Salary Negotiating Questions?

Question

During the interview, if the employer asks for your desired salary range, is a 5k range an adequate spread? If not, is it too much or too little?

Also, say I use the 5k range and ask for 68-73k. When they contact me with the offer and say they will do 69k, is it UNACCEPTABLE to counter offer closer to the 73k end since their offer fell in the range I provided?????

Thanks

Answer 1

No it is not unacceptable to counter, but be prepared for them to say no. In some cases I have seen employers say thanks but no thanks once someone has countered. I think it is best to be very honest upfront- if you need $73K then tell them that up front. Some companies will give you their best deal up front, some won't. Those that do can often be offended or will simply offer that $69K to the next person.

Answer 2

Before you applied for the job you must have been aware of the salary range connected to it. So using those figures as a base point. for example $70 - $75 K
here is what will happen, the employer will want to start you at the lowest salary,$70K you of-course will want the highest. $75K So if you give a $5,000 range as your acceptable salary I CAN GUARANTEE you that they will offer you the $68K you must accept that because you already said you were willing to work within the $5K range, and they will always start at the bottom. If you have a specific salary amount you want then ask them for it. If they think it is too high they will counter offer. So when they ask about the salary range, you should reply I would accept a salary in the $73K range. then let them decide. As for them offering you $69.K if you want more, explain that it is a little less than you anticipated considering your experience. It is up to you if you will accept it.

Answer 3

First point: 5k is an adequate spread, but it's also fairly narrow. Giving a spread as narrow as that suggests that you know your worth is in that range, in comparison to the market. Give yourself a bit more leeway by extending the range to 8-10k (but only if the market range can arrange for it) and keep your desired salary on the lower end of that range ;)

Socond point: as I mentioned, your 5k range suggests you know your desired salary. It's pretty hard, but not impossible, to counteroffer at this point. You've already stated your acceptable range and they are falling in there. The only way to move it is you are confident in your abilities and your "fit" into their job that you can say you deserve higher.

One tip you can try (but doesn't always work) is asking THEM what their range is for the position. If they tell you, you can state your salary within that range, depending on how you feel your skills are. Chances are though, they won't say this (it's only worked for me one time ;)

Answer 4

Find out what your skills are worth and the average salary in your area. After that it's up to you, if you think you're worth more say so but be prepared to look elsewhere for employment. Asking for more money is never unacceptable it just might not get you hired.