Letter: Agency practices keep employees from advancing
A reader says the practice of “stepping” keeps qualified employees from using outside experience to move up to the executive level in government.
Regarding “Hiring managers look to outsiders”: How often is it said that we should hire from within? How many qualified individuals exist at the lower levels (GS-13 to GS-15) that don't or will not be able to reach the executive level because of agencies’ hiring practices?
Some of us have qualifications and experience far beyond our present job descriptions and are capable of performing at the executive level, but due to the practice of "stepping" within the government cannot even be considered for those positions.
Stepping refers to the rule that a government employee cannot apply for a position more than one grade above his or her current grade, even if they have experience outside the government that matches or exceeds that of the advertised position.
This is ridiculous and elitist. I, for one, would like to see this rule abolished.
Rick
General Services Administration
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