I discovered this board when I googled "phap cdc" this afternoon. It's great to see so much enthusiasm for careers in public health
I've worked in various positions for the federal government for 13 years, so I can explain the NOR in a little greater detail. Most GS federal jobs use this system: rating is determined by combination of stated work experience, answers to KSAs/supplemental questions, and veteran's preference. Maximum rating is 110. 10 point veteran preference must be referred for selection regardless of score if minimum selection criteria are otherwise met. So what's a good rating? Totally depends on how many people applied and how well qualified they were. Scores of less than 70 generally don't get referred to the selecting official, and high scores that do get referred get tossed out if there is any indication that the applicant inflated their credentials or just flat out lied. The competition for positions with the CDC is stiff: the pay is miserable but there are a ton of super qualified applicants anyway. My opinion only, but I doubt that any PHAP applicants with ratings less than 90 get referred for further selection. And with 4400 applicants, many of those with ratings in the 90's probably didn't get referred either unless they had significant public health work experience or extremely compelling goals statements.
My rating, with 10 point veterans preference, was 103. I was selected to submit a goals statement, and today I received an email for a telephone interview on May 20. And then I received a subsequent email from my interviewer indicating that her schedule had been changed,that she will be visiting Los Angeles next week, and that I will be scheduled for an in person interview.
What made me stick out among the thousands of applicants? I'm guessing a combination of my work experience/point of view/age, and they are all interlinked. The people who were born when I was a college freshman graduated from college last year
And after decades in the work force, you develop pretty strong opinions about what you really want to work on and what you don't, and won't hesitate to make blunt statements about your objectives when asked
I believe absolutely in the dignity and value of humanity, but I'm not a relentless optimist about our future prospects either. It's not a point of view that will be universally popular, but it is a defined point of view, and I stick with it. I'm sure that this came across in my essay, and I'm sure it was to my benefit. The ability to make, and stand behind, unpopular decisions is a must have for anyone who wants to work in public health long term. To thine own self be true: didn't really work so great for Hamlet, but has worked for me so far in the selection process
To all those who weren't selected for further consideration: don't give up
It's strictly a numbers game: apply frequently enough for positions for which you are qualified and you will eventually land a public health job or fellowship Even with a MPH and 10 years work experience in the field, I am having difficulty in getting a new position, which is why I applied for PHAP. Peace and luck to all in their PHAP endeavors
