I got TJO for contact rep at IRS but I aim for Tax Examiner or IR Agent( I have applied for these 2 as well) Can I accept contact rep and still wait for the other two?@@armandcuret1
Good morning sir, I think I have now binge watched all your videos. Question for you please. Have you heard from anyone working for the DOL as a Claims Examiner? Have you heard good or bad feedback? It is a remote position. Many thanks and have a great day!
Thanks for watching! I have not heard of the Claims Examiner position at DOL. A few years ago I did have an interview and job offer from DOL for a 0343, Program Analyst in D.C. Overall, I think it should be a decent place to work. Best wishes!
Hi, Armand. My situation is a little different and I’m wondering if you have any insight. I am NOT a veteran. I worked as a GS 12-3 about six years ago. I had to leave the job due to husband’s job relocating him. I’d love to get back into the system, but almost all the positions in my area (I can’t move right now) are posted for current federal employees only. Unfortunately my past experience doesn’t qualify me for that. If I take a lower position, like a GS 6…when I later apply for the GS 12 positions for current federal employees…will I be able to start at a GS 12-3 again or will I have to start from the bottom of the GS 11/12 position for which I’m applying? Thanks!
If you are a VET, then go for higher ones; if you are not a VET, you will get smacked off any list. As a non-veteran, it is super hard to get in since VETS have to be considered first, even if they don't have the skills you have.
Good afternoon Mr. Curet, I have been referred for two positions: The following is your referral status for the position or positions to which you applied: You have been referred to the hiring manager for position GS-2210-11 You have been referred to the hiring manager for position GS-2210-12 If I receive an offer, should I pursue the GS-12 position?
Thanks for watching Joseph, Is the job announcement a ladder position such as 11/12/13? Once a tenative job offer is given the GS grade is usually not able to be negotiated only the step level if you are new to the federal government. When you receive the interview request and job offer, HR should clearly identify the grade level they intend to hire you at. For ladder positions, some agencies like to keep room for advancement to provide additional incentive for the employee to stay with the organization. But if you know your experience equates to a GS-12 or higher grade then I would not recommend accepting the GS-11. Of course this is dependent on your financial situation. Best wishes!
I’m a retired E8 with excellent skills in mgmt and etc… I applied for all types of GS7-9 positions and ONLY got referred to jobs in the GS5 pay grade. When I asked about this, it was told by the interviewer that we all have to start all over again. What gives?
That is not correct. You do not have to start over. You have a lot of experience. In the D.C area, I have seen multiple retired E-8s get job offers from GS-12 to GS-14. I do not know much about your exact experience or location but I would suggest improving your resume and target higher level jobs. Thanks for watching!
It’s extraordinarily difficult to be hired directly into any grade above a 7. At my agency I’d say 90% if the leadership came in very low and within a decade was up at GS 11, 12, 13. Also, it’s unfortunate, but race means more than ability.
question: should you move to a higher col area for a higher gs grade when the difference in col eats up the increased pay? i.e jobs where i'm at top out at 12. i could move to dc for 13/14/15 but it's about 30 percent more expensive according to the online calculators. i figure if i make the move i'll be doing more work but living the same life a lot of the 12s here are like 40-50 years old so i figure they have come to a similar conclusion
It depends on a lot of factors. The D.C. area has a 32% cost of living increase on top of your salary. You can live an hour or more from D.C. and take the train (which the agency pays for) and that would lower your cost of living. For example, Fredericksburg VA is a lot cheaper than Fairfax city or Alexandria.
@@armandcuret1 the locality pay isn't accurate with how much it actually costs to live places. currently in sacramento and it has almost the same locality pay but it's way cheaper than DC i heard people living in the boonies and going to dc but who wants to commute over an hour each way everyday...
Yeah, a long commute is rough. We have people that commute 2 - 3 hours just to come to their D.C. office. Most federal agencies are still letting their people remote work 4 days a week but that will probably change soon.
