I have been offered a job, complete with contract, for 50K. I want to start the "salary dance" by going to 60K. It's for a Market Research Data Processing (programming) position, with a brand new company. They have been in business since June, and are now growing enough to hire me. How do I get paid what I'm worth, while negotiating with a sales-based CEO, without blowing myself out of the water?
2006-10-12 16:25:47 · 4 answers · asked by Nathan 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
You may want to think "long term" before you begin the salary dance.
You've stated that this is a new company. Now although they have grown enough to develop this position, it may not necessarily mean that suddenly there is all kinds of money flowing in. Remember, all new businesses are in the red for at least 2 years, so going into the CEO and requesting a 10K increase in base may be a little insensitive.
My suggestion would be to entertain a graduating pay scale. Maybe it's based on sales volume. . .maybe it's based on new programming initiatives, however a gradual increase in base over an extended period of time. After 6 months of proving your worth to this new employer (he'll obviously have to buy in to this)...another $5000 in salary, and again in 12 months. Establish what you both feel are good benchmarks for success.
By compromising, you will show this employer that you are looking long term, that you are willing to grow with his company and that you are sensitive to any cash flow issues he may experience in the first few years.
By all means, get this in writing should the idea work. Good luck.
2006-10-12 16:41:01 · answer #1 · answered by free2b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would look at salary.com to see what your range should be. at this point try to research on the various job sites to see how aggressively the company is hiring. If it looks like they have many positions they need filled, you can probably ask for the higher end of the range. Also startups also tend to offer stock options in lieu of salary. If you think the company is going somewhere and that you want to stay a while, you might want to ask for more options. often startup companies are more liberal with these over a higher salary as they want to make their startup cash last longer. If you are already at the higher end of the range it might be tough to get more.
Also consider how badly you need the job and how many like positions are availible in your area. If you're presently employed or your spouse works and you are all caught up with bills, go ahead and shoot for the moon. if you need the job badly, you should jump on it now, before they offer it to someone else.
2006-10-12 16:40:34 · answer #2 · answered by Stanley 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Play the game with them. Do not sell yourself short or you will end with a lower salary. If you know your quality of work is worth 60K than aim for that. They will counter offer with you until you both meet some where in the middle and everyone is happy!! Good luck!!
2006-10-12 16:28:50 · answer #3 · answered by Niecy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In talking to them, focus on what you can do for THEM as why you're worth more, rather than what you want them to do for you. Maybe if they can't/won't pay you a lot more to start, you can get a commitment for an increase in xx months if your performance meets or exceeds their expectations, or if you think the company will go well, stock options.
2006-10-12 16:31:50 · answer #4 · answered by Judy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