In 1 hour I hired 10 people for $15-20/hr jobs today and will do 1000 more next week

[Waiting For Everyman]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my new job at the Census Bureau!!!!!!!

What a godsend the timing of this census is! We had an open-house for PR today which slowed me down, but I tried to hire as many as I could before the end of the day because today is Friday, and I wanted as many as possible to know the good news for the weekend.

I feel so lucky to not only have a new job myself, but to get to say "you're hired" to others, and so many times a day. It's awesome!

My office is an "early local census office", meaning that it's the first one up and running before other local offices... so those of you who are waiting to hear something, it's coming. Hang in there. :hug:

[babylonsister]

1. This is REALLY GOOD NEWS for a lot of people. And 1,000 next week?

Very cool imo. Thanks for sharing. :D

[bkkyosemite]

6. Wow so many hearts...you are most loved

:)

[Waiting For Everyman]

9. Thanks, babylonsister!

Yes, 1000 - it's going to be manic next week, I think - and that's just the beginning. :)

One man declined today because he said he really didn't need the job and he knew others did - I thought that was so cool. Sure enough, the next person on the list had been out of work for months and really did need it badly. It's interesting how things work out sometimes.

[babylonsister]

12. "...and that's just the beginning."

Wow. What an experience you've had. I love the guy who bowed out, too.

May kindness to others in a really horrific economic time in our country continue. Thanks so much!

[aquart]

25. Have a wonderful time.

[bosbdd2009]

2. Hey Everyman

I am in Peoria Illinois, 61616. Can you get me a Census job. If not, can you tell me who I contact to get a Census job in my area.

[Suich]

4. Welcome to DU, bosbdd2009!

Good luck on the job search!

:party: :bounce: :party: :bounce: :party:

[bosbdd2009]

7. Thanks Suich

I appreciate it, I am new here but I have read a lot of postings over the last month or so. I finally registered a username so I could get in on the fun and hammer some republiscums.

[Waiting For Everyman]

5. Link for jobs info...

http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/index.php

Click "Documents" on the left for a practice test and an application.

Call the toll-free number 866-861-2010 to schedule a test in your area. You can re-take the test as much as you want for a higher score. You can find out your score right after the test.

THERE IS ALSO A SUPERVISORS' TEST. Ask about getting scheduled for that too when you call the toll free number if you're interested. You can take both.

Also, veterans can get 5 or 10 point preference. That adds 5 or 10 points to your test score, depending on what you qualify for. See info on that at this link...

http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/veteranscenter/

Don't think that it's too late. It's not at all. And I'm told that we hire constantly all during the census to replace people who drop out.

[bosbdd2009]

11. I Looked at The practice Test

And I should be able to pass it with no problem, but what if I dont have a printer, can I call that number and have them mail me the documents.

[Waiting For Everyman]

18. If you want, you can just fill out the application when you take the test.

It isn't very long. The practice test you could just do on the computer. The real test is almost exactly like it, btw.

I really don't know if the test and app can be mailed or not, but I would expect so. What I'm thinking though, is that you might miss the soonest test date that's available, waiting to receive them.

[Danascot]

36. Try your local library

They're likely to have internet computers and printers.

[Contrary1]

28. Self Delete...Info already posted

[rpannier]

3. Good info thanks

There are lots of people out there that need this info.

I'm just glad I'm not one of 'em.

[Vincardog]

8. I took the test last week can you get me one of those 1000 next week?

[Waiting For Everyman]

13. Make sure you're reachable through the phone numbers you gave,

you'll probably be getting a call soon. As I said, my office is the earliest one in my state, and then the other local offices will be set up asap. Your state's structured the same, so stay patient and hopeful, you should be hearing something soon.

Just make sure the person like me who is hiring in your area can reach you when the time comes! Keep your cell phone with you or make sure a message can be left at home.

[Vincardog]

15. I am charging it now

[Waiting For Everyman]

21. That's it, stay charged. :)

Positive thoughts to you, Vincardog. I'm not in your state, but I'm hoping for that call for you. :hug:

[BigBearJohn]

10. Thanks for the good news! K/R

[4lbs]

14. The federal government seem to be the only really consistent employers right now.

While the private sector is laying off by the hundreds of thousands, the federal government is hiring.

There was an article on MSNBC in the past few weeks that said that in the same period where the private sector shed 750,000 jobs, the federal government added 200,000 to it's payrolls.

Yes, they may not be paying the $30 to $40 per hour that the private sector pays, but for many people, after being out of work for months, $10 to $15 an hour is attractive in the short term until the economy improves.

[The Doctor.]

16. Bravo!

That's just brilliant!

