Salary Negotiation at a job offer???

Question

Ok here's the deal, I applied for a job for which I interviewed for and know that it went well. When asked how much I was looking to make I said between $34K & $36K/yr simply because I figured that if I said anything more they question why since I was making about $31K previously. Now, I've found out that someone else from where I use to work at before also applied there. However, the differences are the following:

He's been there 5 1/2 yrs. I was there 2 1/2 yrs.

He worked in data management, I worked in contracts.

Although they won't know this till either of us begins working there, I know that the quality of work put out by us doesn't compare (I have the upper hand.) not to mention that the other person is not as reliable.

And finally, He's asked for $50K/YR.

I know that they've asked him to come in for a job offer later on today, he knows he won't get the $50K/yr and has mentioned he won't take the job.

I'm suppose to hear back Friday from the company therefore I know that what I hear depends on whether or not the other person takes the job or not.

My concern is in the fact that I know that they will offer him a lot more than what I've asked for and now I feel as I'm getting the short end of the stick.

Say he doesn't take the offer and they come to me offering me $34K/YR, I know I wouldn't I be wrong to negotiate for at least the $36K/YR that was included in my asking salary originally, but will I be wrong for asking for more since I know they will be offering him a lot more?

Also, would it be wrong to mention that I know that they've offered say $43K/YR to someone else and that they've turned it down? Yes, right???

Please help!!!

Oh and if you have any tips on how to actually negotiate the salary issue please help with that too. I've never had to do that and I wouldn't consider myself a great sales person nor negotiator for that matter.

Thanks in advance!!!

Yes, we are being considered for the same position.

Sorry to those that didn't see the question I ran out of space before finishing the scenario.

Nationally this job offers about $41K/YR, but since I live in Miami, I can't expect that. Salary range in Miami is way lower than the national range.

I found out though my ex manager which is also a close friend of his.

And $43K/YR was put in there hypothetically.

Answer 1

First off, promiscuous seduction won't get you anywhere! Had to say that---sorry. Some user ID!

If you get another chance to interview, be straight forward and SHOW, don't tell. In other words, rather than telling them that you are reliable and productive, give examples that SHOW that you are both of those things.

Example: B vs A
A) I work hard and everyone knows that they can rely on me.
B) While working at XX company, I streamlined the contract process by doing this, that and the other. In one particular contract, I detected such-and-such errors that could have cost the company several thousand dollars.

Then offer support in terms of a reference that can back you up.

Also, you've already told them how much you expect to make, so that part of the negotiation is over.

In the future though, you might want to say that salary is negotiable and then give a wider range----say a 10,000 deviation (between 35K and 45K----or even just say "30's to 40's depending on the offer".

An offer contains more than just salary. It also includes benefits such as time off, medical/dental insurance, flexible spending plans and other perks. For instance, I once worked for a company that offered ALL employees the use of a ski chalet one week a year.

Some companies offer to cover parking fees or participate in commuting costs, a free gym membership or contribute to education costs (in case you want to go get a higher degree).

In other words, what I'm trying to say is, in the early stages of the interviewing process, it's not unreasonable to just to give a range. The company will most likely not talk to you about benefits until the process has moved a little farther along. At that point, you can figure out what is important to you.

If a company offers a lot of perks, they might be less willing to negotiate salary, however, once they offer you the job, you can negotiate. For instance, if you are married and the company your husband works for handles the insurance for your family, you may be able to get up to a few thousand dollars more by declining insurance.

In my last job, they didn't go for the insurance thing because they were a small company so one less person on the policy didn't make much difference. However, I was initially offered one amount, told them I would need to think it over. I called back and countered with 5K more. They went for it.

If they won't budge on the salary though, don't worry too much about it. If they were willing to offer your co-worker $50K a year it shows they have a budget that allows for growth.

If you are a better worker than your coworker, your performance within the company will help you get more responsibility, hopefully allowing you reach your financial goal quickly.

Answer 2

I am in a similar situation and I have the following things in mind, some from experience and some from advise. - You don´t change for the same money-package. Even if you are desperate. You have to have a plus in your monthly pay to feel you are progressing. An agent told me that (good) agents never suggest a move without raise, its a motivation thing. - In my mind i try to keep in mind that the salary i am earning is already underpaid, as i am "earning" the right to promote through experience. The company will pay me the same until the next revision, but in the meantime i am better doing my job and eventually earning the right to a bonus. If I change job, the company taking me in should appreciate that. - If there are short term promises such as a quick promotion or being likely to be first in the line for the next round of promotions. This should be explicit and in writing, not just words. i.e. next salary review in .... , and the position should clearly reflect to everybody in the team where you stand and where are you going. - This was against friends advise, but being currently relatively well paid, i tend to disclose openly how much i earn and leave to the employers to come up with the offer. I reckon that it might be a bad tactic, but given that the market is very transparent in my area, it is assumed that my next step would be between 10 and 20% more. My friends recommend asking for 20% and negotiating down... i guess that it works for most people like that. - Benefits are important, opportunities also, but never underestimate the good old salary. In my case, benefits were later on "switched" to other "similar" but not so good (healthcare), opportunities were not so clear, training was not so accessible. - Travel and commuting are key, both can become the principal source of misery after a few months. Even travel that may seem interesting soon kills your social life and drains your energy so you are zombi on the weekends until sunday evening when you have the stress to prepare the luggage for the early monday or late sunday flight. Ponder your tolerance to that, and speak with a friend that is similar to you and has similar commuting-travel profile. Make the company pay for having you traveling around. Good luck!!

Answer 3

where in this ramble is a question? anyway, to answer what I think you're asking, no- you will not be able to negotiate for $50k or above your $36k.

Your offer is based on your experience (u have less). Secondly, your view of your co-workers abilities are yours and not necessarily known or shared by the employer. They likely wont offer him the $50k either but may negotiate around that if interested.

Answer 4

What's your question?

Let me give you an answer to something you didn't ask.

You should NEVER give your salary expectations. If you're high, they'll rule you out. If you're low, they may decide they can get by paying you less than they intended. Let them make the first offer. Just say something like, "You know, to me the work and the people are just as important as the money. I have a range in mind but I'd prefer that you make me an offer you're comfortable with. I'll take it all into consideration when I make my decision." Or something like that.

Answer 5

Well, I'm not sure what your question is. If they offer him 50k, and offer you 34k, then I would definitely complain and try to get more. If they offer him more than 4k more than what they offer you, I would ask for more. But I'm not sure that you should tell them that you know what they offered him.

I think your 34 to 36k comment may hurt you in the negotiations...perhaps you should have said more.

Answer 6

I am getting all kinds of red flags about exactly how you found out what this guy was offered?

If I was a hiring manager and I knew that you knew what was offered, I would ask you straight out how you found this highly confidential information!

Depending on what you said, it might kill the deal.

Sorry. you really on an ethical line here....

Good luck


Edit/addition: ya know, friends don't go blabbing about salary offers to anyone. This is still make the hairs on back of my neck stand up......

Answer 7

Salary all depends on where you are located and what the job entails. When applying for a job what you request for a salary also reflects on what you feel your self worth to that company is. If the company is interested in you they will negotiate with you and try to come up with a happy medium.

Answer 8

One thing you have to consider is - did he apply for the same position that you have? Also, if he asks for 50, that doesn't mean they will offer him 50.

You still have options - if they bring you in and offer you the position, you still have the ability to negotiate your salary and benefits until you officially accept their offer.

Answer 9

Sorry, but what is the question?