negotiating up
February 11, 2011 7:29 AM Subscribe
I made the mistake of telling them my exact current base salary at the interview. How to negotiate? A spreadsheet, good/bad idea? Measures/conditions to ask for to prevent being overwhelmed in understaffed situations/persistent unpaid overtime work?
I interviewed and received an offer the same day at a small public company. They are short staffed and desperate to hire. I'm currently employed. There are no competing offers.
____
Problem:
1)Before the interview I was pressured into a figure and I made the mistake of telling them my exact current base salary. Their offer is 3K below my base salary and seemingly aiming to match but not exceed my current salary.
2)The salary figure they were told is lower by 7K, if accounting for bonuses at my current position. Also, I would lose out on 3k of the unvested employer match contribution.
3)Current position title has a 'senior' in it but the job in question does not. job description is otherwise comparable.
How should I proceed in this negotiation?
I don't want to lose the opportunity but I want to minimize my loss as much as possible and increase my base salary. Not sure if the company has a payscale and if they do, where their offer falls.
I am thinking of making a spreadsheet comparing the amount I would lose by accepting the job offer and
asking them to at least meet me half way (maybe in the form of a starting bonus). How is this idea?
I was advised not to give my notice at current job until they complete a standard background check, which takes up to 2 weeks. Is this the usual practice?
This seems to be a fast growing company, constantly outpacing the human resources. What measures/perks should I request now to prevent being overwhelmed with an undue amount of work?
Thanks!
I interviewed and received an offer the same day at a small public company. They are short staffed and desperate to hire. I'm currently employed. There are no competing offers.
____
Problem:
1)Before the interview I was pressured into a figure and I made the mistake of telling them my exact current base salary. Their offer is 3K below my base salary and seemingly aiming to match but not exceed my current salary.
2)The salary figure they were told is lower by 7K, if accounting for bonuses at my current position. Also, I would lose out on 3k of the unvested employer match contribution.
3)Current position title has a 'senior' in it but the job in question does not. job description is otherwise comparable.
How should I proceed in this negotiation?
I don't want to lose the opportunity but I want to minimize my loss as much as possible and increase my base salary. Not sure if the company has a payscale and if they do, where their offer falls.
I am thinking of making a spreadsheet comparing the amount I would lose by accepting the job offer and
asking them to at least meet me half way (maybe in the form of a starting bonus). How is this idea?
I was advised not to give my notice at current job until they complete a standard background check, which takes up to 2 weeks. Is this the usual practice?
This seems to be a fast growing company, constantly outpacing the human resources. What measures/perks should I request now to prevent being overwhelmed with an undue amount of work?
Thanks!
Just tell them that while you appreciate their offer, it is not comensurate with your current salary or annual take-home pay with bonuses and that to consider the position you need them to reconsider the offer. You do not need to send a spreadhseet; you just need them to make a better offer.
And yes, it is normal not to give notice until you pass a background check. That's because the offer is conditional on you passing said check.
posted by DarlingBri at 7:39 AM on February 11, 2011 [3 favorites]
And yes, it is normal not to give notice until you pass a background check. That's because the offer is conditional on you passing said check.
posted by DarlingBri at 7:39 AM on February 11, 2011 [3 favorites]
If they are handing offers on the spot, it sounds like they are desperate. You have all the negotiating power here. Simply counter-offer for what you want and think is fair. If they don't go for it you still have a job. Assuming there is no reason who you can't stay with your current employer, you need to be fairly compensated for the risk involved in changing jobs. It doesn't necessarily all have to be in he form of cash though. More responsibility, better growth opportunities, stock options, etc. can all be part of the calculation.
Personally, when I have changed jobs like this I've aimed for a 15% increase in pay.
posted by COD at 7:42 AM on February 11, 2011 [2 favorites]
Personally, when I have changed jobs like this I've aimed for a 15% increase in pay.
posted by COD at 7:42 AM on February 11, 2011 [2 favorites]
Wait, they made you an offer for below your current base that you told them? Then what is your incentive to leave your current job?
