Starting Salary Negotation
I was flown out of state for a day of final interviews with a company that I am very interested in working for. I was told prior to them booking my flight what the salary range is for the position would be, and I agreed that was acceptable even though it was considerably less than what I was making before. (Let's just say the range is 80 -90). The position is different than my previous job (a more specialized area), but my 10+ yrs of experience relates to this position and is in the same industry as my previous career. Throughout the 3 interviews I had yesterday I was asked repeatedly asked why I would want to accept this position because I am over-qualified for it (their words) and they were a little concerned if the work would be "enough" for me. I should also add that the company is looking to have this position evolve into something more than what it currently is, and is looking for someone to pioneer those changes and help develop it further. I explained that that very reason is why I was interested in accepting the position, and that we would both benefit from this. They agreed.
They called today to make the offer, which was "85". My question is this...why if, in their minds, I am over-qualified for the position would they make an offer right down the middle of the road? Isn't the determining factor of a pay range based upon experience?
I have very little experience negotiating salary, but I am very disappointed in the offer. I asked if it was negotiable, and they are getting back to me. But they also stated to think over the offer and call them tomorrow. Where do I go from here?
I think the answer to you question is fairly obvious. Rhetorically speaking, why would they want to pay a premium - at this point - for experience or skills that the job being offered doesn't require? The fact that you're overqualified for this particular job doesn't make you worth more in that job, it simply means that you have skills that aren't required to do this job. That's not to suggest that you won't be able to grow into a role that takes full advantage of your experience and overall qualifications down the road a little, it just means that you're being made a salary offer based on what this employer believes the JOB is worth now. If the salary offer isn't negotiable, I'd still be inclined to take it because of the potential down the road. If they come back with a few grand more, I'd take it. If they ask you what salary you have in mind, I'd counter with a smaller than normal range by saying something like, "I was anticipating an offer in the '$88K to $90K' range," and see what happens, but it I wanted the longer term opportunity this employer seems to be offering, I wouldn't't push too hard for more money at this point.
Paul W. Barada
The Negotiation Expert
Thanks for the advice.
I am really interested in the position, and more importantly, this company. I would have accepted the offer on the spot had it been in the 88-90 range. I guess I was a bit taken back with the mid range offer, and feared that I might be getting "low balled". It certainly wasn't what I expected to hear considering the "love fest" that all the interviews appeared to be. I guess, we all just want to paid what we feel we are worth.
$3000 is .96 cents an hour (or so) after tax. Hardly worth throwing the offer away if you really want the job.
Don't get hung up on where you land in the range. If you're perfect for the job, mid-range is normal. If you were given an offer at the top, you wouldn't see another raise for years.
Tess