I recently interviewed for a Communications Specialist I position with a county government agency and I'm anxiously awaiting an offer. The role has multiple salary steps, and I'm curious about the possibility of negotiating a higher starting step based on my experience. I have five years of experience in public safety communications and dispatch, along with relevant certifications and training. I'm reaching out to see if anyone with experience in government, dispatch, or HR has successfully negotiated a higher starting step. Did they take your experience or current pay into account? At what point in the hiring process did you bring up the negotiation? I'm not looking to go beyond the pay scale, just hoping to start at a step that reflects my qualifications.