CBPO - Critical locations?

[DarrenGTI]

I recently took the test in Newark, NJ and received my score , an 83.

I however put down Vermont when choosing which location I would like to work at. My reasoning for putting down Vermont was pretty simple. I figured they were in need of more people. Was I wrong in assuming this? Would I have been better off putting down a major port like Newark?

With a score of 83, should I just move on? Will Vermont not reach that score anytime soon?

[K-9MALY]

While Vermont is not a huge CBP manpower need, it is a staffed asset within what is called a Customs Management Center. That is a grouping of ports of entry in a state or states which all report to a main office. In Vermonts case, the 7 ports of entry all fall under Boston, MA control since that is where the main Field Office is located.

So, your score is rated, and your geo location is sent to OPM corresponding caller. You may be asked to take a position anywhere in the entire U.S. based on the current needs of the service. You can also at that time talk to the person on the other line and ask what they have closest to you. In my case, there was no 9/11 yet, so I was in the "GS-5 on the Southern Border,,,,,take it or leave it, tell me now!" situation. Kinda took the guess work out of it for me, since we all knew it was going to be ports along the Mexican border.

Just wait for your call and she what they offer, then go from there.

[DarrenGTI]

Ahh, so I still might get an offer for a different state?

I really just wanted to know if I should change my geo preference back to New Jersey. With Newark here and all seems like they would hire loads even if it isn't a "critical location"

I think I would love Vermont, but if I have no hope of getting it with that score...I am willing to stay here in NJ.

THanks for the reply btw, maybe some other folks can chime in as well