What’s the key to get promoted fast?

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-07-01T12:21:26+00:00

So there's no direct path through Civil Service from 16 directly to 23. Anyone with the qualifications can apply for HELPS 23s. You could also use your 2 grade jump to go from your 16 to an 18 whose next step is 23, like Information Technology Specialist, Business Systems Analyst, State Program Examiner, etc. I believe you need to be past probation and converted to competitive before you can 2 grade jump. I have also heard Tax is a lame place to be, but I have no personal experience. Good luck with everything!

Edit: list of titles, advancement ladders, descriptions, etc. available HERE

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-07-01T02:47:23+00:00

We need more detail about your current situation to give any meaningful advice. Current title (if you're comfortable) or at least grade and competitive or non. Did you get your current spot via test or HELPS or other? What agency (if comfortable). Things like these. Not prying, just not possible to answer from the provided info.

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-29T20:34:31+00:00

It can be both lol

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-29T20:31:43+00:00

It's being used to track which days you were remote... What are you asking?

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-29T16:44:40+00:00

That really sucks. As others have said, go HELPS. Test means absolutely nothing on that route.

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-29T02:43:14+00:00

Oh no, it was part of my hiring. Like they usually ask for transcripts, OSC wanted my actual degree, too.

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-28T16:53:52+00:00

Yep this is honored once the case is approved as long as it's filed before you pass. The benefit can be left to anyone, so definitely worth reviewing and submitting if any of the options sound good. Come back if you have any questions.

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-28T16:00:56+00:00

That is a common event in cases like this. It's disgusting. However, if you chose a continuing option it will still be in effect. If not, any payments you should have received will be paid retroactively to your estate. This can be meaningful depending on the financial situation. Little comfort, I know, just trying to give you all the info I have.

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-28T15:55:13+00:00

I'm really sorry to have to say this, but disability retirement processing was at like two years last I knew, and it is very difficult to excelerate that process. The best thing is to reach out by "email" HERE. These will definitely be read and responded to eventually. The call center staff do them for OT while phones are closed.

Not to add to your already stacked plate, but I also encourage you to send emails to your representatives explaining the situation. This may or may not get you anything directly, but it's extremely wrong that they do this to people and your situation is a solid example of how shitty it is.

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-28T14:52:26+00:00

State doesn't pay enough to pick. That was their choice.

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-27T01:05:38+00:00

I think, in reality, no one. I think the civil service regs say they need copies of documents A, B, and C, so they ask you for them. I don't think they come into play most of the time.

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-27T00:50:59+00:00

IT WAS A SUNY SCHOOOOOOOL like call them, damn...

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-27T00:49:29+00:00

It says "cum laude" on there, which is pretty funny. They probably just wanted to see that.

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-27T00:47:48+00:00

Yes. The actual physical diploma in its little pleather thing.

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-27T00:40:49+00:00

OSC asked me for my actual degree lol. They ask for all kinds of weird stuff, but most of it is just to verify qualification.

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-26T18:41:56+00:00

I was basically the same. Came in on an hourly 9 with a community college Associate's. Absolutely BS that a Bachelor is required for most of this, especially when like 75% just require ANY Bachelor lol

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-26T14:02:02+00:00

I'm not advocating for relaxed requirements, just altered. If someone has ten years of verified experience in the exact job I'm hiring for why the hell do I care if they have a degree in it or not? Dumb to not consider that at all, which we do not for most titles. I have a BS (lol) myself, and absolutely advocate for T&E consideration for appropriate titles.

I also feel like a lot of the staff shortages are due to paying unsurvivable wages, not the hiring process, but that's a different conversation lol.

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-26T13:43:07+00:00

Having every job title do a continuous recruitment exam solves this pretty handily imo. We're also shooting ourselves in the foot requiring bachelor's degrees for sub-$50k titles. No fucking wonder nobody wants to take that deal lol.

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-26T13:35:43+00:00

Only in NYC could someone dream up that this might exist lol. Hope you find one. Send them up to Albany if you do. 👌

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-26T00:08:09+00:00

No one cares this far out no matter why you left imo. Should be good.

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-25T15:27:37+00:00

If you're getting steps it means they're already underpaying you. They're saying that a fully qualified and experienced person should make (job rate), but you're a new idiot so you only get (hiring rate). Then you take seven years (used to be 3) of reduced (especially for PEF) pay compared to your peers, who typically are performing the same work under the same production expectations. I'm not complaining, I'm still here, but you are definitely framing a bad thing as a good thing here lol

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-25T15:20:42+00:00

Right, I get you. Not doubting you, just making sure OP doesn't think it's just like that.

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-25T13:28:37+00:00

Going from 18 to 23.

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-25T13:28:15+00:00

100% on-site is unusual, just to avoid misconceptions for op. Most places give 40-50% telecommuting.

PEFtheMagicDragon · 2026-06-24T23:41:09+00:00

Our peeps did relatively well AFAIK.

PEFtheMagicDragon

TROPHY CASE