time. Since broadband i haven't had a fax/modem in my computer for years ... all i want is that final binding offer in my hand ...
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guest
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I was hired to work at the PTO about a month ago and my start date is the day after labor day (spet 6 or 7). Anyone else starting then? If so has anyone begun looking for apartments/condos/townhouses/homes to live in. Living by yourself seems prohibitively expensive, but having a roommate seems to allow you to live more comfortably. Has anyone found a place to live that is convenient to the office (on metro, in alexandria, or arlington)?
If anyone has any advice on where to look (already have looked at craigslist.org, washington post classifieds, rent.com. apartments.com) or knows of places that are looking for a roommate I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.
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DCbound
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Re: Working for the USPTO
« Reply #148 on: Jul 10th, 2005, 12:34pm » |
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The USPTO has a free "relocation packet" that they overnighted to me last week. Looks like they just printed out info from apartments.com and threw in advertisement pamphlets from a few different apartments. Call HR and they can shoot one out to you if you're interested, but I found that the sites you mentioned are more useful.
September 19th is my start date. My wife and I just put a deposit on a 1-bedroom apartment at the ****n at Carlyle (****ncarlyle.com), which is just a couple of blocks from where i'll be working. Its expensive but rated highly on apartmentratings.com (another interesting site) and the location looks prime. The feedback (on the ratings site) was low on the office staff, but they were really nice to me.
We were looking for something fairly close to my work and near the metro before making my decision. It'll be nice to park the vehicle and walk to work, and we can use the subway to get around otherwise. Maybe just use the car for trips to the store.
Here is what i did in my research: got the address of where I was going to work and where I was thinking of of renting and used Yahoo maps to see distances. Google maps (maps.google.com) has the same features and a cool satellite toggle (in the upper right) - you can zoom in and see individual buildings - that i found interesting.
HTH
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guest
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Re: Working for the USPTO
« Reply #149 on: Jul 10th, 2005, 1:44pm » |
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Thanks for the input DCBound...I checked apartmentratings.com as well. Seems like most of the places got bad reviews though and usually disgruntled tenants seem to be the only ones that want to post on those sites. I also got good reviews about a place called Avalon at Cameron Court which is about a mile from the office. Did you by any chance look at that place?
I got the relocation packet from the PTO, but like you said its really more of a way to help you get started in your search. I wonder if HR has a listing of new e'ees looking for potential roommates.
Also do you know of any places that may give govt e'ee discounts? That would be great! I wont hold my breath though.
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