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What non-monetary things could I ask for in my contract re-negotiations?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:00:17 -0800

What non-monetary things could I ask for in my contract re-negotiations? Due to some contractual inefficiencies that aren't worth getting into, I have been asked by my boss to suggest some non-raise ways of increasing my employment package. I have a basic idea or two (more vacation time, built in raise at the end of the year of X%), but am looking for some more suggestions.

About my job: Have been on contract for 1.5 years; new contract will be Jan 1 to Dec 31. Work for a large publicly traded communications company in a senior-ish role. Can't get a permanent role until someone leaves, which, for reasons that aren't worth getting into, will almost definitely not happen before Jan 2011 at the earliest.

How to handle salary discussions before you have a job offer?

Anonymous — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:50:34 -0800

Help with salary negotiations? The standard wisdom -- which I've been trying to follow -- is that you aren’t supposed to talk about salary until after you get a job offer. But the organization began talking about it when they called to schedule the first interview. Suggestions? I applied for a job. They required a salary history. I sent mine, stating that I make, let’s say, $60k (the details are changed here; it’s less than that). An assistant called, saying they wanted to schedule an interview with me, “but [boss] wanted to flag the fact that the salary for this position is in the mid-40s. Would you still be interested?” I paused (a bit surprised, really) and said something noncommittal, like “it would certainly be worth us having more discussion about the position.”

Next, I had a phone interview with the supervisor. The discussion had very few questions about my qualifications (one question). The call’s purpose seemed to be to explain the position and allow me to ask questions. She brought up the salary, and said that they have “authorization” to offer up to $48k, what did I think? I said something like “I would want to consider the salary in light of the full package, including benefits and the opportunities for professional growth.” She explained the benefits package (including a matching donation to a retirement account, which I admitted would close some of the gap).

The job offers a lot of opportunity for professional growth; I'd be really passionate about the work; they’re a great organization; and I could still live on the lower salary (though my ability to save would go way down). If offered the job, I would like to take it. But a 20% salary cut is still hard to take. It’s a much tougher decision than it would be if they could close that gap a bit more.

How should I handle this? Should I start to openly admit that it would be a tough decision for me at their current budget? Should I continue trying to wait until they actually offer me the job (or not)? I’d rather discuss salary once we've decided if I'd be a good fit for the job. But if so, how do I field the question? I think they may have the impression I would consider taking the job at the current salary, because I’ve typically changed the subject to how I’d be very excited to contribute to the organization. I don’t want them to think I’m agreeing to it and then seem to change my mind later. Since they keep trying to get me to say that salary is okay, they may not have much flexibility, but they must have some, right?

How would you handle this?

How do I negotiate my new salary?

matholio — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 05:56:01 -0800

What strategy should I adopt to clarify and hopefully increase this job offer? I have a job, I think it's a good job, but for various reasons I want to move on.

I had an interview with the CEO of a smallish company, and I thought it went well.

During the 1st interview, the topic of remuneration was discussed, I wasn't really ready for it, and frankly I think I made too many positive noises too early. Some figures were mentioned and afterwards I wished I had made my position clearer.
Basically there was some confusion on my part about Base/Package.

I was tempted to call back to clarify it, but I didn't want to sound over confident.

They followed up with a reference check, and finally a telephone interview with a senior technical consultant. All went well and they made an offer today.

The offer is exactly what the numbers mentioned by the CEO.
Looking at the offer, they have included Super (pension) in the Base.
That's a significant amount, say, at least 8% of Base. Maybe more but they have not indicated how much Super they offer (why?).
It's not really normal to roll these numbers together, quite unusual actually.
Also, regarding the bonus, it's KPI linked, but the KPIs will be thrashed out during the probation period.

So my question is how do I approach these discussions?

In my initial conversation with HR, I stated a minimum base.
In my mind Base does not include anything else.
The CEO may well believe we had an agreement in the first interview.
The at risk component is quite significant, so I feel they have room to move.
Should I offer to give up potential bonus, for more base salary?
Should I mention it's not usual to include super in the salary?

There no point moving for the offer they have presented, but I like the role, I think it will suit me, and they are keen to fill the role. They have been with out this role for at least a month and already feel standards are dropping.

My gut feeling is they can and might meet my minimum salary expectations, I just don't want to stuff it up with my lack of negotiation experience.

Sorry for the rambling back story, I hope it's coherent enough.

$duped$

meijusa — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 07:32:00 -0800

Late salary negotiations: I'm already at the new job but need to negotiate to correct initial dupery. At the time of the job offer I was told that everyone in the group is equal (work-wise this is true, we all have the same responsibilities and level of education) and gets the same salary. Upon arrival I found out that many colleagues had negotiated a higher salary (up to plus 18%), except me and some other gullible people that just believed the statement of supposed equality. Now, I already started and I like the job, just not this aspect of "some are more equal" because they asked anyway.

I asked for an appointment to discuss my contract next week, but I don't have the leverage of threatening not to take the offer, because I already have taken it. Ironically, I'm one of the people with the most prior experience, which I will point out, but I'm not sure what else to say and for how much I should ask. What can I do to increase my chances of a fair salary in this situation?

(BTW, I _did_ read the "Women don't ask" book, but apparently I should keep it in mind constantly and become more doubtful of final statements and ask regardless.)

Accepting a job, negotiating a salary...

ruff — Tue, 16 May 2006 14:15:25 -0800

Salary negotiations tomorrow morning. Please help! I dropped out of grad school and now am accepting a job with a nonprofit I've been working for, doing somewhat precise and skilled work.

I don't know what a comparable pay rate in the area is -- all I know is that I've been making $X / hour as a consultant for the group (without benefits), and that they have a budget for this position for Y months, so they must have a rough figure in mind.

Me, I'd like to end up at the top end of their range without seeming like a cad -- it is a great place to work, I expect to learn a lot, and I'm happy to get more involved.

I've read about six Mefi threads on salary / raise negotiations and all I've learned is not to state a number first. Fine. They state one. Then, what, I just accept it? Do I add 5% and counteroffer? I'm afraid that's going to look tawdry in such a cause-oriented organization. Do I shake my head slightly and frown? Or, is there a way to pre-emptively get them to offer me the top of their range?

I'm also hoping to negotiate for four ten-hour days and the option to take some unpaid vacation time this first summer.

Thoughts on the negotiations? Other strategies or things to ask for I might not have thought about?

(I'm also outlining the projects I'll be working on -- I'm not just focusing on what they can give me. I basically need help with negotiations because I'm one of those "Women Don't Ask" types, trying to find a comfortable way to get as much as I'm worth.)