GS-level question

[Anonymous]

I applied for a federal job. As part of the application, I had to choose the lowest GS level for which I wished to be considered. I was found qualified for that level AND the next higher level. I have now been selected for an interview. Should I ask about this during the interview, or will I automatically be considered for the higher level since I was found to be qualified for the higher level?

[Anonymous]

You will be hired at the grade you applied.

[Anonymous]

Depends on what the agency decides to offer, sounds like they could offer either the lower or the higher and they will determine that based on your experience.

Just because HR found you qualified does not mean you’ll be hired for the higher level, but it is a possibility. I once interviewed for a position where I was found qualified for two GS levels and was offered the lower level.

[Anonymous]

In the interview, you could ask whether the two pay levels are for the same position or different positions.

In a ladder position, say GS-13/14, if you qualify for the higher side they will usually bring you in at that higher level. And, in that case it doesn't hurt to advocate for yourself. But if they have one GS-13/14 and one GS-13 (capped), your willingness to take a GS-13 could be important.

[Anonymous]

When hired as a "public", do you always start at the lowest step?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When hired as a "public", do you always start at the lowest step?

no

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You will be hired at the grade you applied.

Is this correct ?

[Anonymous]

I would wait for an offer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would wait for an offer.

Don't wait for the offer. You don't want them to be like "oh processed this as a 12 you can reject that if you want." The HR people are going to be different from your hiring people. Ask ask ask about the grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When hired as a "public", do you always start at the lowest step?

no

They will offer you the lowest step unless you ask for a higher step. Then you have to provide a pay stub from your current job and they can try to match that with the step level. They aren't required to do that, though. It's the manager's and HR decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In the interview, you could ask whether the two pay levels are for the same position or different positions.

In a ladder position, say GS-13/14, if you qualify for the higher side they will usually bring you in at that higher level. And, in that case it doesn't hurt to advocate for yourself. But if they have one GS-13/14 and one GS-13 (capped), your willingness to take a GS-13 could be important.

OP here. I only applied for one position. There was a GS-level range, so I guess it is a ladder position. I will ask, though. Thanks to all for the helpful responses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In the interview, you could ask whether the two pay levels are for the same position or different positions.

In a ladder position, say GS-13/14, if you qualify for the higher side they will usually bring you in at that higher level. And, in that case it doesn't hurt to advocate for yourself. But if they have one GS-13/14 and one GS-13 (capped), your willingness to take a GS-13 could be important.

OP here. I only applied for one position. There was a GS-level range, so I guess it is a ladder position. I will ask, though. Thanks to all for the helpful responses.

I’ve had a friend who was offered only the lower level and it didn’t budge when they tried to hire her. So, you should ask them.