I'm a retired Fed employee and it is difficult to get a Fed job, mainly because a lot of hiring is done based on who you know and not what you know. I have seen this throughout my work life in the Navy, as a contractor, and as an Editor on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Trying to get hired at the VA is especially hard as most of their job advertisements hire from within the VA. When I retired from the Navy in 1996, I was offered a government position in the building I was working at, but foolishly declined. Did not have to apply for the job, fill out a resume, or anything. A Captain said a position was opened and they were going to give it me. Biggest mistake I ever made not taking the job. It took me 13 years to get a government position after that.
Exactly, and possibly that fact reflects on whom gets hired.
Of course my barb was not aimed at competent, well trained, highly experienced Veterans like yourself.
Thank You for your Continuing Service.
Do not stand near a Democrat politician, someone may get a photo.
In many such cases, the job opening is created with the candidate already designated. They just have to go through the motions of the hiring practices in order to check all the boxes.