New ALJ Announcement Imminent

New ALJ Announcement ImminentNew ALJ Announcement ImminentNew ALJ Announcement ImminentGet ExpertConsulting and Writing Help Feb. 7, 2013 Update See the OPM press release (Feb. 7, 2013) Free Webinar with Nicole SchultheisWed, Feb 13, 2013 1200 Noon 1230 PM ESTWed, Feb 27, 2013 1200 Noon 1230 PM ESTAccording to several sources, OPM may soon announce the reopening of the Administrative Law Judge examination early in 2013. Although reports are conflicting, some say a new announcement could be posted as early as January, while others say February or March 2013 is mora likely.Administrative Law Judges are attorneys who hear and decide contested cases on behalf of the Executive Branch of government, under the Administrative Procedure Act. Most hear Social Security cases, and the rest are scattered among 30 federal agencies. They are distinguished from other administrative judges and hearing officers in that they preside over contested matters governed by the Administrative Procedure Act. Our Newest BookThe ALJ examination has several stages. First, an applicant must file a written application, consisting of a resume, competency narratives, and qualifications statements documenting the applicants eligible litigation and/or administrative law experience. This is followed by a written exam, during which the candidate will be asked to write a sample decision. After that comes a structured interview, which may be conducted by a team of two or three interviewers, including at least one lawyer and a non-lawyer.Moreover, the requisiteur accomplishment narratives have a highly specific structure and format. You could easily spend 16 to 20 hours, or more, preparing your application materials with due regard for all of the requirements.Get expert Consulting, Coaching and Writing Help for your Accomplishment Records The ALJ exam yields a combined score of up to 100, based on adding the individual component scores assigned to the each phase of the process. In the past, a score o f 40 or higher would entitle a candidate to be placed on the ALJ register, from which hires are made, but only those receiving scores of 60+ were best positioned to receive offers. Veterans preference points (5 or 10), if applicable, are added to that total.Incidentally, 10-point veterans can apply to become an ALJ today. 10-point preference eligibles, as defined in 5 U.S.C. 2108(3)(C)-(G) and 3309(1), have the right to open an examination that is closed. If this applies to you, write to aljapplicationopm.gov and theyll send you a modified version of the 2009 announcement, along with instructions on how to apply.Applying to become an ALJ is not something one does on a whim. Sending in a typical private sector, academic, or career office style resume is not recommended. Remember, non-lawyers are weighing your qualifications, just as hiring specialists decide what it takes to become a successful program analyst, claims administrator, or other member of the competitive civil service. U nlike attorneys, ALJs are not Excepted Service positions. Applying for them calls for the preparation of a federal style, outline format resume. Moreover, the requisite accomplishment narratives have a highly specific structure and format. You could easily spend 16 to 20 hours, or more, preparing your application materials with due regard for all of the requirements.The Resume Place assists qualified candidates by creating superior resumes, provides expert ALJ consulting and writing support for the narrative part of the ALJ exam, and helps candidates prepare for structured interviews. The process of applying successfully to become a federal ALJ, and more detailed advice on the federal resume, application and interviewing processes are included in the new whitepaper, The ALJ Writing Guide, revised for 2013. In addition, a free, 30-minute webinar, 7 Tips for Writing the Administrative Law Judge Application, is also being offered, bi-monthly in 2013.