Potential PromotionThere is a potential that within the next week, I may be given a promotion to Program Manager for all overseas business that my company does. I am worried that my employer may try to low-ball the raise based on my past experience with them. My current title is Sales/Applications Engineer but my job functions are closer to that of a Project Manager. Over the coarse of the last year, I have gained three direct reports, but did not receive any additional compensation other than the 4.5% annual raise. The new position will include travel to Asia 3-4 times a year for at least a week per visit. I have tried to research what current Program Manager salaries might be in my area so that I have an idea of where I should be at. My question is, if I am offered the position but the salary is not where I think it should be, how do I ask for a higher salary? I don't want to appear greedy, but I also want to make sure that I am properly compensated for all my work. Any advice? Sure! If you're not offered a salary that's somewhere around 10% more than you're earning now, just politely ask if the offer is negotiable and see what they way. If you're asked how much of an increase you have in mind, I think I'd counter by saying something like, "With all the additional responsibilities and the overseas travel, I was anticipating an increase in the 10% to 15% range," or words that effect. Zat help? Paul W. Barada The Negotiation Expert
It helps some, but what if the range that I was thinking is higher than the 15%? I am currently at ~$63k/year. All of the research that I have done shows Program Managers somewhere from $80k-$120k. Granted I am not expecting the high end of that, but I would like to be in the $80k+. Do I ask for more and take what they give and then just gain the experience for future career moves? Thanks.
OK, but don't base your anticipated salary on external salary surveys or any other external data! You have no idea how the surveys were conducted. How the sample population was selected, how large it is, what questions were asked, how the information was tabulated, what geographic area was covered, or a hundred other variables that could skew the results. The idea here is to know what YOUR real income requirements are and to come up with an anticipated salary range that meets YOUR needs - not necessarily your "wants" or, for that matter, what some survey tells you that some unknown population of people are being paid doing jobs like this one. If you're thinking of more than 15% you could be running the risk of being knocked out of further consideration before you even get up to bat. Personally, I think it's far better to come in with a reasonable increase initially, at least to stay in the game, and wait and see how things play out. If you end up standing outside the ballpark, you can't do that - not to carry the baseball analogy too far... Paul W. Barada The Negotiation Expert Don't blow this opportunity over money! Assuming this goes through, they're hiring you into a job that no one else would even consider you for right now. You've never done this job title, your current title is at least 2 rungs below this and your currrent duties are at least 1 rung below as well (maybe more). Get the job (at whatever salary), then come back in a year and show how great you've done in it and look for more money then. If it isn't forthcoming at that point, feel free to take your much higher title and responsibilities to another company. Tess | |
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