Fed Question: Can you negotiate steps in lateral transfer?

[Anonymous]

I am currently a GS-12, and another office in my agency has mentioned they might want to bring me on into another GS-12 position. I have been hoping to get a GS-13 or some time, but not much has been posted, so I am thinking about this lateral move as something that could have some benefits (better title, access, mentors). I am a 12 step 3, and was wondering if I could ask to be moved up to a 12 step, say, 8 or so if I were to get this position.

Getting some additional steps would offset the fact that it's not the GS 13 that I really think I deserve (and already perform at). Has anyone negotiated steps in a more lateral move?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

you cannot jump from a 3 to an 8, there are requirements that you spend time is level before moving to y level. You could possibly move from 3 to 5.

[Anonymous]

You might be able to negotiate more Annual Leave days.

[Anonymous]

Yes.

[Anonymous]

I'd love to know this answer too! I'm an 11 applying for other 11 jobs (but with a higher range 11-13, and I'm currently at GS7-11 job). I'm curious if my steps get negotiated once I'm offered a job?

Do they bring you on at the same grade and step or do they give you additional steps?

[Anonymous]

I moved from a GS 11 in one part of my agency to a GS 11 in another. They were able to give me a GS 11 Step 7. I negotiated it because I was unwilling to leave the fellowship program I was in without some sort of financial incentive, otherwise I would have just finished the fellowship.

They had to write something up about special skills I had that they needed in order to justify the step level.

[Anonymous]

9:58, what step were you in before the GS 11-7? Did you move from a Step 1 to a step 7?

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks, this is helpful. Sounds like it can be done if they want you badly enough.

[Anonymous]

You can always ask