GovCentral

This is my first go around with a civilian government job.

If you apply for several grades, will they give you the highest you qualify for or the lowest one you say you will accept or is it more complicated than that?

Even though you apply for a postion that spans several grades, they may only be hiring for one particular grade at this time.

For example, a Park Ranger position can span grades 3-9+, but they may only need someone at level 5 right now (not entry level and not supervisory).

When you applied for the position, you ticked boxes 3-9. You will receive a separate NOR (Notice of Results) for every grade you are eligible for, regardless of whether they are hiring for that pay grade currently.

At the time you receive your second NOR stating you were referred to the hiring official, all the details regarding grade will be in the email or letter.

There will be steps within that grade that you may or may not qualify for based on your education and experience. You may need to illustrate how your qualifications are indicative of a step during the course of a final interview and/or job offer.

Certain agencies (I've seen this most often with State Specific Vacancy Announcements), will indicate that they bring individuals in at the low end of the pay spectrum regardless of education and experience. Often this is due to budgetary and hiring constraints as a result of the recession. Understand that even though these positions pay less competitively than they possibly did in years past, they are still receiving a ridiculous amount of applications from highly qualified applicants due to the economy. As a result, you will need to be more competitive as well and ready, willing, and able to negotiate your best possible step within grade. Research with the OPM where you would fall once you are to the interview phase!

Kim