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sfcaligirl


Dooney & Bourke

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salary negotiation- HELP!
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i had a third (!) interview for a sales assistant job at an internet publishing company the other day and i think they are going to offer me the job soon (like today).  the person i interviewed with basically asked when i could start and unofficially offered the position.  she also let me know what the starting salary would be- and unfortunately it's VERY low.  it's actually slightly less than what i'm making at my current job (i didn't think it was possible to make less than what i make now!).  i would be switching industries (from academia to publishing) and publishing is notorious for low starting pay, but i can't possibly make ends meet if i take a salary cut.  this position is a great opportunity at a fast-growing company and i think i'd be much happier there.  but being destitute will not make me happy! 


i've never negotiated a salary before (i've never had the option, how weird is that?).  i need pointers!  when they make their offer, do i counter right away with what i need/want?  HELP! 


UPDATED BELOW!



-- Edited by sfcaligirl at 15:02, 2005-12-12

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Elle


Hermes

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If they offer you the position - they want you to work there, and will most likely be able to give a little in the salary area.  It's not like you're being greedy or egotistical about it, if you need XYZ amount to be able to pay your bills, then you need XYZ amount and that's that.  Even switching industries, if you'd be going into a similar 'level' as the one you're at in your current field, IMO it would be totally appropriate to ask for what you're making now, or even slightly higher (as in a dollar/hr more, or rounding up if you make an off-dollar amount).


See how they react.  Hopefully they'll realize that having you work there is worth the little extra you'd need.  If they don't compromise at all and make you feel weird for asking, I'd seriously rethink accepting the position.  If they'd be unwilling to work with you now regarding money, I'd expect the same in the future.


Good luck!



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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
halah


Kenneth Cole

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Hi hope I'm in time to help.  You should negotiate right away and before you verbally agree to the position. The main thing is to be upfront and honest.  “I’m very please to be offered the position and I am interested, but your asking me to take a significant pay cut.  Can you give me a couple of days to think about this?”  at this point hopefully they will either make you a better offer or agree to give you a few days then you can say “If you were to match my current pay or agree to X amount (name your price) I would be able to commit right now.”  They may say they are going to talk it over or seek approval and get back to you.  Usually if you are an experienced hire (ie not straight out of school or moving into a completely unrelated field).  There is always room for negotiation. 


 


Have you interviewed or have offers from anyone else?  When I switched jobs last I had two offers and was able to leverage them against each other to get the salary I wanted.  Is easier to negotiate when you have more than one offer.



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halah


Kenneth Cole

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Oh and congratulations on getting the job offer too!  I like what Elle said as well,, it's appropriate to negotiate and they shouldn't make you feel bad for it.

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lindsayp


Kenneth Cole

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my bf was reading over my shoulder and he said to check out diversityinc.com for women's salary negotiating tips. Apparanlty women are considered a minority when it comes to salaries. You might have to sign up for a free trial membership, but they won't charge you anything at the end. Hope this isn't too late!!

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sfcaligirl


Dooney & Bourke

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so they came back with an offer- and 5K more than the figure she quoted during my interview!  i officially accepted the position and gave my two weeks notice at my current job today.  i'm so excited for this new opportunity!  yay!!!!


thanks for the advice, girls!



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Elle


Hermes

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AWESOME!!!  Soooo happy for you!  Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
NCshopper


Hermes

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Good for you!  Congrats on the new job! 

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