Thank you for your comments, they're really helpful. I had some follow-up questions:
1) MechD wrote that how easy the work is depends a lot on your art. I would appreciate hearing more details about what that means exactly. For example, my art field seems to be broad but not technically terribly advanced (i.e., not advanced physics, chemistry, biotech, but straightforward engineering and computer science.) In other words, I think I will have no problem quickly grasping the technical aspects. But are technically non-advanced areas necessarily easier to examine? Could they be harder in some areas (e.g., software methods), because they are just too abstract or broad to find prior art for? Or are the odds good that my field will generally be easier to deal with?
2) Also, in your view, what is it that the Examiner has to grasp quickly to be efficient and have an easier time of it? For example, MechD wrote that how easy the job is depends on how quickly you catch on. I have done some patent prosecution work in the past, and feel quite comfortable with, for example, claims and examiner interviews. Will that make my job a lot easier? Or is there something else that determines whether you "catch on" quickly?
3) I'll be starting as a GS9, not a 5 or 7. Will that put a lot more pressure on me to produce?
4) I know who my SPE is, and he seems very nice on the phone. Of course, I can't say I really know him very well. A lot of people have noted that the SPE makes or breaks your job. Is there some way of finding out how easiy it will be to work with your SPE?
5) For various personal reasons, I am seriously thinking of making this a long-term career choice. Generally, I like the idea of being involved in government service and working in the public interest (even if at times it is tedious or tiring.) On the other hand, as I noted before, an important draw for me to me for this job is the ability to have a life, a good amount of time with kids and family (not an easy thing to have at a fast-moving law firm.) I have noticed that some posters say that as you get higher and higher (GS-13 and 14), the production quotas get nastier and the ability to have a long-term career gets more and more painful. In other words, it seems like your increased efficiency doesn't keep pace with the more demanding quota. Do ex- or current Examiners agree with this interpretation?
Thank you for your help again! (particularly to ExaminerEsq and MechD for responding so quickly.)
1) There are no hard or fast rules on how "easy" an art is. Personally, I prefer simpler technology in a limited area with fewer hours/BD than more complex stuff in a wider area with more hours/BD. The more hours you get per case, the more likely you will get nightmarish cases. The narrower an area, the more narrow your search can be, thus saving you a ton of time. If you have to span 8 different classes to find all the parts you need to fashion a horrible 103, the worse off you are.
2) This job is not like any other job you have ever held. Outside of biotech and the chemical arts, I can't imagine previous technical experience mattering a whole lot. Also, you won't know if you are good at it until you start doing it. It will help that you have previous patent experience and already understand the law. That will make getting started a little quicker when all you have to focus on is learning how to search (and reject) efficiently. The most important skill you need is realizing that no matter your education, experience, or background, you do not know any better than your SPE. Listen to him/her and do what they say. I have met many ex-attorneys with X years of experience who think they know better, fight their SPEs, and have a horrible time because of this. Until you are a primary, he's calling the shots.
3) No, there is not more pressure than if you came in as a 5 or 7, just larger paychecks. Your quota will be marginally higher, but it's really not that big of a jump. Just trend upwards in your production and aim for 100% each biweek by 10-12 months in.
4) No, not until you start actually working for him. He might be a really nice guy, but a total nobhole when it comes to his job. The trick is talking directly to him early on and asking him something along the lines of "who is your most successful junior examiner, and what does he/she do that makes him/her that way?" Also, talk to other junior examiners in your AU and find out any tips/tricks they have for working with your SPE.
5) There is a big step between GS12 and GS14. It's 50% more work. The two years beween 13 and 14 is pretty stressful. Quite a few people I know just make it to 12 to be able to work from home, and just camp out there for a few years. Staying at 12 is not a good strategy, though, because you are still at the whim of your SPE when it comes to allowing cases. Once you're a 14, some, but not, all the increased workload is mitigated by being able to negotiate with attorneys and to get the quick allowances. If you're a family man and want long-term, stable work with decent pay, good benefits, and the ability to make your own hours, I really can't think of of a better job.
Good luck, and I hope the job works out for you!
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Topic: Working for the USPTO (Read 827289 times)
