How do you approach the question of salary expectations in government job interviews, especially knowing the often rigid pay scales? I'm prepping for an interview with a government agency, and I'm puzzled about how to handle the salary question. In the private sector, I could negotiate based on performance and experience, but the government has set pay grades. Should I just accept their first offer, or is there a way to diplomatically push for a higher step within the grade? Has anyone successfully navigated this, and can you share how you went about it?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Just do your research on what kind of salary you can expect and work from there. Keep in mind too the majority of government jobs you are making that back on some solid benefits, so make sure to try and keep the big picture in mind. Outside of that, doesn’t hurt to ask as long as you are being realistic.

like

The benefits are a thing of the past. Govt jobs don’t really have much more benefits than non government at this point. It takes 5 years to get vested in the retirement plan. So maybe the ability to bank sick leave, that is lost when you leave, is the only benefit?

likehelpful

It depends on the circumstances with the position. Some grades are quite rigid, but some may have some flex where more could be offered depending on someone's experience or particular expertise. But generally speaking, your instincts are correct, there's not that much negotiating to do. But you should still try to negotiate somewhat, just to not come off as a pushover.

like

If you want to try for the highest grade that is posted on the job announcement then you negotiate after you get an offer. You will not be asked a salary question in the interview, as the hiring manager does not have that authority anyhow.

If you are selected, then be prepared to show a copy of your current salary if they request it. That will allow them to match it easily. If you cannot or will not do so or if they do not ask for your current salary info, you can ask for a step increase based on your experience level. You have to prove that you are a highly qualified individual for the job. You did not note what level of experience you have or what the grade level is, so it is tough for me to write more.

like

From my experience there is honestly no negotiating salaries in the government because of the pay scales. Obviously you try to go for the higher end of the range posted and justify why you deserve that but they usually don't even ask about salary, they normally tell you what the offer is going to be and it just is what it is.

likesmart

Well here in Canada, (just saying because I worked for 20+years with Feds), you don't get to negotiate Salary, they set it at posting and you either accept the position and move up later, or walk away! Nothing with them is based on any merit unfortunately!

helpful

Depends on if you make more than their first offer currently.
If you currently earn more, offer to prove it with a couple of paystubs and then ask for a 5% raise in addition to what you are making.

Some will do it... Some wont...
IRS will not negotiate in my experience. You start at step 1. I turned down a GS-13 step 1 position because it would be a reduction in pay. They would not come up to a mid level step as I had asked.

Just like any negotiation, be prepared to walk away if you do not like the offer.

like

Related Posts

Hi Sharks,

Kindly provide your suggestions about VOLKSWAGEN for Senior SAP functional consultant Role.

How's work culture, WLB, job security, Hikes etc

Travel days are back. Can't believe we are back to mon - thur travel. Btw, what's the meal allowance for SD in TSE?

like

What is expected salary for Senior Manager @EY Dublin Ireland? Looking to relocate, please help with your information, thanks EY

like

hi All , i have 6+ years of exprience in Indurance domain as a BA, i did my masters in insurance aswell , how much CTC can i expect from EY fir the role of BA at senior level ??

like

TECH STACK - SAP BASIS
YOE - 10.8
CURRENT CTC - 27

Cleared interview with HCL. How much can I get, I'm expecting above 35LPA. Is HCL GOOD FOR SAP BASIS profile?

like

BCG Platinion Boston Consulting Group Have a senior data engineer coderpad interview coming up with BCG Platinion within the next two days.wanted tk understand how BCG Platinion is different from usual BCG consultants and is it worth going for the interview process? I read somewhere Platinion folks donot get the same comp and perks like BCG consultants and the work too is not that great..appreciate your inputs and thoughts fishes!

like

Anyone able to see the September month salary slip in the ADP portal. Any idea when it will be uploaded?

like

Hi fishes,
Yoe-7 techstack - .net,MVC,webapi,azure certification (az-204) but no hands on azure projects.

Unisys- 23 Lpa(fixed) ,LWD - 23 oct ,CCTC -14.5
Given number of interviews but no one are ready to give more than this even if I reach last rounds.
I am confused right now like should give some more interviews or join the unisys?

Is unisys good company to join and how about wlb and hikes in unisys?

TIA

like

What should be correct salary for someone into key account management with 5 years of experience?

What should be expected package for Senior Bizops Engineer.

YEO - 7.9
Current CTC -13.13
Offer form another company -18.70

Could you please provide your suggestion .

Thanks in advance

like

Hi All - Ballpark in GBP what would a reasonable relocation package to London be from outside EU e.g. USA or Australia? This would be for a single person for context.

like
like

Hi fishes,

As per my Offer letter there is component is Engagement PB.
Will this i get monthly ?

