Reply to getting hired at a higher step in a GS grade

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[quote=Anonymous][quote]On the OPM website, it says that "A new GS employee is usually hired at step one of the applicable GS grade. However, in special circumstances, agencies may authorize a higher step rate for a newly-appointed Federal employee based on a special need of the agency or superior qualifications of the prospective employee."

Anyone have any insight on the possibility of getting something like this? At what stage of the interview process should I raise this issue, and with whom? Any other advice anyone has?[/quote]

We had this exact situation last month at my agency.  The announcement clearly said that non-Feds would start at step 1.  The applicant thought they could get the waiver above.  But it was impossible.  First of all, when they mean "superior qualifications" they don't mean a GS 11 program analyst, they mean a real national expert.  For "special need of the Agency" they don't mean GS 12 budget analyst, they mean some person like an academic who fills a niche need.  Our Agency let an excellent candidate go for a generalist GS 12 position because they would not budge on the step 1.  However, we basically assured the candidate that we would promote to the next grade at the year's end as long as the candidate performed well.  With all the Federal benefits (transit subsidy alone is $3000 untaxed dollars) they would more than make up for the one year of lower salary.  They did not accept the offer.

I would not raise this issue until the offer is made.  At that point you work with an HR specialist and start any negotiating process.  [/quote]

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