Help me get GS-7

[jubrown57]

To late for any more help, I already submitted it. Thanks for looking though!

Hey I just went into negotiations with Department of Navy police. Long story short they offered GS-5 but I'm shooting for GS-7. I have to send HR an email to explain why I warrant GS-7. The letter can be short or long and is needed to begin the negotiation process. Can any of you LE types help me out with proof reading my message? here is what I got so far:


Hello,
Thank you very much for the tentative job offer. I really appreciate the opportunity and I am excited to begin working for the Department of the Navy. I do, however, feel that I deserve to come in as a GS-7 Step 1. My background and performance warrants this pay grade.

I am ready made for the position and will require very little training to get up to speed. I have over 6 years of experience in law enforcement, as well as facility security. I also have extensive experience in leading and training law enforcement members. I was also a small boat crew man and have a very extensive background in small boat operations. I will be able to get qualified easily as a coxswain.

My previous performance as a law enforcement officer shows that I will earn my paycheck. I have been awarded a Commendation Medal and an Achievement Medal for Outstanding, superior performance. I am perfect for this position and, if needed, I can forward glowing recommendations from my last command.

Thank you in advance,
Me
__________________

[Jonathan Doe]

I don't know how I would think if I were the recruiter/evaluator. Maybe you should ask to have a meeting or interview. Maybe I would just take GS-5 and try to promote faster.

[Al B.]

Look at the different criteria for GS-5 vs GS-7 and point out why your background more closely aligns with (or exactly matches) the higher. If you are lacking some of the elements for the higher criteria, but have some other value added skill sets, point that out. Don't be as strong in language as you are above, be assertive, but you are trying to get hired versus a raise after working for awhile. Allow the reviewer who offered GS-5 a chance to "save face". If you provide them with more information-ammunition, it can allow them to justify the higher grade. Guess you are looking at NWSSB...nice place to work. Good luck! Al B. (SOCAL)

[Falconis]

Since this is a letter AFTER the job offer instead of a resume, you may want to specifically list out some of the things you have generalized above (Jobs, duties, awards, commendations, responsibilties, specific tasks accomplished, etc). I also don't know what they feel are qualifications for the job you are applying for, but you also may want to specify everything you did in 6 years with the Police Dept. since it sounds like that's what you will be doing for the Navy.

Good Luck.

[jubrown57]

Thanks for the advice guys. I talked to one of the people from HR and It seems they usually offer GS-5, and if you want GS-7 you have to enter a negotiation. I guess they are hoping most people will just take the GS-5. I would take GS-5 but it only pays about 50% of what I made in the military. That's a pretty significant pay cut.

I modified the above and sent it in already. Mods can delete if they so choose.

[retired]

No need to delete this.

[Big D]

I believe if you want to be hired at the GS 7 level you have to show specific work experience.
The following is the requirements to be hired as a GL-7 for the Border Patrol

Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms:
Deal effectively with individuals or groups of persons in a courteous, tactful manner in connection with law enforcement matters:
Analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions or take prompt and appropriate law enforcement action in light of applicable laws, court decisions, and sound law enforcement matters:
Develop and maintain contact with a network of informants


So my advice to you would be to not just say, "Well I was a police officer so give me the 7". You should specifically cite your relevant experience and probably hit each of the above points. Also list any college education.

[tom2]

x2!!!

I believe if you want to be hired at the GS 7 level you have to show specific work experience.

The following is the requirements to be hired as a GL-7 for the Border Patrol

Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms:
Deal effectively with individuals or groups of persons in a courteous, tactful manner in connection with law enforcement matters:
Analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions or take prompt and appropriate law enforcement action in light of applicable laws, court decisions, and sound law enforcement matters:
Develop and maintain contact with a network of informants


So my advice to you would be to not just say, "Well I was a police officer so give me the 7". You should specifically cite your relevant experience and probably hit each of the above points. Also list any college education.

[Big D]

So did u get it?

[bobfried]

Note that the majority of Civilian PD's do not accept Mil MP work as qualifying LEO experience.

DOD/Navy (or any of the military actual PD detachment) PD are still considered civilian PD as you are not a member of the armed forces working in an MP capacity, but rather a civilian working as an LEO for the Navy. The worst part is that navy/DOD PD are not allowed to even carry off duty even though they are LEO by law.

To get a GS/L-7 you can't just say I was an MP (from your posts, if you are a civilian LEO than it also applies) for 6 years, you need to cite all the specifics that other posters have stated.

[jubrown57]

Thanks Bobfried, but I submitted the negotiation request two days ago. Not much editing I can do now. I was not Military Police, but thanks. That is good information.

DOD/Navy Police can carry off duty now. LEOSA amendment clarified that 0083's are included in the right to carry law. (as long as you meet the other requirements.)

To Big D. Thanks as well. You had good advice about following the guidelines for GS-7. Unfortunately the guidelines listed with the job posting were for GS-5. GS-6 and above had to have at least 1 year of experience at the next lower level. While I was talking to the HR Representative about the job offer, she said to list how long I have been in Law enforcement and whether or not I had experience in leadership, training, and any of the collaterals that were mentioned during the interview. She also said that It can be as long as I want, but they preferred shorter. I was trying to do the best I could with the information that I had at the time.

HR said the negotiation can be a ten day process. I'll post whether I got it or not as soon as I find out.