ATF Panel Interview....What To Expect?

[CPD]

Hey BAT, I too flew to Dallas in July for the test. I found out within 2 weeks that I passed. I waited about 2 months or so then I interviewed. I found out 2 weeks later that I passed. Then I started to get phone calls to start the process such as the medical, drug test, back ground investigation, and polygraph test. Once I finished one part of the process I was scheduled to complete another part of the process. My background process took a week. The Agent finished it within 5 days. In early Dec. 05 I took the polygraph and I havent heard anything since. I called the ATF Office in Washington and I was told that If I was not considered for the position anymore, I would receive a letter. She also did say that if I received a phone call, then it was good news... " No news is Good News ". Anyways, where are you at now with ATF "BAT"? Chat with you guys soon.

[Pat The Bat]

CPD, I'm not as far along as you! I passed the TEA in Dallas in July, interviewed in October, and haven't heard anything since I left the interview. I did, however, just call the recruitment center this week and they told me I was still in the process and to just "hang in there." We'll see what happens.

[Ryanh1985]

just wondering what are yalls backgrounds that are trying to get into the ATF. Education/military?

[CPD]

Ryan, i worked for the FBI as a support personnel for 2 years and then joined the Chicago Police Dept. I have been here for 7 years, 5 of them as a tactical officer...... Pat, what office did you call? In Washington or in your home state?

[webjeep]

Keep me up on what you guys hear. I took the TEA in Philly in Jan and got my results a few days later. I'm waiting to hear on the interview. I was informed by some friends who are current that the Philly test is going to be the last one for at least the next two years. There were about 200 that took that test so I'm guessing about 100 or so who are still in the running.

As far as background... 8 years active in the Corps, firefighter/medic for a year (paid) and seven as a volunteer, cop for six, swat, the first and only patrol officer on the board of directors for the local drug court, and thirteen months from my degree.

I have to say that it was a little annoying to hear all of the guys/gals who were just gunning for an 1811 position regardless of agency when I took the TEA. I heard a couple of guys talking about all of the testing they have done for 1811 slots and how far they are in the processes for those jobs. I know that I'm just an idealist, but it's still annoying.

-web

[Pat The Bat]

CPD, I called the ATF Recruitment Center in Washington, DC.

Ryan, my education/experience includes a BA in Administration of Justice (2004), internship with ICE, and almost 1.5 years as a fed an an 1802 non-law enforcement slot.

Webjeep, sorry to annoy you, but I'm one of those guys gunning for an 1811 slot with any agency that will offer it to me. However, if given the opportunity to walk into any federal law enforcement agency as an 1811, I would definitely choose ATF as my first choice. Because of how competitive the 1811 job market is, you almost have to apply to every 1811 job announcement and take a shot.

[CPD]

Hey pat, did they tell you why it's taking so long? Im also wondering if they asked for your name and looked you up in their computer or did they just give you a generic answer " No news is good news"? It just totally stinks to wait.

[Pat The Bat]

CPD, they just gave me the generic answer without looking up my name. I agree waiting stinks, but we'll get the call when the time is right. The key is to not think about it too much, and when you least expect it, you'll get the call. Try applying to as many positions you are even remotely interested in, even if their all not 1811 slots. Before you know it, you'll have a tenative offer someplace and then YOU can decide if the job is right for you. Doing this beats checking the mailbox everyday only to be disappointed that the one 1811 position you applied for still hasn't sent you anything.

[CPD]

Sobie28, was wondering how did you find out that applicants from the Dallas group were on hold. Just wondering?

[Sobie28]

Hey CBD , well for starters the head of special agent recruiting at HQ. I called the basic HR number and got connected a couple different times before talking to the head of recruiting. He said the budget shortfalls and cutbacks have put ALL classes on hold and theres not one class in the works for the rest of fiscal year(Oct.) So all people in the process are on hold, since they only process with what they are expected to put through. He said they don't want to get expiring backgrounds that costs the agency extra money.
2nd. I work over at the white house and a PPD buddy of mine who is good friends with the ATF WFO Atsaic , told him they aren't putting any more classes through this fiscal, but when Oct rolls around they are having a HUGE push for agents since they originally planned on a huge hiring, but then were forced to cut due to budget.
3rd, the director of ATF, former PPD SAIC, further screwed the budget with 25 million of unauthorized spending. Such spending was done on renavating his HQ building and offices with non approved money. He also increased his personal protection motorcade from 3 to 10 full time agents, to be in par with FBI director. All this sums up that we are stuck in the mud, but they do go in order of process and we are next in line. Come October, if you can wait that long, sounded like we would be golden.
Bottom line is this budget is F***ing everyone. Im in the 1811 process over here and was told the total classes went from 11 to 6 this year. Sucks, but hopefully stuff picks up soon.