I received a recognition in September and later in October month I resigned. Is there any policy that if associate has raised separation from Accenture then he will not receive any hike or variable bonus even if his last working day is in Jan 2022?

like

Hey IBMers/ex-IBMers,

What is the designation hierarchy in IBM GBS for someone joining as "Advisory Technical Services Specialist" at "7A" band?

Like I would like to know what will be the next designation/band once for me if I get promoted?

YOE: 6 yrs.
Tech Stack: Testing

Thank you in advance!

About to make move to independent (but growing/stable) shop. Any 🐠 been able to get equity as part of comp package? If yes, did you have to take a hit on base and/or bonus?

like

Hi All,

I joined HCL in july 2021 & completed one year in july 2022. Currently I am serving notice period and my last working day is December 7th. I resigned in September month
So when I will get my variable pay of last year as my performance cycle is still not closed.

like

What might be a better career path?

1) KPMG Data & Analytics - Tax Ignition

2) FTI Consulting - Corporate Finance: Restructuring

Both are above 70k in salary in MCOL

Im leaning towards KPMG... both would be right out of college, entry level.

likehelpful

$76k salary A1. Fair?

like

Hello folks, I have work experience of 14 years in Javascript, vue.js, python, AWS with Devops, working as a Senior technology manager currently in Finance domain. How much salary should I target in a remote only setup? Any suggestions are appreciated!

like

More Posts

Hi fishes, I want to submit broadband connection reimbursement request via Global Claim System GCS. Is there any chances of background varification regarding the broadband bills??
Thanks in advance.

like

You are currently posting as works at Software Engineer
Anyone here from NatWest group Bangalore ? Need some advice before joining. Please let me know in comments so that I can DM you.

24.5 LPA for a solution architect role in TCS.
Is the ask is high or low for 8+ yoe with javaa, aws

like

Anyone know the comp for electronic arts associate development manager?

Gonna be in Denver for a couple of days in mid-July, anyone down to play tour guide? Can promise flirty conversation + cocktails at the very least…perhaps more if the vibe feel right. 30 M, tall and, dare I say, handsome…in case that matters 😊

funnylike

I’m 22 and single. What can I do on weekends that isn’t go out to bars?

like

Words to say, questions to ask, things to do when a client who moved their money to year exactly one year ago, blind sides you with ACATS out after you’ve made 13.7% because he is conservative? GO!

like

Hello. I have a job interview coming up. When asked the question by the interviewer, “Why do you want to leave your current employer for us?” What is the best answer?

like

Are there any tips you can share for a technical interview preparation? Are there any online resources I could use?

like

Hello fishes have an interview scheduled for power programmer for Microsoft Azure .net technology. In the mail it has been mentioned the interview would have coding, so will that be technology based coding questions or DSA programs ?

like

I recently cleared all rounds of interview for Mindtree and waiting for the offer letter. However, since Mindtree has been recently acquired by LTI, is there any layoff expected to happen in Mindtree?
Kindly pls give me an idea about how the situation is now in both companies.

like

What would everyone think would be a good salary for a senior manager of digital product and strategy for an established fintech company? Comparably has 179k base as the median. Recruiter mentioned 173 as their all in top.

like

Hey Fishes,

Have anyone opted for extension in Wfh? How to apply for it? Did you get extension?

TIA

like

Hi fishes, I have recently attended an interview with Accenture India Accenture couple of days back and can see the candidature status is on hold after my 1st round of interview. Does this mean that they are waiting for others to complete their interview or am I rejected? If not ,how many days they tak appxm to make a decision. I tried reaching out to recruiter and as usual they are not lifting or responding to my messages.Has any one faced this situation with Accenture? Thanks in Advance!!

like

For those in international tax planning, curious what you all think about the future in light of Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 (on top of beps measures like anti-hybrid rules, interest deduction limitations, etc.). Once companies adapt to the new regime(s) and assuming p1 and p2 are implemented broadly across jurisdictions, curious what type of planning/restructuring work will be of interest to clients post implementation. Short term I assume lots of planning work but curious on post-implementation

like

What communication platform does your team use [Microsoft Teams, Slack, Skype]? What do you like and dislike about it?

like

Just got let go and my manager said part of it was because I was looking for other jobs. I didn't look for other jobs at work, so I'm not sure how they could have known that unless a coworker snitched on me. Is it worth it to try and find out who or should I just leave it? Can't deny that I'm seriously pissed off about it.

like

Hi ,

Does anybody have an idea on how's the interview for Azure Migration role in Bosch India

like
like

How much time did hsbc will take to release offer letter after 2 rounds of technical discussion?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal