How do you negotiate salary in a job offer?

Question

I have been offered a new job. They never talked about the salary in the interviews, I only told them how much I'm making right now. The letter of offer states the salary which is not what I was hoping, I have to work a little bit longer hours for pretty much the same salary as my current job, which means if I work the same hours at my current job, I will get paid more than the new job. I know that's how much they pay for the start with for all employees at their company. I have a little more experience than they require. I have not signed the offer yet. I was wondering how to negotiate with them? Is there any room for that?

Answer 1

Never share what you make until you have an offer (use this advice later).  If you give them a number, they'll go lower.  If you give them a range, they'll use the lowest number.  

There's always room to negotiate until you are actually hired.  

You'll have to feel them out but you could always suggest a signing bonus since you have more experience.  Ask for more salary.  If cash is an issue, go for indirect monetary items like more vacation, cell phone, car allowance.  You can also ask for conditional cash such as a job performance review at 3 (or 6) months with pay increase if you're doing well.

In short, don't be afraid to ask for it.  They certainly won't offer it.

Answer 2

First, don't go to the interview without first having a salary range for the position you are being hired for.  You will be at a huge disadvantage if you don't do some homework first. There are several sites were you can find a range. One is http://www.cbsalary.com. You need to establish a bottom salary, the lowest offer you can reasonably accept and don't go below that. This may become a balancing act with how badly you need the job and getting the salary you need.

Secondly, don't take the first offer and don't sell yourself short, but don't start negotiating until an offer is made.  Don't be afraid to refuse and offer, negotiate, make a counter offer. Ask more about the challenges and responsibilities. This gives you more information and can give you leverage. Repeat the offer, then remain silent like you are thinking about it. Be prepared with options and counter offers. Remember your selling points during the interview, revisit these if need be.

Lastly, don't accept the job right away, ask for 24 hours to think about it. Know how badly the employer needs to fill this position. Continue to demonstrate your interest and enthsiasism for the position even though you are negotiating. Don't substitute aloofness for holding out for a better deal.

Don't forget to write a thank you note, this may seal the deal! For more on thank you notes visit http://www.bestemploymentresources.com

Answer 3

ABOSULTELY!!

Salary is the last item discussed in the interview and is a touchy one. In my experience, the potential employer usually indicates the salary range they offer or asks you want your salary expectations are. It's a bit surprising that they didn't do this. Also, when you hire someone you often offer them a salary a bit hirer than what they are currently making. Again, I find ti suprising that they lowballed you. Whatever, if the salary is not what you expected then you start by responding to them saying this, "I like the position you have offered me but the salary is less than I expected and am currently making." It sounds a bit like hardball but this is the time to negotiate salary so use it. As long as you have a decent argument, i.e. it's lower than what you're currently making, they can't take it as an insult. If it were higher than what you're currently making and you ask for even more, than they could take that as being greedy. As I see it, they insulted you by offering you LESS than what you're currently maiking. In your case, it's a legitimate concern. They should respond by at least matching your current salary. If they don't, it's a sign they probably are employee abusers.

If they don't match at least match you current salary, I'll decline and walk away.

Best,

-- Liam