What is your reasoning for wanting to a) leave your current position and b) go to this particular new position?
posted by I am the Walrus at 7:45 AM on February 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
What is your reasoning for wanting to a) leave your current position and b) go to this particular new position?
posted by I am the Walrus at 7:45 AM on February 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
So they've sent you an offer and you haven't accepted it yet? Sorry, it's not clear from the question.
Don't make a spreadsheet and send it to them. If they've offered X amount, then tell them that you need Y amount. If you feel the need to justify it or if they bring up the previous number you quoted, say that now that you've learned about the job you think that Y is a more reasonable figure.
If they refuse to budge on it, then you could try for other perks like increased vacation time, or the ability to telecommute. For example, it's common for people to negotiate additional vacation at my company because all new employees start at 2 weeks and that's not what mid-career folks are used to.
If they really won't budge on anything then you have to decide if you really want this job, I guess.
posted by cabingirl at 7:46 AM on February 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
Don't make a spreadsheet and send it to them. If they've offered X amount, then tell them that you need Y amount. If you feel the need to justify it or if they bring up the previous number you quoted, say that now that you've learned about the job you think that Y is a more reasonable figure.
If they refuse to budge on it, then you could try for other perks like increased vacation time, or the ability to telecommute. For example, it's common for people to negotiate additional vacation at my company because all new employees start at 2 weeks and that's not what mid-career folks are used to.
If they really won't budge on anything then you have to decide if you really want this job, I guess.
posted by cabingirl at 7:46 AM on February 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
"I'm considering your opportunity because I feel I've outgrown my current position, and that my skill and experience are undervalued where I am. So while I'm grateful for your offer, if we include benefits and bonuses it's simply not comparable to what I currently have in hand. Having said that, if you decide to reconsider your offer, I'd be happy to discuss it with you."
posted by mhoye at 7:46 AM on February 11, 2011 [12 favorites]
posted by mhoye at 7:46 AM on February 11, 2011 [12 favorites]
send them something like this:
I am concerned with what would be my offer. It appears to be a lateral move ....
. I have been working at this level for the past two years and with my education and experience, I am sure that I qualify for a higher level. Further, I was under the impression from our interview that I would be considered for a higher level.
Understandably, I was hoping for a more appealing offer from the business name. I feel that with my experience and background, I would be a great asset to your team. Please let me know if there is any flexibility with the offer HR quoted for me.
it worked for me, got it from a lateral position to a promotion...
posted by fozzie33 at 7:47 AM on February 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
I am concerned with what would be my offer. It appears to be a lateral move ....
. I have been working at this level for the past two years and with my education and experience, I am sure that I qualify for a higher level. Further, I was under the impression from our interview that I would be considered for a higher level.
Understandably, I was hoping for a more appealing offer from the business name. I feel that with my experience and background, I would be a great asset to your team. Please let me know if there is any flexibility with the offer HR quoted for me.
it worked for me, got it from a lateral position to a promotion...
posted by fozzie33 at 7:47 AM on February 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
It sounds to me like your next step in this negotiation should be a polite "no, thank you" and continuing to look elsewhere. Chronically understaffed + lowball salary offer + step down in title is not a promising combination.
posted by ook at 7:53 AM on February 11, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by ook at 7:53 AM on February 11, 2011 [3 favorites]
Yeah, I think you've learned why they're short-staffed and desperate to hire.
posted by restless_nomad at 8:04 AM on February 11, 2011 [9 favorites]
posted by restless_nomad at 8:04 AM on February 11, 2011 [9 favorites]
"I was advised not to give my notice at current job until they complete a standard background check, which takes up to 2 weeks. Is this the usual practice?"Definitely. They can rescind the offer based on the outcome of the background check, so until it's final, it would be imprudent to give notice at your current job.
posted by BurntHombre at 8:30 AM on February 11, 2011
Do not send the spreadsheet. Its really none of their business what you earn now. and this spreadsheet is not a professional way to conduct yourself.
I too do not quite understand why you want this job?
Generally i'd say there is no way to avoid being pressured into unpaid overtime work if the company is short staffed. It comes with the territory.
