I applied and was granted a conditional job offer with the FBI as an intelligence analyst. I moved through the entire process without any problems. However, on April 15 2008, the FBI sent me notification that it was rescinding the offer. Here is the contents of the letter: 
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This is to advise you of the status of your application for a position with the FBI. 

Your application was reviewed along with those of other applicants. I regret to inform you that after careful consideration of the requirements for FBI employment, you were not selected. As a result, we must rescind our Conditional Job Offer. In making this decision, we conducted an objective assessment of the information available to us and the needs of our organization. The choice between the many qualified candidates is a difficult one, and I regret that we are unable to offer you a more favorable decision. 

Our action to rescind your Conditional Job Offer does not consitute a security denial. On future security applications and forms you may affirm, insofar as it relates to this section, you were not denied a security clearance. 

Thank you for your interest in the FBI. We wish you well in your future endeavors. [/size][/i]
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As you can see, the FBI provided no reason for rescinding my application. It alludes to the fact that I wasn't selected out of many applications, but this step was conducted at the beginning of the process. As a result of my selection, I only needed to pass the latter stages which include polygraph test, drug test, and background investigation. 

What do you guys think?

I have a question about filing for my file. If the FBI is stating that I wasn't denied a security clearance, then what would be in that file to encourage them to rescind my offer. I am under the impression that the file only contains information that would act to make someone unsuitable for a security clearance. In my case, they are stating that I should not take their decision as an indication that I am unsuitabe for a security clearance. So, if I am not unsuitable and the latter stages of the process are not for selecting candidates but for determing their suitablility for security clearance, then why did they rescind my offer because I wasn't selected. Am I off base on the illogical nature of their response? If you have already been selected, then how can they come and say that you aren't selected anymore? 

However, I don't have much choice. I wil go ahead and file. In addition, I have sent letters to my congressional representatives explaining what I told you. I don't have much hope, but one of my representatives is the majority whip in the House and he might take pity on me and use his influence to help a constituent out. As I said, all my options are shots in the dark. What do you think about me calling my contact at the FBI? 

I will try to keep you up to date.

Just to add some more heat to this fire. I just pulled this from the FBI website: 
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1. Interview/Testing
The most competitive candidates will be contacted to schedule interviews and testing. Candidates will receive details regarding the format, location and time of the interview upon notification. In order to expedite the background investigation process, candidates may be required to bring completed forms including the SF-86 to the interview. Please note that candidates may also be required to provide a writing sample, and that candidates who indicated specialized experience (e.g., foreign language proficiency) may be scheduled for additional testing in their field of expertise.

2. Conditional Job Offer
Candidates who pass the interview/testing phase are eligible to receive a conditional job offer for employment as an Intelligence Analyst. The conditional job offer will include the position title, GS pay grade, salary and optional recruitment incentive information. Conditional job offers are contingent upon a favorable adjudication in the background process, budgetary requirements and meeting the critical skills needed by the FBI.

3. FBI Background Investigation
Candidates who receive a conditional job offer will need to get a Top Secret-SCI security clearance from the FBI in order to start working as an Intelligence Analyst. The background investigation includes a polygraph examination, credit and arrest checks, interviews with associates, references, past employers and neighbors, and verification of educational achievements. The average background investigation takes approximately 120 days, but may take longer depending on where an applicant has lived, worked, or traveled. See Details about the FBI Background Investigation for more information.

4. Placement 
Upon successful completion of the background investigation, candidates officially join the FBI as Intelligence Analysts. After reporting to Quantico for training, new Intelligence Analysts will be placed either at Headquarters or in a specific Field Office based on the posting applied for and/or the needs of the FBI. 
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Pay close attention to the transition from step 3 to step 4. If you pass step three, then you should move on to placement. Instead, the FBI moved me to the door.

I had a similar experience with the CIA. After a thoughtfuol review of all the info that is part of the background check I decided it was amy credit score that made me a risk.

I've chosen to reapply, and have also applied for IA with other agencies...

Nancy

I had to search myself to think about what might have DQ'd me. My rejection letter was I guess you could say hopeful. It suggested that after I gave thought to this DQ and if I think I cleared it up, I was encouraged to reapply after a year.

There were 3 things that I think DQ'd me. My credit scores were low (680s-694). A business tax was only partially paid to the city, and I was not really tight and exacting on the pre security check info form. (This was my first entry into the world of security clearance, and I just didn't take it seriously in a rigorous way.

I have cleaned all this up. Credit scores are now in the 735s, taxes paid and I completed the security form for the FBI in a way so tight it could crush charcoal into diamond. And just last Saturday I reapplied.

My experience has taught me that there are reasons for these experiences. NOW... if they reject me, I will know it is not because I'm not clean, it is because I don't fit into their slots, and I'll keep looking elsewhere. I don't believe in forcing these experiences. I thought about FOIA, but decided that it would be seen as antagonistic and if I did want to reapply, that could not serve me well.  

I also decided they could redact in such a way that it wasn't going to be particularly helpful. They believe in their procedures for a reason and they're not going to change them because I  think they need me and I want to do this kind of work.

{This may be nearing off-topic territory. Feel free to message me privately.}

My $.02

Nancy Drew

You really can't appeal a polygraph.  You might be able to request a "retest", but they will just fail you again.  If they were to pass you on a retest, that would be admitting they made a mistake on the first one.  They will never admit they made a mistake.

And, yes, a failed polygraph will follow you where ever you apply.  You might even get a call from your friendly neighborhood FBI special agent wanting to talk to you.  I did when I failed my polygraph.

TC

Readers,

The FBI has been very sensitive to the perception and image of the applicant process.

The tides are turning as the unusually high amount of applicants for FBI positions has subsided after 9/11.

They point out that your security clearance is not negatively affected by a letter which recinds your conditional offer of acceptance in avoidance of running astray of legal hiring guidelines and your right to face your "accuser" which denied you the opportunity of the position.

At this point in life, all I can say is thank your lucky stars you are not invited into an organization that does not want you.

It is a "good-ole-boys club" and membership is restricted to the elite.  Only "the best of the best" to quote the Men In Black.  A very sad commentary that the absurd in movie town in more and more resembling the reality of the Department of Justice.

Move on and forget FBI employment.  It might be the best thing that you do for the country and yourself.

Regards.

I just received the exact letter yesterday and am not sure how to handle it.  Any advice on this?  Please help.