Q & A Table of Contents
How Much Should They Pay Me?
From: Sandra, Naperville, IL
Question: I am interviewing with a company that essentially wants me to come to work for them on an independent contract basis for 6 months to help dimension business in Mexico and possibly Central America.
They are thinking about an arrangement which provides a total payment of X with a portion to be paid monthly and the balance upon completion of the study. They would cover my travel expenses and provide adm. support out of their office.
How do you negotiate a compensation of this kind? Which percentage would be fair to get as a final payment and monthly payments? Can you suggest a salary range?
Response: Since I have no familiarity with any elements of the business activity you describe, I have no idea what the 'market' salary should be. You should do research to find people in similar jobs with the same company or other companies in markets outside of the companies' national domicile. You should also ask within the HR department how much money they are thinking about paying.
You also need to look at your needs: not only how much money you need to live, but what will help pay for education loans, give you a base of savings when the job is finished, what will satisfy your ego, etc. You set the value you see in yourself, add a reasonable percentage above that, and then negotiate to a mutually agreeable point.
Good luck,
Steve
| 