@@armandcuret1 damn, yeah ive seen those super commuters before. to me that would only make sense if you only need to in a couple times a month or something. heard congress wants to rollback telework to pre covid, not sure how that would work then
Depending on how much longer you will be working, you might also consider how it will impact your prospects further down the road. The location you work at may change, but you'll keep your experience. You might work there three (or so?--notsurewhatisexpected-) years and move somewhere less expensive later down the road. That is a risk; after all opportunities might not line up that way, especially if the gs grade is going off of the expected-expense to begin with. I'm sure there are more factors to consider, but thats my two cents.
Hey there, question…I just realized I asked and negotiated a GS level instead of a higher step…it was a GS 6 with no promotion,etc, and I asked for GS 7 step 10…to which they refused…question…should I go back and ask for GS 6 step 7 let’s say, and you think they would consider again? My supervisor basically said it would be just prolonging the process if I was to do this before either of us knowing what they would do…suggestions, or should I just accept GS6 step 1, which would be significant pay cut…but, I have specific area I want to move to so that’s why I’m really thinking on it…thx!
When entering the government, you are only eligible to negotate three things: 1.) Step level 2.) Start Date 3.) Leave accural rate (rare). If you are willing to start as a GS-6 then I would ask for a higher step that has a salary more in line with your previous job. If it is too big of a pay cut then I would apply to jobs with higher GS grades. Best wishes.
I’m confused about the GS 9/11/12 job posting. 9 states Bachelors degree + 2 years of exp. Or masters . 11 - 1 year of GS 9 or doctorate degree 12 - 1 year of GS 11. I have a masters + 5 years of exp in the field. So does that mean I would start at GS 9? I’m confused because the same job title I’ve seen in other states are GS 12. I even asked other therapists that are in the gov and they said it’s weird that it is GS 9 offering because majority of the time it is a GS 12 position.
Ruby, often times the job announcement mentions how you can qualify with experience OR education. Most of the time you do not need both. There are many GS-12/13/14s that have zero college. Some career field require a certain level of education but I have found most do not. If you would like, share the job announcement with me and I will take a look.
It will all come down to your experience and how it is communicated on your resume. Ideally, you would try to get the same salary or higher. I would suggest to take your salary and match it by looking at the GS pay scale and then look through some job announcements for the ideal GS grade to see if you qualify.
Usually, you would send a memo to the HR Specialist (the person who e-mailed you the job offer) that communicates your superior qualifications for the position. In some cases, you can also send HR your last pay stub from your past job that shows you were earning more money and they can consider increasing your step to try to match your past salary. Thanks for watching!
Hi, I made that mistake but I was applying for another position open to the public and I got higher grade. can I negotiate my steps or are they gonna say no you are a current federal employee?
Mina, the general rule is if you are a curent federal employee you are not allowed to negotiate steps. You can always apply to a higher grade, open to the public position, that is closer to your salary expectations. Thanks for watching!
Hi Carrie, thanks for watching! When you first enter the federal government, your salary is negotiable. What you will be negotiating is your Step level. HR will offer you a position at the Step 1 level. You can then request a higher step grade based on superior qualifications. This is done after you receive the tentative job offer and before the final job offer.
@@armandcuret1 Thanks for the clarification. The position I applied for is starting at $49,500 - $64,000 a year. This is my second VA interview. The second one went well and they asked for my references. All my references did the surveys. I am applying at other VA facilities. Hoping all goes well.
@@ChinaDoll305 Congrats Carrie! Is it a remote position or will you have to move to Iowa? If you are not completely happy with the offer, keep applying! Best wishes.
I am stuck in a small town and accepted a lower grade. I am now trying to get a remote job.
Thank you very much, this is really good material. I hope people watch this video when they plan to apply for federal jobs.
Thank you. I am glad you found it useful.
I got TJO for contact rep at IRS but I aim for Tax Examiner or IR Agent( I have applied for these 2 as well) Can I accept contact rep and still wait for the other two?@@armandcuret1
Good morning sir, I think I have now binge watched all your videos. Question for you please. Have you heard from anyone working for the DOL as a Claims Examiner? Have you heard good or bad feedback? It is a remote position. Many thanks and have a great day!
