How to Land a Top-Paying Federal Job, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 16Commanding a Top-Dollar Salary

“By negotiating the salary of my first federal job, and successfully campaigningfor promotions I received since then, I increased my total take-home pay for the last 15+ yearsby more than $250,000, not even counting resulting increases in my pension.”—LILY MADELEINE WHITEMAN, AUTHOR OF THIS BOOK

So, you’ve received an offer for a federal job. As Sally Field might say, “They like you! They really like you!”

The mere utterance of an offer from a hiring manager may fill your nervous system with happy hormones and send you into raptures of relief. But don’t let the thrill of your victory compel you to accept an unacceptable salary. Remember: Many employers in all sectors— including the federal sector—offer ...