New USPHS applicants have many questions regarding the application process. The same questions get asked time and time again on PHSChat. PHS websites, materials, and application status and processes could be improved to fully explain the application process. For example, a flow chart that includes estimated processing time. There is currently a link on USPHS to check application status, however there is nothing entered into the system until a number of other processes occur like your conference call and medical packet are sent. This is very confusing and misleading to the applicant if they are unaware that a number of other processes must occur prior to materials being updated and entered into the application status system. An applicant can be under the assumption that their application may not have ever been received. This application status should be visible only to those that have agreed to move forward after the conference call, seeing that is when materials will start to be entered. As a new applicant I see the need to have the process more streamlined.
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Comments (2)
Before there were websites and email, and the need to feed the information beast, I joined the Corps by filling out a lengthy application and waited and watched my mailbox. It took about 8 months from start to finish.
In a way, the online information age, instead of making things easier, seems to have done the opposite. People want information, expect it, and want it NOW. It's one reason why PHSChat exists; to fill a void.
To your point; I don't recall worrying about what would happen next when I joined the Corps because somehow it was all explained well enough and all I could do is watch my mailbox. Since PHS created this application status beast, they have to feed it, or they should probably just kill it.
As a new applicant (submitted packet 3 weeks ago), it is extremely difficult to wait.
I do understand the concept as stated by Pe H. Eschat, but we are living in an era where the expectation is "give me info NOW". Just because (pre-website & email) Pe H. Eschat waited & watched his mailbox for 8 months does that mean it's acceptable now? Does a person lower their expectations just because? I do believe patience is a virtue & gift, but let's be realistic - the PHS has already & will continue to lose great potential candidates if the application & on-boarding process is not streamlined.
The "void" is not being effectively filled. Overall I think the status application section was a good idea, but needs to drill down deeper (i.e., more steps such as date application was received, person, department & contact number responsible for this step, etc.) --- system is good, but needs tweaking.
In the private sector we are constantly working on recruiting THE BEST candidates & we know that timing is key in capturing THE BEST --- why would any organization risk losing a great candidate?
During the waiting portion of the application process many other opportunities surface & folks are faced with the decision of either waiting some more or just abandoning their PHS dream.
Keep in mind, most folks think long & hard before coming to the decision of joining the PHS & just completing the application packet, requesting transcripts, requesting recommendations, etc also is cumbersome --- it takes the average person at least 3 months to submit the actual application packet. So add those 3 months to Pe H. Eschat's 8 months --- that's A VERY LONG TIME TO WAIT!