Q & A Table of Contents
They Seem To Want Me, But Will They Pay Me Enough?
From: Syed
Question: I just received a phone call from an employer that I have had three interviews with. I also worked with him for two days, last week, just so he can check that I have what it takes... I am the only candidate that he chose out of the four he interviewed for the Job,
On the phone he told me that he wants to meet and make me an offer on Monday.
Here is the dilemma; during the first interview I told him that I get 38,000 at my current job and am looking for a lateral change with a growth oriented company.
I have also been interviewing with another company and I am pretty sure that they will offer me a position with a salary of 40,000 per year.
On Monday, if the first potential employer offers me 38, 39 or 40,000 how do I go about negotiating the salary?
Response: Very simply, while your likely new employer may know how much you have been making, he does not know what kind of incentive it will take for you to change jobs.
If he offers you a job on Monday, give them an opportunity to describe the compensation package. If he do not offer the information directly, ask him. Since you have a good idea of your value in the job market, the package he offers will give you a sense of whether he is equally knowledgeable about your market value. It will also tell you whether it is worth continuing the discussions with him.
A pay offer that does not meet your fair expectations should be given a clear response: "In order to justify changing jobs, I need a variety of incentives including better pay. I had anticipated getting paid something in the low forties (e.g. 40 to 45 thousand)."
When you suggest a range like that, even if he 'only' pays you 40,000, you have arrived at the desired result. Saying simply, "I won't take the job for less than 40,000," is really an invitation to them to try to get you agree to accept less. Raise the expectations and you can expect a raise.
Good luck
Steve
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