Negotiating Salary
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- 5timuli0
The actual figure is less though but when you take into account the difference in cost of living between here and there it's quite a bit more.
- Until I start to pay my debts off, which I couldn't do back east.5timuli
- good news.Jnr_Madison
- about the salary, not your debts.Jnr_Madison
- Good thing is if I stay with family until January I can pay a lot of them off. Wooo!5timuli
- e-pill0
what did you get?
a bigger salary or equal to what you had or less?
- ukit0
"taking into consideration existing monthly debts, medical expenses, and projected living costs, I feel the base salary of [$offered] would result in a dramatic reduction in living standards"
Whatever else you do, I would definitely leave this part out. It brings a negative edge to things that will give them the mental excuse not to hire you. Instead, do what someone else suggested and say you are weighing this with other offers, or, simply say "This offer is appealing, but I'm looking for at least ____k." It helps to be confident and to the point.
- boobs0
Everybody keeps mentioning that you've got to talk about your current salary, and that you need to mention other salaries within your market, but I think that's all a bunch of crap.
Because a) if you haven't been doing hiring and firing yourself, how do you know what actual salaries are for these positions, and b) your current salary is not relevant because that's your former job, which has different work conditions, clients, management styles, etc.
On point a) We all know that people are ridiculously cagey when it comes to talking about their salary, so you can't learn competitive salaries talking to your friends. You can't learn around here, because if you ever bring up rates and salaries, everybody always says, "oh fuck, you've got to charge what you're worth!" and no one answers the question.
On point b) we all know that jobs aren't strictly speaking comparable, because in design you're almost always working for small organizations, where job descriptions are very "flexible." Also, some organizations are a drag to work at, and some are enjoyable.
All you should be saying, at a salary negotiation is, "OK, you've outlined the responsibilities and duties of the position. For you to motivate me to come and do all that will cost xxxxxx per year."
- why is your job sallary only 6 x's?? thats a small salary!!!
push it higher!!! to 7 x'se-pill
- why is your job sallary only 6 x's?? thats a small salary!!!
- 5timuli0
Maybe I should leave out the picture of my penis with a smiley face too? And maybe the poem I wrote about how wonderful it would be to work there?
- marchelo0
Sorry, not to steal this post, but its related. I just had a job interview with a major company for a mid-level design position in Manhattan. When asked about salary I replied with, to cover living expenses, 48-50K competitive/negotiable. I was just wondering besides a thank you for your time email. Would it be "OK" to be more clear on a particular question or two? You always come up with something later you figure you should have said. The person I'd be working with seems really chill and the opportunity to work on creative projects within a tight group is very appealing. I really hope I get this one, its the opportunity I've been waiting for. I usually wait a week or so to contact for a follow up...
- why wait a week?
its nyc, 2 days a must!!
or else you lost the job.e-pill
- why wait a week?
- chossy0
you have to get paid enough stimmers, I know you need work but they have to pay for your skills, don't ever ever sell yourself short.
- yes, never settle or you will be so miserablesilentseven
- monNom0
Leave out the personal stuff. You're the one in control here, keep it professional.
Based on research and past compensantion, My market value is within the X-Y range. Your wage doesn't compare well to other offers I'm considering, but I like your corporate culture and work. What can you do to bring your compensation up to the level of your competition?
Sticking to your guns will make them more confident in your abilities.
- Llantera0
3-6-9 month review, don't do it.
- cannonball0
Dont even bother explaining your living condition. They will just tell you to cut back on your own expenses. I would rather compare it to standards in cost of living and suggest the pay is not commensurate with your skill level.
- max_prophet0
I think e-pills post is very good, I'd refer back to that.
- max_prophet0
remove this immediately "I look forward to accepting it. I really feel I'll make a very valuable addition to your team."
and then the rest sounds too passive, you are setting them up to turn you down because you sound like you've already made up your mind to take the position, and now you are just trying to get some more money.
You don't need to go into talking about 'monthly debts' etc, that's none of their business.
- 5timuli0
Here's the rough email in case anyone's interested for future reference:
Thank you for the offer, I look forward to accepting it. I really feel I'll make a very valuable addition to your team. I've spent this morning doing some basic budget calculations and I have a some questions to ask regarding the terms of the offer.
Firstly, taking into consideration existing monthly debts, medical expenses, and projected living costs, I feel the base salary of [$offered] would result in a dramatic reduction in living standards. Do you have any flexibility on this part? If you would consider as a compromise a base salary of [$requested] I can promise that with my hard work and dedication you will find the adjustment worth while.
Secondly, could you please supply a basic outline of what's included in the healthcare package, as well as details of paid vacation, sick days and frequency of any salary/performance reviews?
I'd be available to start as early as next week if we can agree on the final terms of the offer. I will be available to discuss this via phone, email or at a meeting of your convenience. I'm really looking forward to the possibility of becoming part of the [company] team.
- don't feel like you have to justify why you need that much.cramdesign
- 5timuli0
I've never had to negotiate before, whether that's my own stupidity or apathy or whatever, I don't really know. The offer is about $4-5k less than what I need to stay comfortable. I think I'll call him first then put it in an email. Thanks for the advice, it's been really helpful.
- Best of Luck to you!Mimio
- 4 to 5 k is probably not unreasonable... most companies expect some negotiation. ask for the 5kcramdesign
- Mimio0
I'm finding a lot of HR at agencies ask your salary requirements and pay history up front sometimes even before an interview.
- designdecay0
I'm going thru this process right now. They offer me 15k less than what I'm making right now (been a designer for 10yrs). I really like the company and they ask me to come-back in so we can discuss the situation further. But a part of me feels like "I already told you what I want. If you don't want to pay me don't waste my time". Another part of me is saying (this guy is worth the money) but they want to haggle the salary. I hate asking for money but it comes with the territory.
- They countered with 15k less? Didn't they ask what you already make?Mimio
- No. They are like "we really like you, this is our offer $$$" I was sorry but that less than what I currently make.designdecay
- That's terrible.Mimio
- marchelo0
I recently interviewed with a few companies in NYC, I've been a freelance/contract designer going on two years. It seemed that a major reason that I didn't get a job in some cases was because I stuck to my guns in the salary dept. Even though the economy is doing poorly, I still wanted at least what I was making at my previous employer. I guess for my level, (mid-level) there's always someone willing to do it cheaper. In some cases it was a matter of only $5 more an hour. (That I wanted.) Manhattan is expensive, my landlord doesn't care if the economy is slow. Anyways, even though I need a job right now, I still feel good about the way I handled myself. I feel fortunate too, there's a lot of people with kids and mortgages that can't afford to negotiate. A lot of helpful insight on here, thanks guys. And good luck! (I also find it best when referring to negotiating a higher rate without saying a number... Simply put, "I need to cover my city living-expenses XYZ,... you know how that is...")
- you should not have to justify your raise outside of your work ability. they will just tell yo uto cut back on your living expenses.cannonball