ATF Panel Interview....What To Expect?

[Pat The Bat]

I took and passed the ATF’s Treasury Enforcement Agent Exam back in July in Dallas TX, and just received a phone call asking to appear for a field panel interview in 2 weeks.

Any tips on what to expect in the interview? I really want this 1811 position, and could use all of the help and advice I can get. Thanks!

[Kimble]

I took and passed the ATF’s Treasury Enforcement Agent Exam back in July in Dallas TX, and just received a phone call asking to appear for a field panel interview in 2 weeks.

Any tips on what to expect in the interview? I really want this 1811 position, and could use all of the help and advice I can get. Thanks!

Never taken a panel for ATF, but I have taken a panel for another agency for an 1811 position. Shoot me a PM with any specific questions you have and I'll be glad to offer whatever insight and advice I can.

[JBT]

PM me and I will answer questions the best I can. I went through the process about 5 years ago and things probably haven't changed much. When you PM me let me know where your interview is as well.

[eff-bee-eye]

Remember that they will ask you to list your top 5 field offices (not field Divisions by the way). So check out their website and put together a list. Good luck.

[JBT]

Remember that they will ask you to list your top 5 field offices (not field Divisions by the way). So check out their website and put together a list. Good luck.

I put my list in when I submitted my initial application. It asked right on there. But be advised in the current atmosphere of the agency, you most likely will not get one of the top five. A high percentage of new hires are being assigned to field offices. One of the new guys in our office was a task force guy for us for a number of years and they shipped him from the east coast to Michigan. So don't bank on the top five, but I would say do thourough research on the five places you request: ie. cost of living, cost of housing, commute times, schools (if you have kids). Also look into some of the bigger field divisions (LA, NY, Miami, SF) for these same things because the agency always needs people in these field divisions. Be flexible about where you want to work and be prepared to move.

[eff-bee-eye]

I put my list in when I submitted my initial application. It asked right on there. But be advised in the current atmosphere of the agency, you most likely will not get one of the top five. A high percentage of new hires are being assigned to field offices. One of the new guys in our office was a task force guy for us for a number of years and they shipped him from the east coast to Michigan. So don't bank on the top five, but I would say do thourough research on the five places you request: ie. cost of living, cost of housing, commute times, schools (if you have kids). Also look into some of the bigger field divisions (LA, NY, Miami, SF) for these same things because the agency always needs people in these field divisions. Be flexible about where you want to work and be prepared to move.

Good points JBT. MOST of the people I know who were hired by the ATF in the past 2 years did NOT get one of their top 5 field offices, and they were like, "Um, why did they even ask me to rank them?" :D. Ultimately, as most of us know in this fed-hiring game, it all comes down to the "needs of the agency".

The good thing about ATF (as opposed to DEA/FBI, etc), is that they offer you the job AND location with your hiring offer, instead of halfway through your training after you accept the job. If you choose not to accept the offer based on that field office location, there is NO guarantee they will re-contact you with another location. This HAS happened in the past, but by no means should you bank on it. Odds are, if you are offered LA and turn it down, you are done with the process.

[JBT]

Word.

[CPD]

HI there, I too took the atf interview just last June. I am pretty sure that you have had your interview already so I won't answer your question but was wondering where you are at. Im still waiting for a word from them..

[tunlrat]

Never paneled for the ATF. But I might have some experience in a panel interview. Let's see: My very first was for legacy US Customs for an 1801 (where I actually got hired but currently no longer work at). Took, not one, but 2 for the USSS (1811). Paneled for OSI 1811, DEA for Intel Analyst, & VA police. And that's JUST the Feds! Guess 1 out of 5 ain't bad.

Feel free to PM me but remember to keep in mind my lowly 20% success rate!

[BP348]

Good points JBT. MOST of the people I know who were hired by the ATF in the past 2 years did NOT get one of their top 5 field offices, and they were like, "Um, why did they even ask me to rank them?" :D. Ultimately, as most of us know in this fed-hiring game, it all comes down to the "needs of the agency".

The good thing about ATF (as opposed to DEA/FBI, etc), is that they offer you the job AND location with your hiring offer, instead of halfway through your training after you accept the job. If you choose not to accept the offer based on that field office location, there is NO guarantee they will re-contact you with another location. This HAS happened in the past, but by no means should you bank on it. Odds are, if you are offered LA and turn it down, you are done with the process.

This is way true. I was offered a position with ICE at their LA office turned it down and never heard anything else from them. Oh well guess all that money they spent on me was worth throwing away.

[Pat The Bat]

CPD, I had my panel back in the middle of October 2005, and haven't heard a thing, good or bad, since. They told me I'd hear something within 6 weeks, but 6 weeks passed 12 weeks ago!

[JBT]

Have you tried contacting the recruiter in the division you interviewed or even contact the recruiter line in DC. They may be able to answer some questions.

[Pat The Bat]

No I haven't contacted anyone, does anyone recommend I do? The reason I haven't contacted anyone yet is because of this statement taken right from the ATF website:

"I am currently in the ATF Hiring Process. How can I find out my status.

As we mention in every job notice, the ATF hiring process is lengthy and can take up to 11 months to complete. Budget, staffing, and suitability issues can significantly delay the process beyond eleven months.

Given that many ATF offices simultaneously involved in the hiring process, and given the large number of applicants in the hiring process at any given time, the ATF Recruitment and Hiring Center will be unable to assist applicants with status checks. Applicants are notified in writing as soon as a final employment decision is reached."

[Sobie28]

Got word that all ATF applicants from the Dallas group on are on hold. Unless stamped "priority" by HQ. Budget constraints have slashed at a minimum 2 classes and they have to see what number they are having before proceeding with the process. All interviewers packets have not been viewed yet.

[JBT]

Got word that all ATF applicants from the Dallas group on are on hold. Unless stamped "priority" by HQ. Budget constraints have slashed at a minimum 2 classes and they have to see what number they are having before proceeding with the process. All interviewers packets have not been viewed yet.

Interesting, hadn't heard that, but I will have to look into it. I would say if you are in the pipeline call the local recruiter and confirm the status of hiring for the remainder of FY 06. That is about the best I can do to help.