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Im not searching for a new job but an acquaintance reached out about a similar role at a similar energy company.Turns out 2 ppl threw my name in the hat. I looked into it and the position was posted 2 weeks ago.Their director wants to meet.I bet pay is one of the first things to be discussed so that no one’s time is wasted.Am I crazy for not wanting to entertain it for less than 20-25% base pay increase?Is it selfish to ask for more? I’m sure most salary conversations end in negotiation anyways?
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The only time negotiating could hurt is when you are totally unreasonable with your numbers, demanding, already accepted, and then trying to talk about it. Be smart and professional and try to ask for some more! I’ve had times where salary wasn’t on the table, but some other perks were.
Always negotiate! It doesn’t hurt
Agree with this. Always negotiate. If nothing comes of it, you are still happy with what they offered.
I had a big long, detailed response written and lost it. So as mentioned, do the math.
Were you at market rate at your old job? If you worked there five years and never got a raise, then you’re already 15% behind the market.
Have you already done the calculation on the equivalent of your rate at your old job to your new job offer amount? For example, if you were at $10 an hour at your old job, and there is a 22% increase in cost of living to the new location, then the equivalent would be $12.20 per hour. That is not a raise, that is the equivalent value of your salary. Then you do a 10% increase on that which would be $13.42 per hour. So that would be your new target salary, not a 10% increase from your previous job as that would actually only be $11 an hour. See what a difference it makes? There are websites that will tell you how much of a difference the cost of living is between two locations. Just look up cost-of-living calculator.
As far as negotiating an increase, you didn’t say if the offer was verbal or written. If it is verbal, then say “I look forward to receiving the written offer to review over the weekend. Now, just to clarify, is it negotiable if I come across something that warrant discussion?”
They will likely say, “like what?”
Then just say, well, I won’t know until I see it! Lol.
When you want to negotiate, let them know that you did some additional research in the interim and learned that your initial salary base wouldn’t work in the new location. The emotional side of you was about to say yes and accept the offer because you’re really excited about the job. However, the analytical, responsible part of your brain kicked in and said hold on now let’s do the math before we commit.
Then say something along the lines of would you be comfortable, adjusting the base salary to XX?
Once when I was asked if I was flexible on my salary range because my base salary was a little bit above the top of their range. I told the recruiter “well it depends on what the overall compensation package is. You know in some cultures, high-quality chocolate is highly prized and serves as currency.“ She laughed and promised that if I got the job, she would make sure that there was high-quality chocolate available to me at all times. I didn’t get the job, but we both had a good laugh. 😂
I think you should get as much as you can out of the negotiation process. I think everybody should, to be honest. You can inform them that you will need to relocate to a higher-cost-of-living area and consider requesting a moving and relocation stipend, as well as an additional 5% or so to account for the increased cost of living. The worst they could say is no.
Mentor
If you are required to move from a MCOL area to a HCOL area, that 10% will get more than swallowed up. Don't get all starry-eyed about the "increase," do your research and get a real picture of how the math works out.
There are various COL calculators online, and I also suggest that you hop onto Zillow and take a look at what houses are selling for and renting for in the new city.
Once you see th reality of the offer, you might find yourself much more willing to negotiate, or even realize that it's not a step up, other than gaining new skills and knowledge.
No you should negotiate. Why settle for less when you can get more
No need man ... Settle down n focus on giving ur best.
Coach
I would recommend doing the math and trying to see whether the HCOL would offset the salary difference and using that to guide your decision
Regarding the potential negotiation.
You: Unemployed for a month. Got an offer with 10% lower than the past salary. What is the probability of getting a similar decent offer in the next week or next month?
The employer: they knew that you were unemployed for a month, your past salary and their offer was 10% lower than your past salary.
I’m afraid that it would be ugly to hang around and negotiate for 10% more. Is there any probation period? What about working on that salary NOW?