Offer Letter

[Pro TechWriter]

Hi James:

It may be a bit late for negotiating, but, here is my experience. I was a
career federal government employee for several years, and I learned that you
negotiate by grade, not by salary. Why? There is a gap between the 4-5-7
grades and "professional" grades that start at a 9. It used to be very
difficult to transition from those grades to professional grades (I think on
purpose, really).

If you are a senior writer, you should be at least an 11. If you are a 12 or
above, that is usually considered management--that's very good.

Higher grades have more time off (sick and vacation leave) from the start,
and can get grade increases (raises) more easily than lower grades. When I
worked for USDA, all the sick leave that was accrued could be saved. My Mom
got one year's pay when she retired from her unused sick leave. Of course,
that may all be different now.

If you are working for a state government, none of this may apply.

Good luck in your new position :-)
PT

On 1/3/07, James Barrow <vrfour at verizon.net> wrote:
>
> I obtained my current job after a lengthy interview process that
> culminated
> in an offer letter (government work).  This is only the second time that a
> position was offered to me in this manner.
>
> The only part of the offer that was contingent upon anything was the pay,
> and this was based on years of experience:
>
> TW1 = 1-3 yrs = $
> TW2 = 3-5 yrs = $$
>
> When I received the offer letter it was right in line with my expectations
> and requirements, so I accepted.
>
> I spoke with a colleague over the holidays and when I mentioned the offer
> letter, he immediately asked if I negotiated the compensation.  I didn't
> consider this because a) this is a full time government job b) the pay was
> up there in the TW4 range c) my inexperience with offer letters.
>
> I'm currently researching this online, but I'm looking for answers to the
> following questions:
>
> 1.  What's the protocol when accepting an offer letter? (I signed mine and
> returned it in person since I was in the area).
>
> 2.  Do you just sign it and return it?  Should a thank you letter be
> included?
>
> 3.  What if you wish to negotiate?  Do you draft a counter-offer?
>
> 4.  What if you wish to negotiate, but the deadline to accept is more than
> likely shorter than it would take the counter-offer to be
> approved/rejected?
>
> - Jim
>
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-- 
PT
pro.techwriter at gmail.com
I'm a Technical Technical Writer!