Fema Employment
Promotions in Federal Government Jobs?
I am potentially going to be hired as a GS-7, and was told that it's possible to be promoted every year for first 3-4 years (GS-7 to GS-9, to GS-11, then to GS-12) where it would stagnate a bit at the GS-12 level...for anyone with experience in government jobs is this a reality or a fantasy?
Public Comments
- You won't get promoted every year unless there happens to be a position open that you qualify for. What you do get every year is a step raise and a cost of living increase. To see these amounts go to http://www.opm.gov/oca/08tables/
- "Oracle" is correct and I have many friends with the Federal government. Promotions within depends on the levels above you. As many retire, are terminated and/or voluntarily leave positions become open to be filled. As those above you move up, you move, if recommended. Government employment at many levels operate by "seniority" regardless, at times, of job performance. You have to go into this new position with this in mind because you cannot change. Remember to do a good job and treat everyone with respect because you never know who your "boss" will be one day. One friend, now GS-11, worked in one area, kept reviewing upcoming positions in other areas, applied for an opening and transferred with the promotion. His immediate supervisor told him it probably would not be approved, WRONG. Good Luck. Working for the Federal Government can be a rewarding career.
- this could be a reality if you hired for a 7/9/11 or a 9/11/12 position. These are normally developmental positions with a non competitive promotion to the next grade.
- My brother is the chauffeur to the Federal Justice minister and his wife is the assistant to the head of defence they have worked for over 20 years in the Government and they were promoted because of their seniority and qualifications also courses they took and recommendations. They both have the highest security clearance allowed and the government rarely promotes people each year and each level requires special qualifications. also salaries are often increased because of policy not because of seniority or performance. All positions have a salary base and limit so even if you have been there 20 years and you are doing the same job as someone with only 5 years the pay is the same.... so In the Federal Government people do tend to stagnate.
