2019 PHAP (CDC's Public Health Associate Program)

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TripleE said:
I haven't scheduled yet. I got the interview invitation, but I haven't gotten the doodle invitation yet. When did you get the doodle?
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I got the link to the poll 6 hours after the interview invitation. I forgot to write down the time and date I scheduled for and didn’t get any message or confirmation.
 
GenQuestion1 said:
Literally is there any hope for those that haven't heard back or can I just assume rejection
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They seemed pretty adamant in the interview invitation email about if someone didn't want to go forward with the interview process, or if they couldn't commit to the program, to let them know immediately, etc. I'm assuming that's so that if a spot opens up, they can offer it to someone else...
 
Hey guys- 2016 PHAP alum here. I try to reach out every year to the prospective PHAPs because I know how exciting/hard the whole program can be. I personally loved being a PHAP! The most beneficial part is the doors it opens in those 2 short years. So many opportunities become available just for having CDC experience. As far as my everyday job, I worked in the Long Beach Health Dept. in the Tuberculosis Control Program. Additionally, I do know that many of my peers worked in either STD/HIV, TB, Emergency management, Chronic disease, Violence prevention or Epidemiology. The pay and the interview process are honestly the worst. They really leave you in the dark for months. I submitted all my information in January, had my official interview in April and didn’t hear anything until I got my acceptance in September and had about 2 weeks to move across the country to start work October 3rd. It was hard, but it was definitely worth it. If you have made it to the interview round- congrats! As far as the interview- prepare yourself for “Describe a time when..” ie. Describe a time when you had a discrepancy with a co-worker and how you handled it. Most of all just be yourself! The program is not for everybody (200 people were in my cohort and barely half of them finished the program) and the pay is hard to manage, but if you enjoy public health and have no problem uprooting your life- it’s a good fit. I hope this helps! Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions
Also- After the program ended, my host site loved the work I did over the years and offered me a job on the spot.

Ps. I want to point out that if you are not selected for a position there is NO rejection letter process. If you are waiting for that to come- don’t hold your breath. CDC is dealing with thousands of applications for this program and they don’t like all of calls and emails from you guys constantly checking on your application. If they are interested, they will reach out. Just sit back and check your email often.
 
BrigitMaria said:
Hey guys- 2016 PHAP alum here. I try to reach out every year to the prospective PHAPs because I know how exciting/hard the whole program can be. I personally loved being a PHAP! The most beneficial part is the doors it opens in those 2 short years. So many opportunities become available just for having CDC experience. As far as my everyday job, I worked in the Long Beach Health Dept. in the Tuberculosis Control Program. Additionally, I do know that many of my peers worked in either STD/HIV, TB, Emergency management, Chronic disease, Violence prevention or Epidemiology. The pay and the interview process are honestly the worst. They really leave you in the dark for months. I submitted all my information in January, had my official interview in April and didn’t hear anything until I got my acceptance in September and had about 2 weeks to move across the country to start work October 3rd. It was hard, but it was definitely worth it. If you have made it to the interview round- congrats! As far as the interview- prepare yourself for “Describe a time when..” ie. Describe a time when you had a discrepancy with a co-worker and how you handled it. Most of all just be yourself! The program is not for everybody (200 people were in my cohort and barely half of them finished the program) and the pay is hard to manage, but if you enjoy public health and have no problem uprooting your life- it’s a good fit. I hope this helps! Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions
Also- After the program ended, my host site loved the work I did over the years and offered me a job on the spot.

Ps. I want to point out that if you are not selected for a position there is NO rejection letter process. If you are waiting for that to come- don’t hold your breath. CDC is dealing with thousands of applications for this program and they don’t like all of calls and emails from you guys constantly checking on your application. If they are interested, they will reach out. Just sit back and check your email often.
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Thank you for the insight. How did you manage to move across country in such a short amount of time? What did you do to make the process easier for yourself?
 
Hi! Received an email about an interview around 2pm cst yesterday and received the doodle pool interview request around 5 pm cst. I think it depends on the interviewer. There are multiple people running the interviews due to the large candidate pool so people may get requests at different times.

I signed up for an interview time but forgot what time I signed up for due to nerves so that's awesome!

Regardless, good luck to you all and be patient! It will all work out!
 
Aiesha Hibbert said:
Thank you for the insight. How did you manage to move across country in such a short amount of time? What did you do to make the process easier for yourself?
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I packed 2 suitcases and hopped on a plane without thinking twice. Leaving my previous job wasn't easy, but they knew I was actively interviewing for the PHAP position. As far as making the process easier, just remember that it is TEMPORARY. You might be leaving friends and family but this is an awesome opportunity, and you can return in a couple years with a bunch of rewarding knowledge. Or stay at your host site like I did!
 
