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[pritomd]

Hello everyone, I just registered. I actually just submitted my applications last night, do I have a chance to get screened in the Feb 20 group?

I had a few other questions. 

While doing the job, is most of what you apply to patent examining from what you learn in training, or how often do you draw upon your background of choice?

Also, it seems like lots of more qualified people are applying. I graduated in May 2011 with a degree in Engineering Science in an interdisciplinary program made up of BME and MSE.  I only applied to GS07 roles, but it seems like even MS and JD candidates are having trouble getting positions? Does not bode well for me!

Also, what sort of qualifications do they specifically look for besides what's listed? I know those are the minimums, but what GPA/School/Extracurriculars do they actually want?

Also, I know it's been asked a ton, but what sort of timeline can I expect? Again, I applied 02/17, will I be in the 02/20 cutoff? Are the contacts pretty open to answer this question if I call them?

Thanks!

[Vanilla Ice]

Also, I know it's been asked a ton, but what sort of timeline can I expect? Again, I applied 02/17, will I be in the 02/20 cutoff? Are the contacts pretty open to answer this question if I call them?
Thanks!

I have been waiting 10 weeks, and I still don't have an answer yet. I'm hoping to hear back this week, although I said that last week....

It depends on what contacts you are calling. Some were not really interested in talking, others were interested and had some useful suggestions, although don't be surprised if they don't even know or care who is on the other end of the line.

I just got denied for the GS-11 position, as I expected. I would rather start as a GS-9 step 8 anyways.

Has anyone heard back regarding the positions that closed on Dec. 12, 2011?

[IsolatedSystem]

Also, I know it's been asked a ton, but what sort of timeline can I expect? Again, I applied 02/17, will I be in the 02/20 cutoff? Are the contacts pretty open to answer this question if I call them?
Thanks!

I have been waiting 10 weeks, and I still don't have an answer yet. I'm hoping to hear back this week, although I said that last week....

It depends on what contacts you are calling. Some were not really interested in talking, others were interested and had some useful suggestions, although don't be surprised if they don't even know or care who is on the other end of the line.

I just got denied for the GS-11 position, as I expected. I would rather start as a GS-9 step 8 anyways.

Has anyone heard back regarding the positions that closed on Dec. 12, 2011?

Not a freakin' thing yet. I applied for the new GS7/9 chem engr posting just in case. I'm also putting in bids for my law school's Spring OCI. I'm so frustrated/jaded/bitter.

[CBinKY]

Just an update for those wondering - they may want to check their status's on the USAjobs.com website if you applied back in December.  Just saw my application for a GS-9 Examiner (Pharmacology) position was changed to not selected (I have a J.D., patent attorney registration, and master's in Pharmacology - so they must only be looking for Ph.D's).  Seems they didn't send out updates on the status change via email like they usually do.  Only way I found out was through the USAjobs.com website.

[Vanilla Ice]

Just an update for those wondering - they may want to check their status's on the USAjobs.com website if you applied back in December.  Just saw my application for a GS-9 Examiner (Pharmacology) position was changed to not selected (I have a J.D., patent attorney registration, and master's in Pharmacology - so they must only be looking for Ph.D's).  Seems they didn't send out updates on the status change via email like they usually do.  Only way I found out was through the USAjobs.com website.

Did you ever get a request for OF-306? How many pharmacolgy majors are there with a JD that they can be that picky?

As a side note, one PTO employee told me that if you dont get picked, you should re-apply becuase the hiring needs change. Also, there is a setting on the new USAjobs website that you select to get email notification. It's possible the setting got changed when USAjobs was updated several months ago.

[IsolatedSystem]

Just an update for those wondering - they may want to check their status's on the USAjobs.com website if you applied back in December.  Just saw my application for a GS-9 Examiner (Pharmacology) position was changed to not selected (I have a J.D., patent attorney registration, and master's in Pharmacology - so they must only be looking for Ph.D's).  Seems they didn't send out updates on the status change via email like they usually do.  Only way I found out was through the USAjobs.com website.

Wowz@ your unselected credentials. Did you spit on the interviewer?

I checked usajobs just in case. No updates. I actually donno if my interview on 1/20 was based on the chem position that closed 12/2 or the chem engr posting that closed 12/21. They both just say I've been "referred to selecting official."

[misterbrowny]

Just an update for those wondering - they may want to check their status's on the USAjobs.com website if you applied back in December.  Just saw my application for a GS-9 Examiner (Pharmacology) position was changed to not selected (I have a J.D., patent attorney registration, and master's in Pharmacology - so they must only be looking for Ph.D's).  Seems they didn't send out updates on the status change via email like they usually do.  Only way I found out was through the USAjobs.com website.

A buddy of mine with a Ph.D. and passing the patent bar was rejected for GS-11 in the past. 

