Can we talk salary negotiation?
Out of context: Reply #3
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- d_rek0
I would say there is a time and place for everything - including salary negotiations.
If you have been working at a place for a while without a raise and you are feeling deserved then it's your right as an employee to ask for a raise. I don't know any employers who are readily handing out raises right now. Don't be afraid to ask either; again, it's your right. However, to be prepared to validate your request either through hard proof or lots of brown nosing.
If you're negotiating for salary as a new hire it's a bit different. You should already know what you would like to make walking into an interview/hiring process. If you set the bar too high they may think you're crazy and not want to hire you. If you set it too low you may look desperate. They is to know your value going in and to aim a little higher than what you think you can get. You don't typically want to try and negotiate up for more salary - it's much easier to go down or meet half-way. However, don't be afraid to ask for what you think you're worth - even if it's higher than market value. You might be suprised.
Unfortunately salary increases are rarely 'signficant'. Typically they are incremental - progress comes in small steps and whatnot. You should aim to be increasing your salary 10-15% at a minimum when you make a career shift. You don't want to take any steps backwards unless you're absolutely positive you'll be taking a huge leap forward. Also, be very leery of companies offering golden carrots.