Federal Recruiting: Comparison of Applicants Who Accepted or Declined Federal Job Offers

In a March 19, 1992, meeting with representatives of the Subcommittees, we discussed the results of our surveys of applicants who accepted or declined federal job offers for entry-level professional and administrative positions. The purpose of the surveys was to determine why applicants accepted or declined the job offers and to identify the characteristics of the applicant pool, including any differences between those who accepted positions and those who declined. This report summarizes the information provided at the briefing. BACKGROUND About two-thirds of the government's white-collar nonclerical workforce are in professional and administrative jobs.1 They work in a broad range of - occupations, such as accounting, biology, mathematics, engineering, economics, immigration inspection, and many others. Entry-level positions in these occupations are paid at grades GS-5 or GS-7. In 1991> the GS-5 salary was $16,973 annually, and the GS-7 salary was $21,023 annually. (Salary rates could be higher for specific - occupations and/or locations.) Applicants for these positions must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience to qualify.