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Thanks,
Mac
Always ask for a figure higher than what you expect to make.
That's the best advice I can give as well. Just be prepared to negotiate and make sure you have it in writing before you quit your current job.
Also dont discount the value of benefits packages on top of your salary.
Scott
Figure out what would make you happy to have the job six months from now. Or, if you had two offers what would you ideally take?
Sometimes benefits like car allowance can be offered when they hit the top of what they can pay. (Is it a government job with red tape or a private small firm who can grant any request they are willing to agree to?)
If it is a public service job ask the pay range and don't settle for the bottom rung.
If it is private firm and they reach their maximum salary ask what else they can do.
I know one place I worked the Human Resources staff was to ensure that the people hired entered towards the bottom of each pay scale. The hiring manager could over ride them. If HR is involved ensure the hiring manager stays in the negotiation loop (especially if they want you).
Hope you are happy with what you get.
Cheers,
Shane
Anyone entering salary negotiations without being mentally prepared to smile and say:
The offer is simply not mutually beneficial.
I thank you for your original interest and your
time, but I decline the offer.
is not actually negotiating, but simply hoping, praying,
or relying on blind luck.
There are four salary levels:
A What you dream to someday make
B What you find acceptable
C What you find barely acceptable
D What you find unacceptable
Many prospective hires unrealistically either dream about A or they cross up fingers and pray to land Anywhere above D-1% because "the pay sucks, but hey, it's pay and I can always keep looking."
Even when a body is courted heavily, if a prospective employer senses a mindset down near C or D, then B becomes as unattainable as A, and C is not a walk in the park by any means.
Know what your skills and knowledge are worth, and expect to be compensated for your present capabilities now.
Good luck to you.
Mac
Good Luck.
Do they offer all the tools you'll need to be successful?
You've sold your talents as a commodity, now the value will be taken into consideration. They should have some idea of the range you may be making and they may offer low to gauge your interest. You, otoh have a salary figure based on your current salary plus a percentage increase.
Be honest, be prepared to counter and most of all.....be supportive of yourself! They have an interest, that's half the battle.
Congratulations. Hope to hear some great news in this post.
The one who gives a number first loses.
If they ask you how much:
1. Ask them what the range is
2. If they dont play along and say something like "I asked you first", stick to your guns and say you are sure we can work something out.
DO NOT follow previous advice re asking an amount that's too high. HR people and hiring managers try to screen people out with these questions - if you quote a number thats too high, too early, you may get screened out.
Remember, ALWAYS follow Rule 1. (Actually applies to ANY negotiation)
Bravo! Goober. I like your values.
Plus, this step will open a discussion to some factors they are also interested in. Like Goober said, just make sure it's what you want to do. It is the first step.
Personnaly, I rarely ink for a whole year with new clients, you never really know before you test them.
Mac
Mac
I would suggest that their deadline of noon today needs to be tested - ask them for another 48 hours as there's "something else in the pipeline that u need to consider". If they agree, it will show that they are pretty keen and also plant a shadow of doubt in their mind over the strength of their position, always a good opener to moving things your way.
Then use that 48 hours to read a book - Everything is Negotiable by Gavin Kennedy. Don't skim it, read it cover to cover. Then go back and get more money or whatever else you want!
This book has saved me literally 100's of thousands over the years, I can't receommend it highly enough.
Good luck - and keep us posted!
Ultimately it is always hard to be a hard-nosed poker faced negotiator when it is something as personal and important as feeding your family. It is much easier when you are negotiating on behalf of a third party or a company, or if you can afford to walk away. So you may have to decide what you would be happy with, and accept the offer as long as it is above that.
Well, it's a good thing someone is offering you one. If the money is acceptable then you have a decision to make. If the money is less than you want, then you need to have the courage to walk away.
Tell them that you aren't going backwards on salary. The reason you were paid $ in your first job is because you had a limited number of skill sets. NOW, you should be paid $$$ because you've acquired so many MORE skill sets, just the ones they need in fact.
Be prepared to walk away after telling them: "I'm really very flattered that you have an interest, but I can't justify taking a position for the same money as when I got into this business".
If they are legit, and they want you, then expect to hear this: "Sure, I understand. BTW, how much did you hope to make?" At that moment, you need to be clear. Tell them what you had in mind, and then offer them a closer alternative.
Good luck, and as they used to say in that famous deodorant commercial: "Never let 'em see you sweat"
Goober
[bold] "I really like what I am doing now." [/bold]
Did you get that. You may not be making what the money you want but you really like what you are doing now and to take you away from that will mean that loss will have to be compensated.
It is a way to counter the you are only making $x now and are asking for $YYY.
How much research can you do on them? Are they know for paying well. Are they doing well? Notice things like where they are putting their money (buildings, furniture, hiring, full page ads, new computers), or are they using lots of old stuff. This can give a hint of how much room they have to play.
If you are doing this by phone have notes written out in front of you to reference when you call. It will help.
Good luck,
Shane
Mac
Would you care to share "how" the negotiation went, what worked well, what didn't work so well?
Thanks,
Shane
Now dont spend all day at work in your first week surfing WW! ;)
Scott
I do not mean to Hijack this thread, but I have a quick question for those of you who have given mac advice.
I just applied for a job and got a reply right away. The HR person's first reply included this:
"Please let me know what your salary requirements are.
Thanks
Best Regards"
At this point how should I approach this?
Some facts about this job and why I am even looking at it.
1. I currently have a great job. It's simply stagnating a bit and I feel that I need to leave to allow my career to grow.
2. I am well qualified for the position i am applying for.
3. it is a bit of a move for my wife and I . however it would be a welcome move to a smaller town.
What would be your move in this situation?
thanks you!
Mac
