Did I sell myself shortI guess I should have checked out this thread before, but I wanted to get some feedback. I just graduated from college with my accounting degree, and I have one yr of experience in accounting. I'm moving to a different state, and went on several interviews last week. For the job I really wanted, the head HR lady asked for my required salary range. The job title is officially tax accountant, but I'll get to do both taxes and accounting for a very large insurance company. I had figured out a while back the minimum that I could live comfortably on, and I came up with 30K. (I'm moving to Jacksonville, FL, which has no state income tax. It's just me, and I don't have expensive tastes.) So, I took my minimum, added 4K to it, and said 34-38K. I got a job offer, and it was for 34 K. I went ahead and took it, because I loved everything about the job, and really clicked with everyone that I met. Also, the benefits are outstanding (I don't have to pay for health insurance, great PTO, etc.) My question is that I've been researching salary ranges for that job title with similar levels of experience, and it looks like I'm on the low end. I think I'm really going to like the job, but I just can't help but wondering whether or not I sold myself short. I think I'll be with this company for a while, but how can I respond next time without looking like I'm just out for the money?
You definitely sold yourself short....next time you should tell the HR person that you want to hear more about the position before you give a salary range...ideally the salary discussion will not come up until you get a job offer that way you can research salaries in your area. I disagree with whoever thinks you sold yourself short. With no more experience than you have, you did what you should have done - you came up with a realistic salary range within which you knew you needed to be to make ends meet, plus some cushion. You were hired and NOW you have a chance to demonstrate the quality of work you can produce and EARN your way up the salary ladder. Furthermore, there is a general belief that most salary surveys tend to be higher than real-world salaries actually offered by real employers. Don't forget to also count in the value of the benefits, which can add anywhere from 25% to 35% to the total compensation and benefit package. Regarding salary surveys, you don't how the sample was selected, how large the sample was, how the results were compiled, or a hundred other things about it's accuracy. You went about determining your own salary range the right way, you got the job, not it's up to you to prove that you're worth more based on your own performance! Don't start second guessing yourself now, go out and do the job to the best of your ability! Paul W. Barada The Negotiation Expert And keep in mind that you're going to be building experience and great references for the future here! Don't underestimate the value of that. Also, don't underestimate the value of not paying anything towards your health insurance! Nearly EVERYONE pays at least SOMETHING these days, often hundreds of dollars a month, even for just you! Step into this job proud that you're getting the right salary at the right time and resolve to do a bang up job to build to your next job (either with them or someone else). Pat yourself on the back for being smart about things as Paul said and ignore anyone who thinks you might have done better. Lots of those people blow the offer by being greedy. Tess
I know it's been a while since I posted originally, but wanted to give an update. I'm SO glad I decided to keep this job. I've been there almost a month, and I love it. The people are great, the job is challenging and enjoyable, and my boss is already talking about pushing up my first performance evaluation to earlier in the year. From reading alot of posts on this board, it seems to me that many people are way too greedy. You have to know what you're worth and what you can live on, but you also have to be real. To other people out there who are thinking about throwing a good offer or job away just because you're ****** about the $$$, think twice about doing it. | |
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