Salary Negotiations

SilverTurtle · #1 12-12-2002, 09:56 PM

I have a question about negotiating your salary, particularly when going to a new job. I'm looking for a new job, probably in a different field. Some of the jobs I find listed have salaries, or at least ranges for salary. But some don't.

So how do you *tactfully* inquire about the salary for a position? What if it's a sizeable range (say from $28,000-$35,000)? How do you put your foot down for what you're actually worth without coming across the wrong way. I understand that both education and experience will obviously affect anyone's pay in just about any field. But since I haven't really had to do this before, I was wondering if anyone had any advice before I get into it? Thanks!

RedHotChiO · #2 12-13-2002, 09:51 PM

I'm looking for a job myself, and I've been wondering about this too!

SilverTurtle · #3 12-31-2002, 11:11 AM

I'm bumping this, because I still want some advice

Angels&Arrows · #4 12-31-2002, 06:34 PM

The best thing would be to include your salary requirements on your cover letter.... This might turn certain jobs away... However, you will not be wasting time on interviews that are not going to lead to your salary demands.

You need to do your homework on the salaries in the new field you are looking at, along with the experience/education requirements.

Also... NEVER ask on the first interview what the salary range is for the position. If you are called back for a second interview... then inquire!

James · #5 01-02-2003, 11:27 PM

Never accept the first salary offer on a position with a salary range lol.

rho4life · #6 10-30-2003, 05:14 PM

Go to salary.com. don't pay for the shi-shi foo-foo personalized report. You can put in the zip code or city, and type of position. While this may not be exactly in line with your job description, it gives you the range of salaries for different gigs.

Also, NEVER take the first offer immediately. The last job I was at, 3 of us started the same day. The other 2 took the first offer. I asked for more money, and extra benis, and I got it.

Even if you are taking a job where there is no room for negotiations, ie all first year attorneys at some firms get the same pay, NEVER say yes on the spot. Ask for 24 or 48 hrs to contemplate the offer. It helps them realize that you're mature and thoughtfull, even if you're as giddy as a school girl on the inside.

Good Luck!

navane · #7 11-01-2003, 04:09 AM

Sometimes the salary offer is too low but the employer can not or will not increase the offer.
When this happens, my bf suggests that one should ask for extra benefits like extra vacation days and such.

.....Kelly

EEKappa · #8 11-01-2003, 11:47 AM

Great advice so far!

I'd like to echo that sometimes employers can't make a better offer, or even offer better benefits because they try very hard to maintain pay parity. There is nothing more detrimental to existing, loyal, employees and their morale than to give the "new kid on the block" with no experience a better package than they got when they started.

In my experienc, no matter how well-credentialed candidates are, if they are new to our industry they won't begin reach their full potential until we've had a good four months to train them.

Since this is a new field for you, let the potential employer know that you are willing to pay your dues, which might mean a lower salary level than you are accustomed to. What you might be able to negotiate is a review after six months to determine your progress and evaluate your value to the company.

If you've made the commitment to learn as much as possible and contribute to the organization, after six months they won't want to lose you! And then not only will you be worth the higher salary, they'll be justified in paying it.

SAEalumnus · #9 11-15-2003, 11:35 PM

Does anyone have any really good success stories of being able to negotiate a deal substantially better than the initial offer?