Negotiating a New Job’s SalaryDecember 19th, 2006
Often when receiving a job offer, candidates are eager to sign on the dotted line. Maybe they’ve been with out work for awhile, maybe it is an increase in pay, or maybe it is simply a better commute.
It is important to remember though, that the most important time in salary negotiations are those early meetings. Be prepared and act confident, it can mean a huge difference in your future lifestyle.
Here is some advice to help you land not just the gig, but the salary that you dream of 
Give a Range
The general rule of thumb in negotiations is that the first person to name a number loses. Unfortunately, most people know this and it can quickly lead to nonproductive encounters. If you are in a position where you are expected to name a number, give the range that you are comfortable with. Research salaries in your area using sites like Salary.com. This will also allow the conversation to move forward so you can learn all the new costs associated with the gig.
Know the Costs
Make sure to factor in all the expenses your new position will require. Will you need a new wardrobe? Does it require you to pay tolls on your commute? Is there overtime pay? What’s the health insurance like? Are you going to have to worry about your own retirement package? Total compensation is important in determining the salary that you require for accepting the job. Don’t sell yourself short.
Be Bold
Fortune favors the bold. Especially if the bold has previous experience. Remember that managers are trying to keep their costs low. Salaries can often represent the largest cost within a company. If you have a target number in mind, always respond with something higher. Remember one key thing — If they say no, negotiations are not over. If they say yes, the negotiation period is finished. Many companies have policies that prevent salary increases over certain percentages. You may only grow 4-5% a year once employed by the company. During negotiations, this can be achieved in seconds. Be bold. You owe it to yourself and your family.
Consider Growth Potential
A high salary may mean nothing if you are not learning skills to use later on in your career. Sadly, the concept of a life long position is a disappearing notion. Always try to search out positions that will train you for your next job and improve your resume. If a job has a lower than expected salary, but a ton of growth potential and training, it may be worth considering, especially if you are lacking experience.
Outline Key Goals
Another strong tactic is to work out an outline of suggested accomplishments. Negotiate a follow up meeting for an early review at the 6 month period. When the time comes, be prepared to show how you’ve accomplished each of the agreed upon milestones. You’ll be able to make the case for a higher salary after proving yourself.
Have another suggestion? Comment below!
Education is important, but should not be considered all inclusive for job qualifications or security. After all, educational intuitions can only teach rudimentary basic skills for any professions at best. Since the type of skills the employer is seeking are gained via years of on the job experience and should be the basis of the interview and candidate selection. After all when all is said and done people are hired to perform, and how they look on paper usually is not a large factor. However if the position requires the holder to have a good or impressionable profile, then the sheepskin becomes an important factor. Formal education is the standard, however a growing percentage of the population are viewing advanced degrees as certificates of entitlement and reason to relax and quit improving their sill set. We’ve all heard the saying ` the degree may have helped get you hired, but, it’s just a foundation to build upon.’ . So, build those skills, beyond the classroom and have measurable positive experience to supplement the education.
A.M. Beck
Sr. Engineering director for a major aerospace corporation.
December 19th, 2006 at 7:21 pm
It’s also understood on what kind of job one is getting paid for. For instance, if you hold a college degree in media involment, you can get most jobs that pay $6.00 an hour! (Without any extras, of course!) If you have a BA in marketing, you can get paid about five cents more. That is, unless your job will go to Iroq where they pay 40 cents a day, then you can’t go! If your BA says “Engineering”, then you can get almost $7.34 cents an hour! Unless somebody is Acko-Acko will be willing to do that same task for 94 cents a day and all of the co-co nuts they could eat!
Again, it’s all about the low balling and what gose with it! Yes-indeed!
December 19th, 2006 at 10:21 pm
All’s good, but what about folks in their existing jobs and careers, who see people brough in from outside who we train them teach the tools of trade but see them getting higher that what we make.
How to negotiate or get the raise you deserve
December 20th, 2006 at 9:43 am
Some folks say that one should interview for a new job every several years, Ray. That allows one to find out, and what. One’s salary may be low, but if one can’t land an interview, then the old Emurse, ah, Resume needs updating and skill set enhancement. Conversely, there is no stronger position for one seeking a raise than a attractive legitimate offer elsewhere. This becomes even more important as one adds age, er, experience. The same is true even if one has gotten the raises and promotions of course, for reasons related to the Peter Principle and markets.
December 20th, 2006 at 11:43 am
In my experience “boldness” can work against you depending on region. For example when applying for positions in Calif and Texas- boldness is a good thing. However in New England— small towns not major cities — it is best, I have found to “tone down” the boldness, especially if the person interviewing you knows you are coming from California or Texas.
December 20th, 2006 at 1:51 pm
I accepted a job in December and find now that the job described during the interview had fewer responsibilities and tasks than the job I am actually doing on a daily basis. Now what? How do I negotiate a higher salary and when do I bring it up? Do I ask for an early performance review? I am aware there are risks to doing this but feel like the job may not have been accurately presented. Pls. advise….thanks.
February 18th, 2007 at 5:29 pm
I need your help….I may be bidding the company farewell.
February 18th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
[…] Negotiating a good salary is a tough task, this article gives some great advice. […]
March 2nd, 2007 at 6:33 pm
Is there any hope of getting a higher salary AFTER you accept and find you have been low balled and that the job described in the interview and the one you are doing do not command the same price?
March 12th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
[…] Look for information on company structure, work place culture, corporate finances and maybe even a few of your potential new coworkers. Developing a deeper understanding of the environment will prepare you to discuss details and enjoy a more thorough interview. Proper research will give you a better sense of whether or not you will enjoy the new job. You will also be in a better position to negotiate salary if the interview proves successful. […]
March 19th, 2007 at 10:23 am
I am considering a great opportunity at a successful smaller software company who is interested in me, but accepting the offer as presented will mean a 11K cut in pay and loss of corporate 401k matching, which I am currently getting at my existing job. I am not adverse to going a bit lower to improve the overall job experience, but this is would be a decent hit to my bi-weekly take-home… Is there a rule of thumb for negotiating an offer in this kind of situation?
August 22nd, 2007 at 11:56 am
To their credit, I feel their offer is within a competitive range for my title, and my existing company probably overpays me for what I do because I’ve been here for a couple of years.
August 22nd, 2007 at 11:57 am