I interviewed for a company and I feel it went really well, It’s a big move for me and my family.. how do I make sure I get the best salary?
First off – research! Try www.salary.com – it has a salary wizard – to help you determine the salary range. Also try Indeed.com . Be sure you get info for the position for proper location – i.e city, state.
Once you know the going salary range you can start to negotiate. Most companies have a salary range for the position. If the company makes you an offer, ask where it falls in the range. If it’s at the bottom you can negotiate up from there by referencing your experience, skills, etc. that justify why you should not be at the low end of the range. Aim for the middle, it’s unlikely you’d be hired at the top of a range. Also, don’t be the first to mention a salary! This is key. If they ask you, reply with something like "Well, I’m sure you have a range for this position. Considering my experience of xxxx and my accomplishments of yyyy, I’m sure I would fall into at least the middle range." Then be quiet! Whoever talks first loses!
Don’t forget to negotiate other "perks" and consider them in the overall package – i.e. sometimes you can get an extra week of vacation above standard, or get it sooner, etc. It’s cheaper for them than cash money. Also, once a reasonalbe offer is on the table DO NOT accept it right away. Tell them you need a day or two to consider the offer in light of other offer(s) you have (even if you don’t). Don’t tell them you’re expecting an offer in the near future from another company – imply you already have one. Let a day or two go by. Contact them and tell them you really want to work for their company, for reasons x,y,z but you’d like them to consider a salary of "x", where "x" is 1-2% higher than previous offer. If they can’t or won’t then it’s up to you to decide. Be sure to follow up after the first salary discussion and before the call back with a thank you letter that includes verbage re: I’m very interested, still considering, back to you soon.
Don’t forget to get info on cost of living expenses in your new location. What is a high salary in one city could be near poverty in a big metro area.
Hope this helps. Best of luck.
P.S. Don’t start salary negotiations until they offer you the job!
May 18th, 2010 at 7:09 am
There are many factors in regards to the best way to negotiate a salary. Here is a list of factors, just go down the list and make your best decision:
1. Experience
2. Location (distance from home)
3. Overtime (paid or non paid)
4. Company level (large company, family owned, small company)
5. Industry demand
6. Medium salary for your city
7. Salary range established by the new employer
8. Perks
9. Title
10. What is for you ?
and last but not one to forget, how much do you value yourself.
References :
Former recruiter and current hr assistant director
May 18th, 2010 at 7:57 am
First off – research! Try http://www.salary.com – it has a salary wizard – to help you determine the salary range. Also try Indeed.com . Be sure you get info for the position for proper location – i.e city, state.
Once you know the going salary range you can start to negotiate. Most companies have a salary range for the position. If the company makes you an offer, ask where it falls in the range. If it’s at the bottom you can negotiate up from there by referencing your experience, skills, etc. that justify why you should not be at the low end of the range. Aim for the middle, it’s unlikely you’d be hired at the top of a range. Also, don’t be the first to mention a salary! This is key. If they ask you, reply with something like "Well, I’m sure you have a range for this position. Considering my experience of xxxx and my accomplishments of yyyy, I’m sure I would fall into at least the middle range." Then be quiet! Whoever talks first loses!
Don’t forget to negotiate other "perks" and consider them in the overall package – i.e. sometimes you can get an extra week of vacation above standard, or get it sooner, etc. It’s cheaper for them than cash money. Also, once a reasonalbe offer is on the table DO NOT accept it right away. Tell them you need a day or two to consider the offer in light of other offer(s) you have (even if you don’t). Don’t tell them you’re expecting an offer in the near future from another company – imply you already have one. Let a day or two go by. Contact them and tell them you really want to work for their company, for reasons x,y,z but you’d like them to consider a salary of "x", where "x" is 1-2% higher than previous offer. If they can’t or won’t then it’s up to you to decide. Be sure to follow up after the first salary discussion and before the call back with a thank you letter that includes verbage re: I’m very interested, still considering, back to you soon.
Don’t forget to get info on cost of living expenses in your new location. What is a high salary in one city could be near poverty in a big metro area.
Hope this helps. Best of luck.
P.S. Don’t start salary negotiations until they offer you the job!
References :
experience hiring & "Out-interviewing The Interviewer" (out of print now?)
May 18th, 2010 at 8:14 am
Here are a couple links to articles on salary negotion that you might find helpful:
http://www.payscale.com/resources_neg_tips
http://blogs.payscale.com/salary_report_kris_cowan/2008/09/salary-negotiat.html
Hope that helps and good luck
References :