Checking your references

[justchecking]

Hi all! I am a newbie and already checked if I could find an answer to the question I am posting -to no luck-. I interviewed with the TVA (engineer position), got to the final round of interviews and sent my completed application to HR. I was told by the hiring manager that interviews were going to be finished in a few weeks. The timeline given to me by the hiring manager is up and one of my former supervisors told me he received a call regarding the position I interviewed for.
My question is: Does the TVA usually performs reference checks for all finalists or only when they are getting ready to make a job offer?

(I have not call the hiring manager yet, because I wanted to give him an extra week...didn't want to appear desperate )

Thanks in advance!

[Fermi2]

If you're worried about appearing desperate you don't really want the job or care about your future do you?

Mike

[justchecking]

I REALLY really want this job!
I've been in touch with the hiring manager several times already during the hiring process (I even told him directly that I am really interested on this position). I just wanted to give him a bit of time after the timeline he gave me (so, the team can finish their deliberations regarding the intervieews).
My plan was to call this week, and then last Friday I heard the news from my former supervisor.

[Fermi2]

If you're worried about apopearing desperate you obviously do not REALLY want the job.

Mike

[HydroDave63]

(I have not call the hiring manager yet, because I wanted to give him an extra week...didn't want to appear desperate )

Mellow out, so you don't sound like a stalker, and call already....before BZ pushes your buttons even MORE 

[justchecking]

hehehehe. So yeah, since i REALLY want that job I just called the hiring manager. Left a message. Now waiting for CB. 

[JustinHEMI05]

Well done, keep us posted.

Justin

PS if its any help, I sen a thank you card as I left the site so the SM that interviewed me would get it the next day and I proceeded to call every week on the same day at the same time until I got an answer. Its YOUR career... go after it!

[justchecking]

Thanks for the advice. 

BTW, I found out I was recommended for the position. Now, I am really anxious! 

[JustinHEMI05]

Congrats! Keep us posted!

JUstin

[justchecking]

Another question,
Does TVA HR return messages? I have two toll free numbers (877 -given by HR contact- and 866 -given by webpage-) and one rings no answer, the other one goes to an automatic answering system. I wrote the HR contact an email message but given a previous experience, I am almost sure my message was tagged as spam. So, here I am...waiting for HR to give me an update.
How long does it usually takes to go from "recommended" to hearing anything (job offer, rejection, etc.)?

[justchecking]

Finally! One year later: got the offer!
Now, on background and medical checks: how long do they take?

I have no weird background issues. I'm vanilla when it comes to employment, financial, criminal and medical history.

[JustinHEMI05]

Wow congrats! At my first plant, it took just under 2 weeks to get a badge. At my second plant (info in PADS), it took 3 days. So I would say 1-2 weeks, provided as you say, you have nothing weird going on. One important thing to remember is that you must explain where you where at all times during the period (a few years back) that they are asking for. For example, when I was on terminal leave and not working anywhere, I had to cover that gap and someone had to vouch for what I was doing during that time. So if you have any employment gaps, make sure you can explain where/what you were doing and someone can back that up.

[justchecking]

Thanks.
I have that covered up. I was Fed until 2005 so I know how anal Feds are when it comes to background checking. I am not going to be Nuke per sé, but will have to have escorted privileges...do I get some kind of clearance or just the regular background check?

[stormgoalie]

Finally! One year later: got the offer!
Now, on background and medical checks: how long do they take?

I have no weird background issues. I'm vanilla when it comes to employment, financial, criminal and medical history.

CONGRATS!!!! As Justin said a couple of weeks is a pretty good benchmark.

[justchecking]

And after that, it is usually 2-3 more weeks to start working?

[JustinHEMI05]

Start date should be told to you by them. That varies with each job.

[darkmatter]

Once Human Resources starts the process---------------I haven't found that department to be very resourceful or even human in their dealing with people---12 weeks if you're lucky, and even then there may be a few "items" to clear up. I think they can put the Vogons to shame.

[justchecking]

HR is going pretty fast this time. I already signed my Travel Order and got my Security Questionnaire Forms.

[justchecking]

So...I was requested to fill out SF85P. My previous fed job required me to fill out the SF85 but I reported to duty before the investigation was completed. How is it with TVA?

[justchecking]

Was scheduled for my medical appointment. So, besides drug testing, what else do they check you for?