Obama on hiring spree; lakhs apply for several thousand jobs

WASHINGTON: The US may be finding it hard to stop the companies from massive layoffs, but President Barack Obama has initiated a process to fill "several thousand" positions in the Executive Branch of the government.

Hinting at an intense competition, the White House has said that more than 3,50,000 applications have already been received for these "politically appointed positions".

"We're looking to fill several thousand politically appointed positions in the Executive Branch. We're already interviewing many for the upper level positions, but will be reviewing applications and making decisions on appointments over the next few months," the White House said in a posting on its official blog.

The blog further said that the recruitment process is "just for politically appointed positions in the Executive Branch of the government.

"These are positions that serve at the pleasure of the President and so are by definition temporary, not permanent."

Noting that the selection process would be very competitive and rigorous, the White House said, "We have received more than 3,50,000 applications to date for several thousand positions."

The details asked for in the application include background information, work experience, resume, education, management experience, private sector experience, government experience, non-profit, academic and political experience, international experience, desired positions in the Obama-Biden Administration and references.

Those considered for a specific position would be asked for additional details, including financial disclosures, and would be subject to other reviews, including FBI background checks. "If the position requires Senate confirmation, the Senate committee that reviews nominations for that position may also ask you to provide additional information."

"The Obama-Biden Administration does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by law," the application form says.

The hiring announcement by Obama administration follows close to six lakh employees having been laid off in the US during January alone. Hundreds of companies have eliminated thousands of jobs each during the past one and half years.