Finance resource officer. GS 9. I do wonder if it is standard to negotiate a different step/level, considering I've added nearly 3 years of experience to my resume.

My understanding is that it is pretty standard to reevaluate your GS offer upon completion of the clearance process. I would definitely highlight your relevant experience when discussing an EOD to negotiate a higher GS level.

Even if your request for a higher GS level is denied, I am under the impression that promotions can occur rather quickly at the lower grades. CIA seems pretty generous with salaries in comparison to other IC agencies. Maybe someone else can comment on the promotion system once you start?

I was offered GS13. But it was only since i make much higher as IT contractor for DOD(my guess since they asked me how much i make during the interview). I will at least take 20+K pay cut even with the GS13 from what I am making now. Plus its not my career field at all.
I am in IT and the job they offering is based on my language skills.
Its just frustrating that nobody has ever been contacted regarding my clearance or any credit checks. Sometimes it just feel like i am dreaming the whole thing since the processed happened years ago.
But its something i want to do and i think will be more happy than what i am doing behind the desk now.

Edited by user Tuesday, July 9, 2019 3:14:00 AM(UTC)  | Reason: addition

BI can take 1-3 months (maybe longer) after Poly before it starts. The rejection can come at the very end (clearance denial, have to report it if you apply for another clearance) or quite quickly, maybe a few weeks, in case of suitability denial following a failed poly or lack of confidence that you can make it through the process.

These two processes can run independently. Depending on where you are at in the stack, you could have your BI start first or your onsite visit for applicant processing first. Both will need to be completed favorably before you can be offered the FJO. Likewise, non-favorable results in either will result in a stop to the hiring process.

Anonymouse134, I just received a call stating that I need to fill out an SF-86C. Did you have to do that as well?

anonymouse134 and country mouse,

When you filled out your SF-86C recertification, you said that it took about 1-2 months from that point to receive FJO. Did you guys have any updates that you put on that recert? I'd assume that the amount and nature of any updates you have affect how soon the FJO comes afterwards.

Hey everyone . Haven’t been on this website in a while and since it came upon my mind I decided to share my outcome . It took me 13 months to finally get a start date . After already starting my job with NSA , they called me about two months later giving me my final offer . I took a date in January, but just last week I called and told them I wasn’t coming anymore . I’m from the dmv so I know the cost of living. the pay they were offering me there was no way I could survive off of that living in the dc / va area . Hardest decision in my life but at least i can visit the cia anytime I want :) good luck everyone else ! I would say if you really want a intelligence job , Apply to NSA first . Way faster process and will make it easier applying to cia afterwards .

Awesomeness, I am leaning towards that direction myself. I was offered a salary around $80k, starting date is July, but am thinking I may change my mind about going. My family of 5 would have trouble finding housing for less than $2800/month from the looks of things, in addition to insane traffic and quite a different lifestyle. Super difficult decision, as we have a pretty fantastic life right now. If only D.C. wasn't a required location.

That's what I'm thinking. We have three kids that have gone to the same school, lived in the same house, their entire lives. Their graduating class will literally have 27 kids in it. Super rural. I'm concerned about culture shock so I'd be looking to live as far out as possible, which would make the commute nuts. People say "well if you didn't want it why did you apply?" It's not like that. It took 33 months for my FJO to come in, during which our lives have really been coming together and I've got a great job these days. Not making $80k, but my mortgage is $500 for a 3 bd house on 24 acres and my commute, while 25 miles away, only takes 35 minutes.