Hi guys,
This is my first post ever, I had to wait to get this account approved.
I have read everyone's post this morning and as much as I am excited, I am really anxious at the same time.
And congrats to the ones that got invited and for those that have not heard anything back, good luck guys.
I got invited for the interview yesterday (April 30th) and waiting for them to send me the doodle poll.
I emailed them last night letting them know that I didn't get the doodle but got the invitation and they responded this morning that they are experiencing some difficulties and that they please ask us to be more patient.
About 5 mins ago, they followed up saying that I should be getting email soon.
 
Hello & Congratulations to everyone who has made it to the interview round! Before today, I’ve just been reading other comments, so this is my first post.... I received an email inviting me to do a Skype interview yesterday at 2:04 PM CST. I have never received the Doodle information, allowing me to schedule the interview. Me being the anxious person that I am, I called around noon today to inquire. The lady on the phone was friendly but not too helpful and suggested that I send an email. I did email them inquiring about Doodle scheduling, and they recently replied saying we should be receiving emails soon (for those of us that have yet to received them). Hopefully, this helps to calm some of you all’s nerves regarding interview scheduling because I know mine are all over the place right now lol
 
ailantin said:
Hello & Congratulations to everyone who has made it to the interview round! Before today, I’ve just been reading other comments, so this is my first post.... I received an email inviting me to do a Skype interview yesterday at 2:04 PM CST. I have never received the Doodle information, allowing me to schedule the interview. Me being the anxious person that I am, I called around noon today to inquire. The lady on the phone was friendly but not too helpful and suggested that I send an email. I did email them inquiring about Doodle scheduling, and they recently replied saying we should be receiving emails soon (for those of us that have yet to received them). Hopefully, this helps to calm some of you all’s nerves regarding interview scheduling because I know mine are all over the place right now lol
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Thank you, this sound hopeful!
I will keep you all posted once I get the doodle email.
 
I'll add my experience so far - I received the first email telling me I moved forward yesterday at about noon pst, I responded to that email with the requested info immediately, and I received an email invite for the doodle poll at 2:30 pm pst. I responded to that immediately as well (scheduled for 5/7!!!) Finally, I received an email confirming my interview this morning at about 10:30.
 
hjfernald said:
I'll add my experience so far - I received the first email telling me I moved forward yesterday at about noon pst, I responded to that email with the requested info immediately, and I received an email invite for the doodle poll at 2:30 pm pst. I responded to that immediately as well (scheduled for 5/7!!!) Finally, I received an email confirming my interview this morning at about 10:30.
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I see. Does that mean I should just go ahead and send them the info they requested if I haven't yet got a doodle poll? I was under the impression that I had to wait for them to send the doodle and then I reply w/ my info.
 
So everyone who got the interview invite, they asked for these things:
a. your full name used in USAJOBS,
b. your Skype username, and
c. the email address you used to register
For C, do they mean the email address we used for USAJOBS or for Skype? Because mine are different for both.
 
PH_aspirant97 said:
I see. Does that mean I should just go ahead and send them the info they requested if I haven't yet got a doodle poll? I was under the impression that I had to wait for them to send the doodle and then I reply w/ my info.
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I went ahead and sent the Skype information (full name, Skype ID, and email) as soon as I opened the interview invite (yesterday around 3PM CST). I still have not received the Doodle scheduling info. But, it wouldn’t hurt to send your Skype information now.
 
hjfernald said:
I'll add my experience so far - I received the first email telling me I moved forward yesterday at about noon pst, I responded to that email with the requested info immediately, and I received an email invite for the doodle poll at 2:30 pm pst. I responded to that immediately as well (scheduled for 5/7!!!) Finally, I received an email confirming my interview this morning at about 10:30.
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Okay, on that note, I will send them the information they asked for then.
Thank you
 
Recently in this forum people mentioned that when they called PHAP and HR the representatives said that they are not finished reviewing applications and will notify candidates by the end of the week. Is it normal for them to start the interview process before reviewing all applications?
 
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Hi you all,
I just got my doodle email this morning at 7:56 Chicago time.
I read someone's post on the last year forum that her/his went to their junk so try to check there as well.
 
Interestingly, they sent me an email just now that my application was updated in USAJOBS and I was referred to the hiring manager..... Still waiting on my doodle invite.....
 
vetepistudent said:
Interestingly, they sent me an email just now that my application was updated in USAJOBS and I was referred to the hiring manager..... Still waiting on my doodle invite.....
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I just checked my USAJOBS as well and got the same notice saying I have been referred to the hiring manager as well.
That's interesting but do you have any Peace Corp or AmeriCoprs background? Because that sounds like skipping the interview line.

Sorry not to confuse anyone but here is a link of what I'm talking about.
USAJOBS Help Center | Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but any PHAP cohor here to help me understand please?
 
ericanouve1 said:
I just checked my USAJOBS as well and got the same notice saying I have been referred to the hiring manager as well.
That's interesting but do you have any Peace Corp or AmeriCoprs background? Because that sounds like skipping the interview line.

Sorry not to confuse anyone but here is a link of what I'm talking about.
USAJOBS Help Center | Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but any PHAP cohor here to help me understand please?
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lol no i don't. I received that email after I sent them my skype info. I still need to schedule the interview hence waiting for the doodle invite.
 
vetepistudent said:
lol no i don't. I received that email after I sent them my skype info. I still need to schedule the interview hence waiting for the doodle invite.
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Lol oh OK cool because the people from last year forum say they received that after interview but I might have totally read that wrong. My bad.
Good luck everyone!!
 
Out of curiosity, is anyone here still in college? I picked May 13th because all the earlier dates interfered with my finals and graduation schedule...
 
PH_aspirant97 said:
Out of curiosity, is anyone here still in college? I picked May 13th because all the earlier dates interfered with my finals and graduation schedule...
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Congratulations on graduating!!! I'm still in school as well and this is my last semester and it happens to be online for me and my internship is full time from 8 am-5 pm so I choose May 8th 1 pm because I can take my break that time and get the interview done with because I don't like being anxious because from this month to august is about to be filled with a lot of that feeling so yeah.
 
ericanouve1 said:
Congratulations on graduating!!! I'm still in school as well and this is my last semester and it happens to be online for me and my internship is full time from 8 am-5 pm so I choose May 8th 1 pm because I can take my break that time and get the interview done with because I don't like being anxious because from this month to august is about to be filled with a lot of that feeling so yeah.
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Congratulations to you too! And I totally know what you mean with the anxiety-there's just so much uncertainty after graduation lol. Best of luck for your interview!! Hope it goes well!!
 
vetepistudent said:
That's pretty annoying imo. Don't go trying to "trick" applicants to see if they fail, and be explicit in your instructions. :uhno:
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I don’t think they’re trying to trick applicants, I think it’s just when the interviewer sets up the doodle. I got my interview email around 3 on April 30th and then my doodle poll about 2 hours later. Definitely not fun for those who are waiting for it to get there, however.
 
sally2cotter said:
Do we need to add anyone on skype prior to the interview?
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I don’t think so. Based on forums from previous years, the interviewers will add us. Some stated they were added a few days before and some said they were added just minutes before the actual interview.
 
Hello to all of you awesome 2019 PHAP candidates!!! I’m a 2018 associate, and I remember keeping checking this forum for updates like I was Bill Murray in Groundhog Day. The best advice I can give you is to be patient and don’t give up. It’s a matching game, DO NOT be discouraged if you are not selected. You may be the perfect candidate without the perfect host site.

Last year we were told that offers would be made in June/early July. In August, I did not hear anything and had accepted another job. Just when I gave up on PHAP I got THE CALL.

Good luck 2019’s!!!
 
Pudgy305 said:
Hello to all of you awesome 2019 PHAP candidates!!! I’m a 2018 associate, and I remember keeping checking this forum for updates like I was Bill Murray in Groundhog Day. The best advice I can give you is to be patient and don’t give up. It’s a matching game, DO NOT be discouraged if you are not selected. You may be the perfect candidate without the perfect host site.

Last year we were told that offers would be made in June/early July. In August, I did not hear anything and had accepted another job. Just when I gave up on PHAP I got THE CALL.

Good luck 2019’s!!!
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Any advice on the interview, like the questions that were asked, please?
 
ericanouve1 said:
Any advice on the interview, like the questions that were asked, please?
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Your interview will be more like a conversation. You’ll be asked about your experiences, and to describe your best self in specific scenarios. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during your interview. Some of our host sites are outside of the continental states, and you may be asked if you would consider those locations. Saying no to this question does not effect your candidacy. My answer to this question was, “no” because I am a parent to a special needs child.
 
Pudgy305 said:
Your interview will be more like a conversation. You’ll be asked about your experiences, and to describe your best self in specific scenarios. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during your interview. Some of our host sites are outside of the continental states, and you may be asked if you would consider those locations. Saying no to this question does not effect your candidacy. My answer to this question was, “no” because I am a parent to a special needs child.
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Awww ok, ok, thank you so much!
I appreciate that a lot and that lowers my anxiety.
I don't mind going to any of the territories but I plan on starting grad school and will love to have sufficient internet access to get things done.
Thank you again for your response.
 
arin_phstudent said:
Yeah, the one downside of Doodle is that they don’t send confirmation emails [emoji24]
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Yeah they never do and as a doodle user, only the person that set up the meeting gets notification when an individual have signed up but I just wish that our interviewers let us know that they have gotten it and should be expecting their call.
It would have been nice.
 
ericanouve1 said:
Yeah they never do and as a doodle user, only the person that set up the meeting gets notification when an individual have signed up but I just wish that our interviewers let us know that they have gotten it and should be expecting their call.
It would have been nice.
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But other people earlier in this thread said they received confirmation for their interview dates and times so I'm confused
 
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