Federal Job Advice: "Do people actually get hired for job postings open less than 7 days?"

It’s common in this economy, that there are jobs posted in which the agency does not have money for. They post it in the hopes that the money will come through, but in this environment, it's unlikely to slim. Hiring managers can make selections but HR will not extend the job offer due to lack of funds. If this selectee already has a job - they may still accept the position when funds become available. If the person does not currently have a job, they shouldn't wait for the funds to become available. They should take another offer that will allow them to start work immediately. In short, as an applicant - you won't know if the job is “real” or not unless you have a contact within the agency who can give you a heads up. Applicants should simply apply to those jobs they feel they are qualified for with their best application possible. This means customizing your cover letters and addressing the KSAs on your resume and the CL. Don’t get too emotionally wrapped in the application process - there will be MANY jobs in which they apply to that they get no response from. USA jobs may show "reviewing applications" for months and months or the announcement may simply be canceled. The status may or may not even let you know of the cancelation. Seriously consider applying to jobs in which you are overqualified for in order to look like a golden needle in a haystack among all of the other applicants. Be sure you meet the specialized experience and specific qualifications so you don’t waste everyone’s time! In this economy old strategies won’t work. Maintain a positive attitude that won’t scream desperate if you do indeed secure an interview. Leave egos and arrogance at the door. Don’t’ expect your previous salary, especially if you’re not currently working. Without a current paystub, you could come in at the first step in the grade. Some income is better than no income.   External people do get hired into vacancies that are open for 7 days. It’s become more common now because there are so many applicants. In this economy, HR has no problem getting all the applicants they need in 7 days. In the past, HR use to need to keep the vacancy open for 14 or more days for the same qualified applicant pool. Only in the PAST was a 7 day vacancy likely to be for someone the agency already knows or wants.