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

Forum Index » Jobs and Careers

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

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous]From my own experience, it is easier to negotiate step than grade.  To come in at a higher step, all they really needed was for me to provide a paystub of what I was previously earning.  I ended up coming in at a step 10.

My (SES level) manager tried valiantly to write letters and even get recommendations from some other people to bring me in at a higher grade, but OPM would not budge.  My issue was two-fold: (a) the way the job ad was written didn't allow them to count most of my post-doctoral experience toward qualifying for a higher grade even though it was highly relevant to the job and was probably what got me hired and (b) the application deadline was literally 1 week before I completed a year at the position that would count toward qualifying for the higher grade but the job ad said they would only consider your credentials at the time of application (nevermind it was like 3 more months before they actually contacted me).  My supervisor did promise to promote me up a grade at my one year mark, and he held to that even when everyone else's promotions were being delayed due to budget issues (we were gearing up for the sequester).

Quite frankly I think the entire Fed hiring process is pretty messed up, especially for more specialized positions.  But it is what it is.  I am no longer a Fed, but I loved the work I did as a Fed and it was something I truly could not have done anywhere else.  I'm less than 3 years our of civil service (including a long maternity leave) and earning almost 3 times my outgoing Fed salary, but I wouldn't trade that opportunity for anything.  If you're good at your job and you have decent managers, it isn't that hard to move up the Fed scale in a short time...but recognize that the scale itself is pretty limited.[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics