I also wanted to add that I think the NWS hiring system is flawed in the sense that I couldn't even get a shot at an interview with the office I did a student internship and research work for. I was not referred when a good amount of my references work there (including the MIC and SOO). In fact the SOO sent me a personal e-mail telling me the opening was coming and again I couldn't even get referred to the hiring official. I would have to say that was beyond frustrating.