Thanks for watching! I have not heard of the Claims Examiner position at DOL. A few years ago I did have an interview and job offer from DOL for a 0343, Program Analyst in D.C. Overall, I think it should be a decent place to work. Best wishes!
Hi, Armand. My situation is a little different and I’m wondering if you have any insight. I am NOT a veteran. I worked as a GS 12-3 about six years ago. I had to leave the job due to husband’s job relocating him. I’d love to get back into the system, but almost all the positions in my area (I can’t move right now) are posted for current federal employees only. Unfortunately my past experience doesn’t qualify me for that. If I take a lower position, like a GS 6…when I later apply for the GS 12 positions for current federal employees…will I be able to start at a GS 12-3 again or will I have to start from the bottom of the GS 11/12 position for which I’m applying? Thanks!
If you are a VET, then go for higher ones; if you are not a VET, you will get smacked off any list. As a non-veteran, it is super hard to get in since VETS have to be considered first, even if they don't have the skills you have.
So in this situation would you recommend someone who is not a vet take the lower position to get a foot in the door.
Good afternoon Mr. Curet,
I have been referred for two positions:
The following is your referral status for the position or positions to which you applied:
You have been referred to the hiring manager for position GS-2210-11
You have been referred to the hiring manager for position GS-2210-12
If I receive an offer, should I pursue the GS-12 position?
Thanks for watching Joseph,
Is the job announcement a ladder position such as 11/12/13? Once a tenative job offer is given the GS grade is usually not able to be negotiated only the step level if you are new to the federal government. When you receive the interview request and job offer, HR should clearly identify the grade level they intend to hire you at.
For ladder positions, some agencies like to keep room for advancement to provide additional incentive for the employee to stay with the organization.
But if you know your experience equates to a GS-12 or higher grade then I would not recommend accepting the GS-11. Of course this is dependent on your financial situation.
Best wishes!
This isn’t as easy as it sounds. Sometimes you want a new career and you have insufficient transferable skills so you have to start at a lower salary.
I’m a retired E8 with excellent skills in mgmt and etc… I applied for all types of GS7-9 positions and ONLY got referred to jobs in the GS5 pay grade. When I asked about this, it was told by the interviewer that we all have to start all over again. What gives?
That is not correct. You do not have to start over. You have a lot of experience.
In the D.C area, I have seen multiple retired E-8s get job offers from GS-12 to GS-14. I do not know much about your exact experience or location but I would suggest improving your resume and target higher level jobs.
Thanks for watching!
Good advice thanks
Thanks for watching!
It’s extraordinarily difficult to be hired directly into any grade above a 7. At my agency I’d say 90% if the leadership came in very low and within a decade was up at GS 11, 12, 13. Also, it’s unfortunate, but race means more than ability.
question: should you move to a higher col area for a higher gs grade when the difference in col eats up the increased pay?
i.e jobs where i'm at top out at 12. i could move to dc for 13/14/15 but it's about 30 percent more expensive according to the online calculators.
i figure if i make the move i'll be doing more work but living the same life
a lot of the 12s here are like 40-50 years old so i figure they have come to a similar conclusion
It depends on a lot of factors.
The D.C. area has a 32% cost of living increase on top of your salary.
You can live an hour or more from D.C. and take the train (which the agency pays for) and that would lower your cost of living. For example, Fredericksburg VA is a lot cheaper than Fairfax city or Alexandria.
@@armandcuret1 the locality pay isn't accurate with how much it actually costs to live places.
currently in sacramento and it has almost the same locality pay but it's way cheaper than DC
i heard people living in the boonies and going to dc but who wants to commute over an hour each way everyday...
Yeah, a long commute is rough. We have people that commute 2 - 3 hours just to come to their D.C. office. Most federal agencies are still letting their people remote work 4 days a week but that will probably change soon.
