40 pay increase
Im currently working for a very small company and am paid well below the average for my position due to the size of the firm. Im thinking about making a move to a larger consulting firm where I know that the starting salary for my exact same position is about 30K more than I am making. Im sure salary history and requirements are going to be requested so Im wondering if I should request the amount that I know is their typical starting salary for my position, or should I just state an amount that is within the 10-15% "acceptable" increase range for a job change. I dont want to look greedy by asking for a 40% increase, but at the same time, I dont want to be cheated out of their normal base pay range just because Im underpaid now. Any advice would be appreciated. nilgae Letting your prospective employer know you are aware of the industry standards is OK. I always believe in being as honest as it is wise to be so I think letting them know your current salary is OK as well if you include your rationale for accepting a below industry average range, such as 'for the experience', etc. Focus on how hiring you will benefit your prospective employer, what will you bring to the table? Obviously one of the reasons you're looking for another job is to increase your earnings, that's perfectly understandable. What I'd do if I were you, when asked about present salary and anticipated salary, is say something like, "My current salary is $X which I'm aware is considerably below what others with similar levels of experience and accomplishments are earning. My anticipated salary, therefore, is negotiable within the $X to $Y range." I don't think I'd propose a 40% to 45% jump, but you might try proposing a range that's 25% to 30% more than you're earning now. The point is, you have to decide a reasonable salary range within which you want to be. Realistically, your X amount should be a salary you'd be happy to accept and your Y amount should be a salary you'd be thrilled to accept. This could be a case where half a loaf might well be better than none. Paul W. Barada The Negotiation Expert Try to let them bring it up first.
The two questions that bother me the most in interviews are: 1) what are your salary expectations?, and 2) what do you currently make? Frankly, it is nobody's business but mine as to my salary history. Didn't we all disclose when we signed on to jobs that our salary was confidential and not public information? Well, why do employers think it is completely OK to find out your salary history but then don't want you to publicize your salary in their own company? Double standard if you ask me - and a way for a potential employer to pay you less than you're worth. So...if I am asked about salary expectations, I avoid giving a number at all costs. I reply: "While I understand that you're probably looking for a number, I believe that I can add value to your organization immediately because of [insert your own value proposition] and therefore expect to be compensated in a fair and equitable manner that corresponds to your market reference range for this position. Ideally, I would like to be at the middle to upper end of that range because I can bring [insert your own brag rights here] to the table." Of course, you had better go into that interview knowing what the market range for that position would be (check salary boards, colleagues, etc) so that you're armed with the correct information. An employer is hiring a person based on their skills, abilities, etc. and each job that they are trying to fill has a market reference range. So I never understand why it's so critical for them to know what my salary history has been. I could have been in school earning $0 and the job they want me for could be paying $40,000. That's an immediate $40,000 jump in salary right? So because I earned nothing while in school, does that preclude me from getting a salary that measures my worth to the employer? I think not. Anyways, hope this helps.
Are you kidding me!!! Please read this article it will save your life!! http://www.asktheheadhunter.com/hasalary.htm and take a class in negotiating www.karrass.com it will change your life. Well, one could make the argument that it is the employer's business if you want to work for him or her. There are plenty of good reasons why a prospective employer would want to know what you're earning now and what sort of salary expectations you have as you consider other job opportunities. Most previous employers won't disclose what former employees were being paid, but most of the time they're not asking the previous employer what your previous salary was - they're asking YOU. You can certainly decline to disclose your previous salary, but the prospective employer can also decline to hire you. What on earth is wrong with saying something like, "My previous salary was $X, but my anticipated salary is negotiable within the $Y and $Z range"? Employers look for a history of upward movement both in terms of responsibilities and salary. They look for people whose anticipated salary is within their budgeted range. They look for people whose qualifications match the requirements of the job. And, frankly, they look out for people who were being paid $20K who think they're worth $100K, without the track record, past job performance, or qualifications to justify a $90K jump. And those are just the reasons that immediately come to mind. Paul W. Barada The Negotiation Expert | |
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