Working for the USPTO

[druss3ll]

To all the non EE/CEs and Biomeds, job postings for patent examiners are up on USAJobs.  Early cutoff of 7/27, but these are up all the way through next year with subsequent cutoffs each Friday.  EEs and Biomeds don't have another posting yet, as I think they're saturated with apps for those.  Good Luck!

Does this mean that hiring will not begin until the announcement expires? Or, is it that they will hire throughout the announcement?

This goes back to how it was before the freeze.  They hire throughout the announcement and they do it week by week, meaning every Friday they'll compile the names and give it to the hiring manager to pick from.

The postings do say that they will cut off at the end of each week.  So, if they are hiring every week, does it make sense to reapply every week until you get in?  Or are they weeding out that sort of thing?

[cherryblue]

To all the non EE/CEs and Biomeds, job postings for patent examiners are up on USAJobs.  Early cutoff of 7/27, but these are up all the way through next year with subsequent cutoffs each Friday.  EEs and Biomeds don't have another posting yet, as I think they're saturated with apps for those.  Good Luck!

Does this mean that hiring will not begin until the announcement expires? Or, is it that they will hire throughout the announcement?

This goes back to how it was before the freeze.  They hire throughout the announcement and they do it week by week, meaning every Friday they'll compile the names and give it to the hiring manager to pick from.

The postings do say that they will cut off at the end of each week.  So, if they are hiring every week, does it make sense to reapply every week until you get in?  Or are they weeding out that sort of thing?

You apply only once.  The end of the week is when they get the names, and they just compile one big list.

[ChiefJRoberts]

does anyone know when the september class is scheduled to start? also is this for EE or Bio or both?

[unclepecos2]

I've been at the Patent Office for 3 yrs now & as far as i can tell the most important thing a new examiner can do is not piss off your SPE or your primaries.  You don't have to kiss thier ass, but you definitely don't want to piss them off.  In my opinion, this is the greatest job in the world.  Once you get the hang of it, it's a breeze.  Other than to make more money, I can't see why anyone would want to leave.  Yeah- it's gets boring after a while, but so what....Just keep your production high (at least above 110) & you will have no problems.  I'm working from home now & I'm actually considering moving to Florida for at least for the winter months & nodoby here cares.  It's like being a superstar athlete.  Yeah you may always be doing dumb stuff but as long as you can score 40 pts a game or 2-3 touchdowns a game; nobody's gonna bother you.

[bioeng]

I interviewed on Wednesday. The interview went really well- the SPE said I would be suited for a particular group. How long does it take for any response from the HR?

[bobo77]

I interviewed on Wednesday. The interview went really well- the SPE said I would be suited for a particular group. How long does it take for any response from the HR?

Are u EE or BME?

[bioeng]

PhD - BME

[ChiefJRoberts]

PhD - BME

you should receive the forms in a few days. if not, i would call and let them know.

[bobo77]

does anyone know when the september class is scheduled to start? also is this for EE or Bio or both?

I called HR but they kept me in the dark!!!!

[qdot]

does anyone know when the september class is scheduled to start? also is this for EE or Bio or both?

I called HR but they kept me in the dark!!!!

You should call HR until you get someone who is willing to share such information.  Some people just don't care.  Ask for Ronald Taylor.

[hateresq]

I need some advise on the following questions:

How long should each KSA be?

What is the second KSA asking for (ability to establish and maintain public relation w/ diverse users)? I am really confused by this question.

Thanks.

[ChiefJRoberts]

I need some advise on the following questions:

How long should each KSA be?

What is the second KSA asking for (ability to establish and maintain public relation w/ diverse users)? I am really confused by this question.

Thanks.

i think they are just asking if you can interact with the public (attorneys, inventors, etc).

[petethebody]

I need some advise on the following questions:

How long should each KSA be?

What is the second KSA asking for (ability to establish and maintain public relation w/ diverse users)? I am really confused by this question.

Thanks.

Did they want separate KSAs?  I saw one of the postings for desired documents to submit: transcripts, resume, but no KSA.  My impression was just to make your resume contain those buzz words.  Am I wrong?  Should you submit a KSA if they do not ask for one?

http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=90055047&JobTitle=Patent+Examiner+-+Chemical+Engineering&q=patent&where=&x=0&y=0&brd=3876&vw=b&FedEmp=N&FedPub=Y&AVSDM=2010-08-13+18%3a42%3a00

[r0lf3cbn]

How long should each KSA be?

I would try to keep it to a couple of paragraphs or so. For example, you might talk about how your educational experience fulfills the KSA requirement in one paragraph, and how your work experience qualifies you in another paragraph.

What is the second KSA asking for (ability to establish and maintain public relation w/ diverse users)? I am really confused by this question.

In other words, can you deal with arrogant attorneys, clueless pro se applicants, and everyone in between.

[hateresq]

Few more questions:

What are the buzz words and where are they?

Are the buzz words in the Job Summary Section and/or the section that list the duties for each grade?

I am a good writer and have confident in my skills. But, I am concerned that KSAs are all about inserting as many buzz words as possible. I want to make sure I get it right this time.

Thanks in advance for the answers.