[ColbertWatcher]

17. This is good news for lots of people! Thank you for posting! n/t

[Why Syzygy]

19. That's thrilling news!

:bounce: How long do the jobs last? All year?

[Waiting For Everyman]

20. That's the one down-side

I wish all the jobs were permanent. Most are full time (or can be, the hours are flexible) but temporary for 3 months. Then there is a break sometime during the summer, and then there is a second phase toward the end of the year. Most people hired in the first phase are called back for that, if they want to be.

At least though, this may get some people through this next really tough few months, until they can figure out something else to do next.

[Liberal_in_LA]

23. In this economy, temp employment is helpful to so many people. n/t

[Luminous Animal]

22. How is it possible...

to hire 1000 competent people in one week? It is great news that 1000 people have the opportunity to be hired but I have to question a system that can assess the capabilities of that many people in a week.

[Waiting For Everyman]

24. Look at the practice test and you'll understand.

(it's in reply #5 above)

It's all done by test assessment. The top scores get hired. Then there is a week-long paid training class for each job category, which teaches what's needed to do the job.

It's very interesting to see how this is designed to launch and get done very quickly.

[Numba6]

26. & Vets automatically get up to 10 extra points vy virtue of status, like in civil service, so some

get a possible score of 110%

[Jeep789]

27. I've done part time census work for the last two

It is a great experience and great pay. (Am thinking of skipping it this time since so many really need the work but I would love to do it again.)

[ConcernedCanuk]

29. are us Canuks eligible?

.
.
.

ya know

outsourcing and all . . .

[blue neen]

30. I worked for the Census in 2000.

Actually, intermittently in '98 and '99, then full time in 2000. It was a great job! I ended up being a crew leader, teaching classes, scheduling, etc. We were so efficient that we ended up being sent to other parts of the country that were having trouble.

Ah, great memories...we worked very hard, but had a lot of fun.

Thank you so much for the encouraging news. :)

[ms liberty]

31. What a great post...

I had not realized the census was beginning to gear up already, and the timing couldn't be better. Congratulations on your new job; I love your enthusiasm!

[lonestarnot]

32. Most excellent!

:hug:

[jmg257]

33. Very cool! A real nice post! nt

[aikoaiko]

34. What is the expected hours per week and for how many weeks?

[Waiting For Everyman]

48. Those I've seen that I'm processing now

are mostly 40 hours per week (some 30), and for 3 months. But it's mostly crew leaders and assistant crew leaders right now, more than enumerators - they will probably at least have the choice of fewer hours.

[Le Taz Hot]

35. Cool!

My first day was Tuesday -- also at an "ELCO." I was hired for the office and we get paid less; however, we should be working MUCH longer than the field personnel. I got into IT and the Supervisor said it should last to September. From there we will be filtered into Administrative positions so we could actually be working well into 2010. I took the Supervisor Test and am REALLY hoping to be bumped up at some point.

Just FYI, we had a 200% response in my area. We've closed down testing for now and have started scheduling tests for the outlying areas.

[Waiting For Everyman]

38. Hey, LTH - me too, just the same.

:fistbump: I was hired as office support for IT too, but I'm being "borrowed" by Admin for now to get all these hires done.

I like the thought that other DUers are working for the census too, even though we're anonymous to each other. :)

[Le Taz Hot]

40. Oh, that's too funny!

I got "borrowed out" as well yesterday inputting applications/test information. It's not a lot per hour but damn I'm glad to be working again!

:hi:

[Waiting For Everyman]

42. Yup, me too. :)

:hi:

It's enough for me to get by on, and I don't have to worry about being laid off again - BTDT twice in 2008, that's why I sought out a federal job in the first place. It may be temporary, but it won't end unexpectedly. That's the worst thing about this economy imo. Both of the jobs I was laid off from were supposed to be permanent. That doesn't mean much anymore.

I hope you get to do some hiring too LTH, it's a real mood-lifter. :)

[druidity33]

37. do you need a driver's license?

I am 37 and have never had a driver's license. It has prevented me fromgetting some jobs, regardless of whether a car is necessary.

Cheers to you.

It's good to smile... keep making people happy and the world may just turn around.

:)

[Waiting For Everyman]

50. See post #44 below...

and thank you so much! :hi: You're right, one smile and one bit of relief at a time could change things! :)

[merh]

39. I wish I had some Hearts to give you, you so deserve them.

:loveya: :loveya:

thank you for sharing the happiness and blessings :hug:

:yourock:

[Waiting For Everyman]

43. Aww, thank you merh! And to all who replied here too - thank you!

I had promised to report back about the job when I got hired about a month ago, but I didn't think I'd have anything THIS good to share. :) I'm just loving it, what I'm doing each day! And so thankful to be working again at a job which isn't threatened while it lasts.

