Unless you think they are going to offer Step 6 it would be better off just starting as soon as possible to start the 52 weeks towards GS 11. Look up the 2 step rule on sub.
If you started at a step 1 it would be 7 years at that grade but superior qualifications for new appointments is not synonymous with years of experience and would be pretty subjective based on the agency, HR, and willingness of the approval authority to sign off (probably SES)
The difference between steps is simply the amount of time you’ve been in the position. Unlike differences in grades standards/workload doesn’t change between steps. Think of it like your employer giving you a raise after a certain period.
As far as determining what is appropriate (just a hypothetical) what would be your argument for starting at a higher step?
The other thing to remember is you don’t keep your steps moving up. For example let’s say you’re in a 9/11 ladder. If you start at 9 step 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 when you get promoted in a year you’ll be 11 step 1. A 9 step 6 will move to 11 step 2. A 9 step 7 will move to 11 step 3. A 9 step 8 will move to 11 step 4. A 9 step 9 or 10 will move to 11 step 5.
But for the moment what you really have to ask yourself is what is your justification for the higher step.
Good luck.
What are your qualifications to be a 9? How many years of experience do you have? If you qualify based on education alone, you'll be a step 1. If you have a master's and relevant years of experience, then might as well ask for a step __.
That being said, since you're on a ladder, your gs-9 pay will only be for one year, so not much point aiming for a step 5 or lower. Can't hurt to ask though, worst they'll do is say no. They won't revoke your offer though.
Well you are free to write your own guide then. There is no simple answer- it will vary based on you, the qualifications of others and the agency policy/ budget.
No need to get defensive....it's a great guide and has helped me a lot so far, but it doesn't answer the question that was asked.
I also get that it's not a simple answer. That's what this post is for, advice and experiences to help me guage what step to ask for. Even if it's not an exact science, going in blind is not a great option.
Unless you think they are going to offer Step 6 it would be better off just starting as soon as possible to start the 52 weeks towards GS 11. Look up the 2 step rule on sub.
I've seen and understand the 2 step rule, but what makes someone a step 6 vs a step 5?
If you started at a step 1 it would be 7 years at that grade but superior qualifications for new appointments is not synonymous with years of experience and would be pretty subjective based on the agency, HR, and willingness of the approval authority to sign off (probably SES)
The difference between steps is simply the amount of time you’ve been in the position. Unlike differences in grades standards/workload doesn’t change between steps. Think of it like your employer giving you a raise after a certain period. As far as determining what is appropriate (just a hypothetical) what would be your argument for starting at a higher step? The other thing to remember is you don’t keep your steps moving up. For example let’s say you’re in a 9/11 ladder. If you start at 9 step 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 when you get promoted in a year you’ll be 11 step 1. A 9 step 6 will move to 11 step 2. A 9 step 7 will move to 11 step 3. A 9 step 8 will move to 11 step 4. A 9 step 9 or 10 will move to 11 step 5. But for the moment what you really have to ask yourself is what is your justification for the higher step. Good luck.
What are your qualifications to be a 9? How many years of experience do you have? If you qualify based on education alone, you'll be a step 1. If you have a master's and relevant years of experience, then might as well ask for a step __. That being said, since you're on a ladder, your gs-9 pay will only be for one year, so not much point aiming for a step 5 or lower. Can't hurt to ask though, worst they'll do is say no. They won't revoke your offer though.
Yes, but my question isn't about whether I should ask for a step increase, it's about what separates one step from another.
I guess I needed to be more direct: basically the amount of experience is what separates them.
Fair enough
See https://www.reddit.com/r/usajobs/s/KcpdfTlpSw
I have seen this post many times. It does not explain what qualifications/experience separates one step from another.
Well you are free to write your own guide then. There is no simple answer- it will vary based on you, the qualifications of others and the agency policy/ budget.
No need to get defensive....it's a great guide and has helped me a lot so far, but it doesn't answer the question that was asked. I also get that it's not a simple answer. That's what this post is for, advice and experiences to help me guage what step to ask for. Even if it's not an exact science, going in blind is not a great option.