Round 2: SSA Attorney Advisor Applications

[pwfelsch]

Back in August 2009, I applied for an SSA Attorney Advisor position.  Despite several follow up attempts, I never heard anything back.  Although I'm not a veteran, this surprised me somewhat as I have over two years of state administrative law background and graduated in the top 15% of my law school class.  Then, this December, there were more Attorney Advisor openings in the same office.  I went ahead and reapplied.  So I have a couple of questions:

1)  Is it fairly normal, given the presumed volume of applications, for the SSA not to respond to follow ups?  If not, what, if anything, should I take from the lack of response?

2)  Was it worth my time to apply for the 2nd time, or should I have taken the lack of response to my first application as a sign they wouldn't be interested in me only a few months later?

3)  If applying a 2nd time isn't a waste, how long should I wait to follow up, or does it even matter?

I'd really like to practice administrative law at the federal level some day, so the job is very appealing to me.  Any insight would really help.  Thanks.

[jimmyjiggles]

1)  Is it fairly normal, given the presumed volume of applications, for the SSA not to respond to follow ups?  If not, what, if anything, should I take from the lack of response?

If they don't call to set up an interview, you'll probably never hear anything.  All you should take away is that you did not get the job. 

2)  Was it worth my time to apply for the 2nd time, or should I have taken the lack of response to my first application as a sign they wouldn't be interested in me only a few months later?

Yes it is worth your time.  Just keep applying.  I applied many times before hearing anything back.   

3)  If applying a 2nd time isn't a waste, how long should I wait to follow up, or does it even matter?

Following up, imo, is not necessary. You can do it for your own edification, but I doubt it makes any difference

I'd really like to practice administrative law at the federal level some day, so the job is very appealing to me.  Any insight would really help.  Thanks.

If you really want to get a fed job the number one thing you can do to improve your chances (other than be a veteran) is to be willing to move anywhere and just keep applying.  t