conversation: User (Gibertcs): "I've been through a pretty grueling 6 month application process and my final interview is lined up! It was heavily implied that this is a formality, and they asked me to review the city's benefits page before the interview.\n\n  This is an entry level job, but it's also highly technical, requires a masters degree, ans is in one of the biggest cities in the Midwest. Since its a government job, they have pay ranges posted, and the range for this job is 37-51k/ yr. \n\n To me, that's a huge range. Since its government work, and pay ranges are set by someone who isn't doing the hiring, is this negotiation process different? What should I do to make sure I come down on the 50k end of the spectrum? "
  Self: "It depends, often times in government jobs that means 37 is first year, 51 is the max outside of the COL raises. Sometimes you can parlay experience from past work into starting midrange, others you cannot. \n\nIt doesn't hurt to ask for what you think you deserve and see what they offer."
  