Slalom Consulting I need some help. Gotten an offer for consultant but lowballed by the recruiter who described the max range as 100k-115k base. I have 4YOE total but only 1Y at a boutique consulting firm. I attended a top three school, have a background in SWE (although the position itself is non-technical), and was an implementation manager in my last role. I have an upcoming meeting with a director where I intend to push for a higher base. Any advice negotiating here would be very welcome!
Rising Star
100-115k is probably in line for someone with 4yoe and only 1 year of consulting exp. Especially in a non technical role. Why do you think you deserve more?
Thank you for sharing this! I really appreciate the insight and I consider this very valuable advice. I’ve been doing my best to work with them and not against them on salary. It’s difficult sometimes to know how much to ask for even when it comes to something like a sign on bonus. This is also my first time hearing that slalom is receptive to sign ons. Has that been your experience? Do you mind elaborating?
Niche skillet doesn’t matter unless it’s a sought after skill the firm can use (currently). If you grow a new offering or area within the organization, you can push for higher pay and higher title. Until then, your offer is very valid. No problem asking for more (you always should), but that’s a decent offer from Slalom in Chicago with your level of experience and coming in at C level.
This could potentially become the next “hodl”. I say we all collectively band together and make it a thing.
I haven't been here for 1 year yet (so no personal data) but I hear annual raises aren't amazing, so definitely negotiate as hard as you can to make sure you come in with a good base.
Also, range highly depends on your market/location. Can you tell us anything about where you are?
Which market? It generally seems in line for a tier 2 market, but specifically due to the general labor shortage this year I would highly recommend you negotiate for at least 15-20k more. Be transparent that it’s much lower than you were expecting and say you believe this number to be the fair market value given the high demand for your skills, and then maybe you settle at splitting the difference. If recruiter straight up says no, just say you’ll take it back and think it over, because you want to weigh your options and meanwhile if there’s anything they can do that would be great.
I don’t know how much you make now but generally I would not move jobs for a minimum 25-30% hike unless current job situation is negative. It’s also very important to negotiate the right number when you come in, because you can never make that up in annual merit raises. I’ve had really good raises for the last 4 yrs at slalom, but because I came in low, I’m still underpaid in the market. So just food for thought.
If you're seeking 90th+ percentile comp, slalom ain't the right spot. However, you didn't say that so sounds like you're realistic about what we can/do pay.
Seems like you're on the right path to securing an improved offer. Countering/asking for more is absolutely the right move. Tbh, you don't even have to justify it - just ask for your number and see what comes back. The biggest leverage you can have is a high demand skillset and a willingness to walk away if the offer doesn't suit you.
Underrepresented classes (e.g. minorities, female engineers) and certain skillsets (e.g. DevOps) are hard to hire for and thus might have built in negotiation leverage. Unfortunately for you, early career nontechnical folks are not in short supply so you should have a solid elevator pitch about why you're special.
It's a fantastic place to work overall. I hope you get the offers you want. DM if u want more help from a fellow non technical POV. Good luck!
hi!! i am interviewing at slalom & wondering about the pay-i am an underrepresented class, how would i phrase that into a salary negotiation?
That’s a reasonable comp for a consultant level. ie: Deloitte max SCs at 120-125k.
Highly dependent on location and skillset. 110 isn't necessarily low without seeing the full profile and role.
Also agree it’s in line with what a consultant should make, especially with only 1 yoe in consulting. You might as well push for a higher salary (because why not) but also not sure the Director is the right person to ask, unless they bring it up
I spent 3yrs at Slalom. You're not a cultural fit. Deloitte on the other hand... 🤣
Hahaha. I learned a tremendous amount at D. Again, it's all about who you're aligned to. It's a tough place if you don't have a get it done mentality or can't network 24/7. I'm sure it's a 70/30 split with 70% of the projects being terrible and a secret 30% that are reasonable and fun.
All else equal, glad I got D name on resume but Slalom was better overall. Mind you, i had a terrible project at Slalom too so it's not immune
Clearly I’m not getting paid for any… especially a spelling one 😂
Seems like consensus is it’s in line and I’d probably agree. If you wanted significantly more you’d need to go for a tech role probably. For reference they offered me 140k over the summer with 4 YOE but was for a AEM developer role
What functional role would you be working as at Slalom?
Agree, very fair offer.