How to negotiate a salary?

[Triforceofcourage]

I went in for an interview today and it went great. They basically told me I am the ideal candidate they are looking for. They asked me what salary range I was looking for and I told them mid to upper 30's. This is for an entry level position so the pay is not that bad. When they call me with a figure, I want to see if I can get them any higher. So how would I ask if they can go higher without looking greedy?

 

[Mill]

Pipe-bomb, contract and handgun in a black duffel bag. Walk in with an ass-kicking glare on your face and set the bag on the table. Pull out the pipe-bomb set it on the table. Pull out the gun and put it up to the Hiring Manager's head. Pull out the contract that lists your pay at 250k, and then tell him to sign it.

That's all the negotiating skills you need.

 

[Stumps]

just don't do what i did when i asked for a raise from my boss Mike(the RED DEVIL)

Matt(me): Mike I've been working here for over 3 years now and have provided the company with excellent service as my sales records show.....(Mike cuts me off)
Mike: What do you want NOW?
Matt: ummm I would like a raise..maybe another $30-$40 a week...
Miker :how about I deduct your wage $30-40...you are just a lazy white Aussie worker..I don't pay you to ask for raises
Matt: well I know this but I do perform much better than all of the other sales staff
Mike: True..buts what in it for me...explain to me why?
Matt: I have just told you why
Mike: Maybe I smuggle you to china and have you shot in front of firing squad?
Matt: Maybe I just stop selling stuff and scare away all the customers..then we will see how much money you rake in at this store
Mike: I could kill you now...you lazy $#%#^#^(something incoherant in chinese)
Matt: well can I have the raise?
Mike: Ok..but i expect to see an improvement in sales...or you out door OK
Matt: yeah ok...(I walk off muttering insults under my breath)

ahh the chinese..wonderful people to work for

 

[bonkers325]

walk in naked and say

"for each 1% increase to my salary, i will put on an article of clothing."

 

[SouthPaW1227]

Honest answer:

The best way to negotiate w/ company "A" is to already have an offer from company "B". Leveraging power can be exponential.

If you only have THEIR offer you're not doing yourself any favors b/c it puts you in a "take it or leave it" situation, and they know it. Your best bet is to google for average salaries for someone in your area w/ your degree. Try to get about $1-2k above average since THEY LIKE YOU. They know the average, and if you don't push them TOO high over the average they're likely to cave.

Another thing: a lot of companies won't negotiate incoming salaries for new hires, BUT, will negotiate benefits, which is cash in another form. Ask for an extra week's vacation per year, cheaper (or free) dental/health plans, etc.

Whatever happens, good luck!

 

[Triforceofcourage]

bump Any other suggestions?

 

[Drakkon]

if you said upper thirties and they come back with an offer of 38 take it...dont try and hit 40...
as said always make sure of benefits when negotiating salary...they can play a huge part...so if they only offer you 35 see what benefits are included in that...i mean if its free med/dental/vision + 3 weeks paid vacation + holidays + 401k matching your actually more up around the 40+ mark

 

[skimple]

Originally posted by: SouthPaW1227

Another thing: a lot of companies won't negotiate incoming salaries for new hires, BUT, will negotiate benefits, which is cash in another form. Ask for an extra week's vacation per year, cheaper (or free) dental/health plans, etc.

I agree. You have already outlined your expectations by saying "upper 30's". If they come in below 35, then you can point out that you were expecting more. But if they offer in the upper 30's, you're going to have a hard time getting them to increase.

Focus on vacation time, maybe one day off per week (paid) to get an advanced degree, or other benefits like that. Try for three weeks of vacation as a minimum. Most entry levels start off at 2

 

[TStep]

Here's what has worked for me in the past with the people in the industry that do not know me. You are basically an unknown commodity. The may get a bargain or they may get a dud.

So, when I negotiate the starting salary, I tell them upfront I'll agree to work at any price they want to pay (within reason) for two months regardless of what I think I'm worth. I make it very clear upfront, that after two months I expect to receive a salary of $XX....within reason, of course. I do not sell myself short on this figure by any means. After two months, I either get the salary or walk, and I've never walked yet.

If your a competent, bright, energetic, etc. worker, you'll be compensated. In fact, at the two month mark, you'll probably be so intertwined in their master plan, that your loss would likely outweigh your additional cost. If your average or a slouch, they'll likely tell you your staying at your current compensation level or flatout give you the boot. Using this approach, you basically have control of your own destiny in a company that recognizes accomplishments.

 

[habib89]

you already told them what you want, why would you ask for more? you shoulda asked for more earlier.. however, like everyone else is saying, ask for extra benefits.. maybe ask for an extra week of paid vacation.. think about it this way.. $17/hour is $680 a week (40 hour week) so you'd be getting $680 for taking vacation if you got an extra week.. not a bad deal i say

 

[Triforceofcourage]

I said Mid - Upper Thirties so if they offer 36,000 would it be appropriate for me to ask for 38,000?

 

[Tates]

I always wait for an offer of employment before discussing salary. In the interview process, if asked what salary I am looking for, I say something like "If I am offered a position with the company, I'm sure the company's salary offer will be more than fair" and leave it at that. Once an offer of employment is tendered, I'm in a better position to negotiate.