The working conditions and other people I work with are waaaaaaay easier to get along with than my other private-sector jobs were last year too (one for a big bank, one for a marketing company). I'm actually being treated like a human being again, and not a time clock punching worker bee in some prison-hive. That counts for a lot. :)

[zombiezneedluv2]

41. Yes!!!! Thanks...I was wondering what had happened...I took the test in Dec.

and thought I'd hear back in Jan. or early Feb. I am glad that there is still a good chance for me.

Question: if I put on the form that I didn't have a car, do you think I'll be passed over? I live in an area with very good transit, plus I bike and walk. Another thing I am wondering about is if I would qualify for an office job or are those all filled?

[Waiting For Everyman]

44. In cities, public transportation is ok'd as I understand it.

It just depends on whether it's appropriate or feasible for your specific area. In some ways, I'd think biking might be MORE practical in locating hard to find addresses, for instance.

And yes, I was hired for the office staff from the basic census-taker test. I think a lot counted in my favor because I put down that could work any hours, any time. A lot of it is a matter of luck too, but that's true of going for any job nowadays.

Openings for office jobs could come up anytime because there is a lot of turnover, I'm told. Also, some office workers get promoted to higher openings that come up too.

[zombiezneedluv2]

45. I put down that I'd work any time, also...Still have not heard from them...But

thanks for the info! I had begun to think that it wasn't a go, but maybe it has to do with the weather here.

[Waiting For Everyman]

46. Our particular office is 7 weeks ahead of schedule too.

The early-hires at my office did a heck of a job before I got there - I was in the "second wave" of staffing for them, 13 of us came in at one time, just for the office. It seems very slow while one is waiting though, doesn't it? :hug:

[janx]

47. I just called my local office and left a message!!!!

:party:

I've been scrambling to find a second job. I hope this works!

Thanks SO much for the information! :hug: :hi:

When would training/work start? I'm busy on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Can I work around that?

[Waiting For Everyman]

49. Oh, I'm so glad!

A word of caution: you MUST be there for ALL of the training, which is typically for a full week of daytime hours (ours are 8:30 to 5). If you can't do all of the training, they won't select you so work that out somehow. As far as the job itself goes, as I understand it the enumerators doing field work have flexible hours, which is nice.

Their pay rate is not bad btw, and it's very much adjusted to the given area's norm.

[grannie4peace]

51. i was going to do the last census but i got breast cancer

they had hired me but i didn't start ....have fun hiring :)

[latebloomer]

56. Hope you're doing well!

I guess you are, since that was nearly 10 years ago!

[bertman]

52. I'm happy for you Waiting For Everyman!! And the newly employed. How long do these

census jobs last?

[lostnotforgotten]

53. Spread The Love, Spread The Joy. Nothing Better Than Making People Happy!

eom

[thevoiceofreason]

54. Good for you!

We decided to do some house remodeling now - not because a weak president asked me to spend our way out of tough times, but because an intellegent president stuck his neck out for every American and asked us to do the right thing.

I'm also going to buy a car. Everyone do what they can.

(BTW, I am also starting a vegetable garden for the first time in decades - it's fun).

[1monster]

55. So, where does one apply for these positions? And how. I'm a teacher whose

job is probably going to end up on the budget cutting room floor soon.

That kind of temporary job might just save my family and our home when my job is cut.

ON EDIT: Found it. Census jobs here start at $11.25 per hours (less than I'm making now, but still too good not to try for it.

Thanks for the heads up.

[williesgirl]

57. Great news, happy for your job too! Here's a heart for you. rec'd

[toadzilla]

58. I took the test about a month ago, and did really well. still haven't heard anything though...

[Solly Mack]

59. :)

Now there's a job bonus!!!

[defendandprotect]

60. What does it entail? How long a commitment?

Do you have a contact number?

[bear425]

61. WFE, thanks so much for this info. I was going to apply, but

I thought it was too late.

I will look over the practice test and give the office a call on Mon.
I'm very happy for you that you're so happy. :toast:

edit: wrong smiley

[davidwparker]

62. Good on you. Have fun !!!

[Kat45]

63. I just took the test last week.

Do people (who get hired) usually ace the test? I thought that might be the case, and I was bummed because I got one question wrong. When does the census job begin for the bulk of people?

[bear425]

64. I am curious about the job duties.

Forgive my ignorance, but please tell me it isn't just canvassing neighborhoods. I'm not averse to that, as I have done it for political campaigns, but it can be a little dangerous. Can you enlighten me on this? Thanks so much.