Working for the USPTO

[cherryblue]

my offer letter says the offer is contingent on a preliminary security clearance.  what does that mean exactly?

background check and fingerprinting.

[qdot]

my offer letter says the offer is contingent on a preliminary security clearance.  what does that mean exactly?

background check and fingerprinting.

Is that done before I start or afterward?  Is there a chance that I might have a problem given that I don't have any criminal record or anything like that. 

[cherryblue]

should be no problem unless you're a convicted felon, sex offender, or illegal immigrant, jkjk.  its pretty standard for any job to have the background check.  this all occurs before you start and on the first day.  btw qdot, what level and which position (ee or biomed) did you get the offer for?  also, if you know, what class?

[bobo77]

does any body know when the managers will get the list of people who applied after the first cut of date ( june 28th)

[bobo77]

my offer letter says the offer is contingent on a preliminary security clearance.  what does that mean exactly?

background check and fingerprinting.

Is that done before I start or afterward?  Is there a chance that I might have a problem given that I don't have any criminal record or anything like that. 

how long it took you after the interview to get the offer

[uvagurl13]

should be no problem unless you're a convicted felon, sex offender, or illegal immigrant, jkjk.  its pretty standard for any job to have the background check.  this all occurs before you start and on the first day.  btw qdot, what level and which position (ee or biomed) did you get the offer for?  also, if you know, what class?

Cherry, do you work for the USPTO?  If so what department? 

[uvagurl13]

my offer letter says the offer is contingent on a preliminary security clearance.  what does that mean exactly?

background check and fingerprinting.

Is that done before I start or afterward?  Is there a chance that I might have a problem given that I don't have any criminal record or anything like that. 

how long it took you after the interview to get the offer

No idea how common this is, but I had interviewed last year and was set to be hired before the freeze, anyhow I got my paperwork (PIV and OF-306) in less than 24 hours...  The verbal offer took another week and the written another day or two.

[uvagurl13]

uvagurl13 & eeme, when did you apply for Patent Examiner position? I applied mine in June 16th and received NOR in July 8th with GS7 & GS9 Eligible in both computer and electrical engineering and I still haven't heard from anyone from USPTO. I have Bachelor in Technology degree with Engineering in Training/Fundamental Engineering (Part A of Professional Engineering License) certificate under my belt and I still did not get anything as of yet. Any new information?

Hmm around then?  So do you have a bachelors degree in engineering or not exactly?

[rmr236]

If you have a good SPE this job is so damn easy.
I do wonder what art units most of you who have trouble are in.

[patttent]

If you have a good SPE this job is so damn easy.
I do wonder what art units most of you who have trouble are in.

Sounds like you are in one of those easy art units, such as that deals with toiletry.

[Yet another examiner]

If you have a good SPE this job is so damn easy.
I do wonder what art units most of you who have trouble are in.

Sounds like you are in one of those easy art units, such as that deals with toiletry.

I'm in a fairly tough art unit, and I've also had a fairly easy time with it. Got promoted to GS11 within a year, never had to work voluntary overtime. I think it all just depends on your training and your SPE.

Is that done before I start or afterward?  Is there a chance that I might have a problem given that I don't have any criminal record or anything like that. 

Dude, don't stress out about it. Follow the directions they give you, and you'll be fine. You can have the fingerprinting done at your local police station beforehand for a nominal fee.

[uvagurl13]

uvagurl13
I do not have bachelor of science degree, but my qualification under Item B makes me eligible by written exam passed for road to professional Engineering License. I already received NOR with GS7 & GS9 Eligible with CE & EE

Nah, I was just asking as someone mentioned HR seems to only look at your degree... someone else chime in??  I don't work for HR, so seems fine to me, but just repeating what was said before...

[qdot]

interview on 7/14. found out i will be selected on 7/15 or 16.  got official letter on 7/29

my offer letter says the offer is contingent on a preliminary security clearance.  what does that mean exactly?

background check and fingerprinting.

Is that done before I start or afterward?  Is there a chance that I might have a problem given that I don't have any criminal record or anything like that. 




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how long it took you after the interview to get the offer

[qdot]

there is a contact person (the same person who interviewed me) on the official offer letter.  is that my SPE?  if not, when r u assigned to SPE?

[qdot]

what kind of bonuses are available once you start?  i am taking close to 50% pay cut so i would like to find out what my financial compensation can be for the next year or two.