@@armandcuret1 damn, yeah ive seen those super commuters before. to me that would only make sense if you only need to in a couple times a month or something.
heard congress wants to rollback telework to pre covid, not sure how that would work then
Depending on how much longer you will be working, you might also consider how it will impact your prospects further down the road. The location you work at may change, but you'll keep your experience. You might work there three (or so?--notsurewhatisexpected-) years and move somewhere less expensive later down the road. That is a risk; after all opportunities might not line up that way, especially if the gs grade is going off of the expected-expense to begin with.
I'm sure there are more factors to consider, but thats my two cents.
Hey there, question…I just realized I asked and negotiated a GS level instead of a higher step…it was a GS 6 with no promotion,etc, and I asked for GS 7 step 10…to which they refused…question…should I go back and ask for GS 6 step 7 let’s say, and you think they would consider again? My supervisor basically said it would be just prolonging the process if I was to do this before either of us knowing what they would do…suggestions, or should I just accept GS6 step 1, which would be significant pay cut…but, I have specific area I want to move to so that’s why I’m really thinking on it…thx!
When entering the government, you are only eligible to negotate three things:
1.) Step level 2.) Start Date 3.) Leave accural rate (rare).
If you are willing to start as a GS-6 then I would ask for a higher step that has a salary more in line with your previous job. If it is too big of a pay cut then I would apply to jobs with higher GS grades.
Best wishes.
I’m confused about the GS 9/11/12 job posting. 9 states Bachelors degree + 2 years of exp. Or masters .
11 - 1 year of GS 9 or doctorate degree
12 - 1 year of GS 11.
I have a masters + 5 years of exp in the field. So does that mean I would start at GS 9? I’m confused because the same job title I’ve seen in other states are GS 12. I even asked other therapists that are in the gov and they said it’s weird that it is GS 9 offering because majority of the time it is a GS 12 position.
Ruby, often times the job announcement mentions how you can qualify with experience OR education. Most of the time you do not need both. There are many GS-12/13/14s that have zero college. Some career field require a certain level of education but I have found most do not.
If you would like, share the job announcement with me and I will take a look.
How can you determine what the GS equivalent pay is for a contractor? Is it solely based on equivalent salary?
It will all come down to your experience and how it is communicated on your resume. Ideally, you would try to get the same salary or higher. I would suggest to take your salary and match it by looking at the GS pay scale and then look through some job announcements for the ideal GS grade to see if you qualify.
Hello how do negotiate your step ? Once a tentative is offered
Usually, you would send a memo to the HR Specialist (the person who e-mailed you the job offer) that communicates your superior qualifications for the position.
In some cases, you can also send HR your last pay stub from your past job that shows you were earning more money and they can consider increasing your step to try to match your past salary.
Thanks for watching!
Hi, I made that mistake but I was applying for another position open to the public and I got higher grade. can I negotiate my steps or are they gonna say no you are a current federal employee?
Mina, the general rule is if you are a curent federal employee you are not allowed to negotiate steps. You can always apply to a higher grade, open to the public position, that is closer to your salary expectations. Thanks for watching!
I certified for all grades of a 7/9/10 position but my TO was for the lowest grade. Can I negotiate and when/how? Thanks
If I’m a 7 now can I apply for a 12 position using experience prior to my federal job?
Absolutely.
I applied for a GS 8 position is the salary negotiable?
Hi Carrie, thanks for watching! When you first enter the federal government, your salary is negotiable. What you will be negotiating is your Step level. HR will offer you a position at the Step 1 level. You can then request a higher step grade based on superior qualifications. This is done after you receive the tentative job offer and before the final job offer.
@@armandcuret1 Thanks for the clarification. The position I applied for is starting at $49,500 - $64,000 a year. This is my second VA interview. The second one went well and they asked for my references. All my references did the surveys. I am applying at other VA facilities. Hoping all goes well.
Congrats! It is a strong indicator when HR contacts your references. I hope you get the job offer.
@@armandcuret1 Hi Armand! I received a tentative offer. Only downside is that It's a temp position. I am in Florida and the position is in Iowa. 😔
@@ChinaDoll305 Congrats Carrie! Is it a remote position or will you have to move to Iowa? If you are not completely happy with the offer, keep applying! Best wishes.