[blaze1306]

Just an update for those wondering - they may want to check their status's on the USAjobs.com website if you applied back in December.  Just saw my application for a GS-9 Examiner (Pharmacology) position was changed to not selected (I have a J.D., patent attorney registration, and master's in Pharmacology - so they must only be looking for Ph.D's).  Seems they didn't send out updates on the status change via email like they usually do.  Only way I found out was through the USAjobs.com website.

Thats harsh man I feel for you, its pretty crappy that you have the requirements but they still think they can do better.

[Vanilla Ice]

I have a chem PhD and passed the bar exam, they just rejected me for the GS-11 chemistry today since I have no relevant experience.

I would actually prefer to start as a GS-9 step 8 rather than a GS-11. Still waiting to hear back regarding the GS-9 position!

[IsolatedSystem]

To everyone rejected for GS-11:

No advanced degree is sufficient to qualify you for this position. No certification is sufficient. You have to have at least one year of actual, bona fide patent prosecution or patent examining experience. There may be some exceptions, but your one year of IP experience must be very close to the two I just mentioned. I think a key element of your experience is that you interact with the PTO with respect to patent applications.

JD doesn't matter, registration doesn't matter, Ph.D doesn't matter. Lacking one year of bona fide patent work experience is an automatic bar to this position.

[misterbrowny]

Another possibility which is likely is what your Ph.D. (chemistry) is in i.e. organic chemistry, chemical education, etc.

I'm sure this possibly plays a role if there is more of a demand for a certain focus than others.

Keep in mind that we all filled out the candidate questionnaire that allowed the hiring official or selecting official to gauge if we would be a fit for what they are looking for or if we can be slotted into something else.  I'm not sure of the demand for certain areas of chemistry.  Maybe someone else can answer which area of chemistry expertise they are looking for?

[horsechute]

A PhD should get you into any chemical art. The market has improved enough that people with PhD's in chemistry and biology should be able to get jobs as agents or attorneys. I know they are advertising for them. People with EE degrees (especially with experience) should not have any trouble either, unless there are some real issues. Contrast this with the messages people were posting in this forum two years ago. I remember someone mentioned a position opening up for a legal secretary at their firm, and they received 40 applications in 14 hours, including a few people with JD's.

[Vanilla Ice]

I wanted to seem like a team player, so I said I would be interested in both TC1600 and TC1700. Not sure if this was a good idea, but I figured my resume would get more attention instead of the round file.

TC1700 apparently could use someone with knowledge in XRD and surface techniques. According to the hiring contact I spoke with, he wasn't interested in the fact that I passed the patent bar, only that I knew something about surface techniques and XRD. We shall see. I was found eligable, interviewed, and submitted the OF-306, but still no offer. The waiting is the hardest part.

Looks like there might be another career fair.
http://www.usptocareers.gov/jobfair/

[CBinKY]

Just an update for those wondering - they may want to check their status's on the USAjobs.com website if you applied back in December.  Just saw my application for a GS-9 Examiner (Pharmacology) position was changed to not selected (I have a J.D., patent attorney registration, and master's in Pharmacology - so they must only be looking for Ph.D's).  Seems they didn't send out updates on the status change via email like they usually do.  Only way I found out was through the USAjobs.com website.

Wowz@ your unselected credentials. Did you spit on the interviewer?

I checked usajobs just in case. No updates. I actually donno if my interview on 1/20 was based on the chem position that closed 12/2 or the chem engr posting that closed 12/21. They both just say I've been "referred to selecting official."

Nope - didn't spit on anyone.  Didn't even get an interview.  Merely an update that it was sent to the selecting official, then a change to "not selected".  Also, Didn't get a request for an OF-306 either.  Did kinda boggle my mind that I didn't even get called for a phone interview.  I guess my best bet is to try again at a later date.

[IsolatedSystem]

Just an update for those wondering - they may want to check their status's on the USAjobs.com website if you applied back in December.  Just saw my application for a GS-9 Examiner (Pharmacology) position was changed to not selected (I have a J.D., patent attorney registration, and master's in Pharmacology - so they must only be looking for Ph.D's).  Seems they didn't send out updates on the status change via email like they usually do.  Only way I found out was through the USAjobs.com website.

Wowz@ your unselected credentials. Did you spit on the interviewer?

I checked usajobs just in case. No updates. I actually donno if my interview on 1/20 was based on the chem position that closed 12/2 or the chem engr posting that closed 12/21. They both just say I've been "referred to selecting official."

Nope - didn't spit on anyone.  Didn't even get an interview.  Merely an update that it was sent to the selecting official, then a change to "not selected".  Also, Didn't get a request for an OF-306 either.  Did kinda boggle my mind that I didn't even get called for a phone interview.  I guess my best bet is to try again at a later date.

Yeah, I'm pretty boggled too. Even if they prefer the Ph.D, you'd think you would have gotten a phone interview. How can they be that selective?