I would simply respond with something like: "Thank you very much for the offer and your consideration. However I was hoping for something somewhat more generous. "
posted by mary8nne at 8:38 AM on February 11, 2011
I too do not quite understand why you want this job?
Generally i'd say there is no way to avoid being pressured into unpaid overtime work if the company is short staffed. It comes with the territory.
I would simply respond with something like: "Thank you very much for the offer and your consideration. However I was hoping for something somewhat more generous. "
posted by mary8nne at 8:38 AM on February 11, 2011
"Wait, they made you an offer for below your current base that you told them? Then what is your incentive to leave your current job?"
The next step is, you ask them this, and they say sigh, oh-KAY, we can be really generous and match your current salary, but not a penny more. After all we are a startup, which means we aren't very profitable. By the way, we need you to work 18 hours a day, we are a startup after all.
posted by tel3path at 9:02 AM on February 11, 2011
The next step is, you ask them this, and they say sigh, oh-KAY, we can be really generous and match your current salary, but not a penny more. After all we are a startup, which means we aren't very profitable. By the way, we need you to work 18 hours a day, we are a startup after all.
posted by tel3path at 9:02 AM on February 11, 2011
You negotiate a higher salary. If they can't go up in yearly compensation, you can ask for other things - more vacation, etc. If you don't ask, you won't get it, so what's the harm here? You already have a job. After you've assured you truly have their final offer, then make your decision on whether or not it's worth it to you to change jobs. But don't send the spreadsheet. You can mention in your negotiations why the current offer is unacceptable (ie you'd be losing money) but you don't need documentation, and it'd probably do more harm than good.
And definitely don't give notice until you have a firm offer in paper, signed, sealed and delivered, without any contingencies or loose ends.
posted by cgg at 9:03 AM on February 11, 2011
And definitely don't give notice until you have a firm offer in paper, signed, sealed and delivered, without any contingencies or loose ends.
posted by cgg at 9:03 AM on February 11, 2011
If you don't want to go lower, have them meet lateral on all benefits and tell them specifically why.
I have a job trying to do this crap to me. They want to lower me by $20k. They're asking for more than I do now and I have demonstrated proof that lateral or a lowering by $5k min is a better deal. When they started saying $20k plus the loss of accrued vacation, flex time, etc. I told them why would I move to a sister company, giving them the advantage instead of hiring someone not knowing the system, AND lose all benefits and start from scratch. I would be giving up 5 years of tenure for nothing.
There are always other jobs. Unless you're in a dire unemployed situation, renegotiate and give concrete answers why you want equal or more. They can't match, walk.
posted by stormpooper at 12:09 PM on February 11, 2011
I have a job trying to do this crap to me. They want to lower me by $20k. They're asking for more than I do now and I have demonstrated proof that lateral or a lowering by $5k min is a better deal. When they started saying $20k plus the loss of accrued vacation, flex time, etc. I told them why would I move to a sister company, giving them the advantage instead of hiring someone not knowing the system, AND lose all benefits and start from scratch. I would be giving up 5 years of tenure for nothing.
There are always other jobs. Unless you're in a dire unemployed situation, renegotiate and give concrete answers why you want equal or more. They can't match, walk.
posted by stormpooper at 12:09 PM on February 11, 2011
Don't appeal to authority. Simply say "I can't work for you for less than $X. Matching my current salary is not good enough."
posted by gjc at 12:45 PM on February 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by gjc at 12:45 PM on February 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
Recruiter with 20 years experience responding ...
So many mistakes. So little time.
You haven't said one word about why you were interviewing or why you thought this might actually be a better position. Until you can answer those questions for yourself, turn this sucker down and get your head on straight.
posted by John Borrowman at 1:12 PM on February 11, 2011
So many mistakes. So little time.
You haven't said one word about why you were interviewing or why you thought this might actually be a better position. Until you can answer those questions for yourself, turn this sucker down and get your head on straight.
posted by John Borrowman at 1:12 PM on February 11, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by toomuchpete at 7:38 AM on February 11, 2011