Negotiate for a govt job?!
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Anonymous
| I knew when I applied the salary was lower than my current job and short term it'll be tight (we have three kids under 4) but long term it's a good move. Anyway - the top of the range is $25k lower than my current salary. How often are you eligible for a bump? I still have to interview (later this month) and get an offer but just curious if I did get it, what could I expect down the road! |
Anonymous
| What GS level is it? If it's a higher one, it mY be a while. And if it's a 15, there's a federal cap on salaries. The top of the 15 range is the same for the last three steps because of that. |
Anonymous
| Much lower - its an 11 and the top is $84k. So I'd want that if I took it.. My current salary is $110k with potential for growth but the other job is appealing because it's 4 days from home and I think a bit lower stress. |
Anonymous
Position caps at 11? or does it have upward mobility possibility - e.g., 11/12/13? |
Anonymous
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What is the top of the GS scale in the ad?
In my experience, you're capped to what the top of the GS scale is. So if It's an 11, you're only going to get a high step 11. You have to apply on usa jobs for a 12. In the lower steps (not grades) you get a step a year. |
Anonymous
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$84k is a GS 11, Step 10, which is maxing out that grade.
You'll only get a pay increase if there is a government-wide pay raise and the pay tables change. (And it will probably only be 1% or so.) Or if you get promoted to another grade. If it's a career ladder position (11/12/13, for example) a promotion could happen as soon as a year. Otherwise, it would probably involve a competitive process. |
Anonymous
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echoing what others have said. don't count on a grade jump any time soon. if it's a deal breaker, you might as well as how long they anticipate it would take you to get to a 12. otherwise, assume you'd have to change jobs again.
also, if you become an 11, step 10 ( 84,044), be aware that the salaries for grades overlap. so if you become a 12, they might only make you a 12 step 4 ( 85,238) which is the lowest grade 12 salary that pays more than a gs 11 step 10. |
Anonymous
| You might be stuck in your GS 11 position for years depending on the agency. There is no guarantee of a GS step increase and in many cases you will have to apply for a GS 12. |
Anonymous
+1. In my Department, you have to apply through USA jobs and compete for your promotions if you wanted a 12. It's hard to move up. It's hard with the USA jobs thing too because even if you don't get the new GS12 job, the other person isn't hired either because there's not enough funding for you + your promoted replacement. It's a broken system. |
Anonymous
| If the job you applied for was a GS11, they can bring you in at GS11 Step 10. The only raise you'll get is the 1% cost of living increase every January. When you have been a GS11 for a year, you will be eligible to apply for a GS12 on USAJOBS. |
Anonymous
| Okay this is helpful! It said the promotion potential in the ad was GS-13. I'd be okay with an 11 if it meant a better work/life balance! since I don't have a speciality like law, IT or policy, it's probably unlikely that' I'd get in any higher anyway... |
Anonymous
If it is a GS-11/12/13 job, then you can conceivably ask to start as a 12 if you have a lot of experience or a specialized degree. You may or may not get it, depending on the agency. But get an interview before you start worrying about this. Did you make the cert? |
Anonymous
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Anonymous
If it's a GS11/12/13 then would not have to apply again on USAJOBs for a promotion. Your supervisor would give you criteria to meet to make the promotion. It could be training courses, completing a project, or just time in position. Something to ask in the interview. If offered the job, you can ask to start as a 12. |
Anonymous
read the fine print on the job description. We only hire non-Feds at step 1. No exceptions. |