 

[Triforceofcourage]

Originally posted by: Tates
I always wait for an offer of employment before discussing salary. In the interview process, if asked what salary I am looking for, I say something like "If I am offered a position with the company, I'm sure the company's salary offer will be more than fair" and leave it at that. Once an offer of employment is tendered, I'm in a better position to negotiate.

Good to know for next time but what about my situation

 

[Starbuck1975]

I highly recommend that you obtain a copy of the book "Getting To Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In." by Roger Fisher and William Ury. It is considered one of the better books on negotiating tactics, and used as a textbook in many graduate level negotiation classes.

I have yet to negotiate a salary, but I did use these negotiations tactics when buying my last car, and managed to talk the dealer down to $4000 below sticker price.

 

[LikeLinus]

Originally posted by: Mill
Pipe-bomb, contract and handgun in a black duffel bag. Walk in with an ass-kicking glare on your face and set the bag on the table. Pull out the pipe-bomb set it on the table. Pull out the gun and put it up to the Hiring Manager's head. Pull out the contract that lists your pay at 250k, and then tell him to sign it.

That's all the negotiating skills you need.

Uh...why do you need a P-Bomb if you're going to just put a gun to the guys head?

 

[frankie38]

Good news. they want you. they offer 36k. its ok to try to ask for more.

Tell thim:

1) Thank you for offer. I am very excited about working for your company. I have been considering your offer of 36k and based on the market and my experience I am looking for 38k. If you offer 38k I will accept immediately and will give notice to my current employer and start with you in 2 weeks.

2) if they say no, and if you still want job then ask for a performance review in 3 - 6 months with salary adjustment.

 

[spidey07]

Lesson learned. Never, ever give a number first. They could have been prepared to pay 80K, but now they can get you for half price.

There's tons of quick tips on the web about how to negotiate a salary. Even some good stock answers when asked what your salary range is.

 

[crooked22]

im not sure if my tactic will work on job entry, but after 3.5 years at my current place, i felt underpaid. so i went to monster.com and salary.com to get a feeling how much i should be paid. i added to that the fact that i perform quite a few more works as well. then, i printed out charts for a bit of a presentation. i explained in a linear graph where the national average was, where i was, and where i would have liked to be. then i said, "but since the fact is that my job description (the one i was hired for) changed quite a bit, i think i should get this." (this was a much higher pay of a job similar but different).

he initially went for 1.5% (more or less), but since i wasnt setting up for this, i countered with a 25% offer i knew was fair. he wanted to give me $2000 more a year, i wanted $18000 more. at the end, two hours later (your supervisor should never kick you out of the office while you are negotiating your salary. if he/she wants you out, chances are are he will hit you up with a number slightly lower than what you want), i had $10000 plus a $400 car allowance (tax free!!)... my car is paid in 4 months (maybe earlier) so this is just free-tax-free money for me. oh and a new job title too.

afternoon, i went home and got high... i needed a rest.

 

[Triforceofcourage]

bump

 

[Triforceofcourage]

super bump

 

[Maximus96]

what about in filling out applications they ask for your current or past salaries and ask for a desired salary range? i don't see a way avoiding stating a number first since the application is usually the first step.

 

[squirrel dog]

Go slowly into this as you could blow it . A 35k job that gets your foot into the door of a great gig isnt something to dismiss . I started my job 34 years ago at 2.54 an hour . I now have several mills budget / co. car / gas card / three credit cards / and my boss is three states away . You must start somewhere .

 

[Drakkon]

Originally posted by: Tates
I always wait for an offer of employment before discussing salary. In the interview process, if asked what salary I am looking for, I say something like "If I am offered a position with the company, I'm sure the company's salary offer will be more than fair" and leave it at that. Once an offer of employment is tendered, I'm in a better position to negotiate.

I dunno how smart this is...chances are what you get offered....if you get offered anything...is going to be the lowest offer they make...1000's less than what you want. If you try and bargain way up they'll be like what the heck is this guy thinking.
Also I know from when i conducted interviews guys that said stuff like "whatever is competitive" and wouldn't give me a number came off as sounding either a) cocky or b)mal-informed and would most liekly get them placed BELOW people that had given me a number just because at least we knew where those people stood...

 

[Yossarian]

Originally posted by: Triforceofcourage
I went in for an interview today and it went great. They basically told me I am the ideal candidate they are looking for. They asked me what salary range I was looking for and I told them mid to upper 30's.

well you already messed up. never give a number first. I say something very direct like "If we're going to discuss salary, I would prefer that you tell me what you think I'm worth first."

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: LikeLinus

Originally posted by: Mill
Pipe-bomb, contract and handgun in a black duffel bag. Walk in with an ass-kicking glare on your face and set the bag on the table. Pull out the pipe-bomb set it on the table. Pull out the gun and put it up to the Hiring Manager's head. Pull out the contract that lists your pay at 250k, and then tell him to sign it.

That's all the negotiating skills you need.

Uh...why do you need a P-Bomb if you're going to just put a gun to the guys head?

Additional scare tactic.