Negotiating a salary for a federal job, such as a position with the National Security Agency (NSA), can be a unique process compared to negotiating in the private sector.
One ClearanceJobsBlog subscriber asks:
“I received my final offer today (DOD IC). Because it has been 15 months since I applied, I would like to try to negotiate a step increase on the basis of work experience and new skills but I am horrified at the idea of losing my offer. Am I a moron for trying to negotiate now?”
It is a job seeker’s prerogative to negotiate for a higher salary, even with the current market of federal work (if a position is exempt). The worst that an agency can say is no, and you accept the current offer.
Negotiating a Firm Job Offer for a Federal NSA Job
Here are some key points and strategies to consider when navigating this process:
1. Understanding the Pay Scale
Federal jobs typically follow a standardized pay scale, such as the General Schedule (GS) for civilian positions. It’s important to understand where your position falls within this scale:
- Determine Your Pay Grade: Your job offer will likely specify a pay grade (e.g., GS-9, GS-12). Each grade has a range of steps that determine your salary.
- Research Pay Steps: Each grade consists of 10 steps, with each step offering a slight salary increase. Understanding this can help you determine room for negotiation.
2. Strategies for Negotiation
While federal salaries are often predetermined, there are still ways to negotiate effectively:
- Leverage Experience and Education: Highlight any relevant experience or advanced degrees that could justify a higher step within your grade.
- Negotiate Step Increases: If starting at a higher step is warranted, present a strong case based on your qualifications and the market rate for similar positions.
- Consider Additional Benefits: While the base salary might be fixed, federal jobs often come with excellent benefits, such as healthcare, retirement plans, and paid leave, which can be part of the negotiation.
3. Preparing for the Negotiation
- Research Thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with the specific job’s pay scale, benefits, and any locality pay adjustments that may apply.
- Practice Your Pitch: Clearly articulate why your skills, experience, and education justify a higher salary or step.
- Be Professional and Courteous: Federal positions value professionalism; maintain a respectful and positive tone during negotiations.
- Understand the Timing: The best time to negotiate is after receiving a job offer but before accepting it. Be mindful that federal agency personnel may not accept negotations right now.
- Be Open to Alternatives: If salary flexibility is limited, consider negotiating for a signing bonus, additional vacation time, or flexible work arrangements.
Prepare diligently and make sure you understand the nuances of federal pay structures. This will help you navigate the negotiation process more effectively and potentially secure a better compensation package despite federal work at the current moment.
Much about the clearance process resembles the Pirate’s Code: “more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules.” This case-by-case system is meant to consider the whole person, increase process security, and allow the lowest-risk/highest-need candidates to complete the process. This article is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.
