GS pay scale negotiable?

[Moneybags]

As a new hire, is it possible to negotiate a higher salary on the GS scale?  The conditional offer is a base GS 7 step 1.

[triple x]

Moneybags,

More often than not, it is doubtful that you can successfully negotiate a higher step position within the GS rating in which you have applied.  

Prior civil service time as a GS-7 or higher, would be a plus.  


triple x

[Ruckover]

I've been told that steps within grade are indeed negotiable.  Further, that two of the agencies have taken to giving signing bonuses (DIA and CIA).  In order to get the bump in step (or even grade for that matter), you need to think about what makes you different from someone else who they are putting in the same level.  What is your education?  How many years of work experience do you have?  Anything about you that makes you better suited for the job than someone else being considered at the same grade/step?