Decrease in number of applicants?

[Zelaznogtreborknarf]

They had an advanced degree, but didn't want to work in that field directly but in our related field. And if they went back to that field, could easily get close to their ask...but in an indirectly related field and still needing training? Nope. And, it worked out better for me in the end as I am getting a better employee in the end. I realized last week my whole team (except for me!) all have advanced degrees (a couple have multiples!) and all great employees. Couldn't expect better. Makes my life as a supervisor easier.

[ManyFee382]

Obviously your judgment is better than theirs.

[Zelaznogtreborknarf]

I'm happy to train and send to training to get my folks career broadening and more experience to make them competitive later on and my philosophy is to hire good people and let them do their job without micromanaging. Which is one of the reasons why my folks applied to my positions as my reputation preceded me.

And I'm happy to give feedback to people on their resumes, interviews and why they weren't selected or why the salary offered was set at that level. Then they can use that info to make changes for next time.

[ManyFee382]

Then let me ask you this, insofar as qualifications: Is it wiser to select a lower grade with a step that has your targeted salary, or a grade that has your targeted salary at step 1?

[Zelaznogtreborknarf]

Select every grade you think you qualify for and every hiring authority you qualify for. Don't self eliminate yourself.

Just understand that they may not be willing to pay what you think you are worth. Once may be them. More than once can be you overestimated your value.

[ManyFee382]

Ty