Work with Job Agent in NegotiationI had an interview recently and the company is considering an offer. My job agent is asking for the info below: I feel that I deserve at least 25% increase in compensation and a higher or equivalent title. Should I provide every piece info to the agent as asked? How should I work with the agent in the negotiation? Thanks a lot. Of course you should provide the information as requested--if you want the job. They ask your desired compensation, so if you think the position and you in it are worth 25% higher, put that down (but put a range, don't use a single figure). As to "a higher or equivalent title," do you mean compared to what you have now, or higher than what the new position is? Don't you know what the job title is that you're interviewing for? You do not demand titles in a negotiation into a new company; the job title is what it is, and it is presumptuous of you to think you can ask to have it changed if you don't like it. If the job is what you in terms of responsibilities, use of your skills, and money, does it really matter what your title is? (If you were remaining within the same company and were negotiating a promotion, that's different; you could certainly try to negotiate title.) Only reason I can think of that you would be so concerned with your title is if you intend to use this job, if you get it, as a steppingstone to something else later on. And that's what I would think if I were a potential employer. Wait till you get the job and have some time in under your belt before you go asking to have your title upgraded. Of course you don't have to provide it. But you don't have to get the job either. If you just skip it, they'll move on to someone else. If you lie, fudge or otherwise embellish, you will be caught and lose the offer or get fired if the timing is such that it happens after you start work. Your choice! Tess Thank you very much for your comments. I applied for the job via an agent job post. It was not clear exactly what the title is. (The post says: VP/FVP/SVP Credit management). During and prior to the interview, I asked the agent and the company interviewers about the exact title, they told me that they have a number of positions and did not tell me what they were considering me for. My currently title is similar to the SVP position. So I want to have a SVP, not VP/FVP. Is it a fair to ask them to consider me for the SVP, if they do not intend to do so? How should I work with the agent? Thanks/
I wouldn't settle for a title that is doesn't represent your career standpoint. If you were SVP, some might interpret becoming VP is going backward UNLESS, you are going from small, mid-size to a LARGE Corporation!!!
Oh, I see now... Well, as another poster said, some of that depends on the size of your current company vs. the size of the new one. SVP at a small firm might be equivalent to VP at a large one. For now, if I were you, I'd wait and see what offer, if any, is made. If your job agent (is this like an outside recruiter?) indicates that an offer is imminent, then ask what position you are being considered for. If it's for a lower position than you hope, then you can ask the agent if he/she knows why you're being considered for that and not the other.... Honestly, I think it would be awfully difficult to try to change a company's mind about which job to consider you for. They will consider you for/offer you the position they feel you're the best fit for. If you try to get them to go in another direction, they may pass on you altogether. I guess it depends on how much you want to work for this company, really. But personally, I think it's premature to be figuring out what to ask for. Title negotiation should be done after: 1. They make you an offer. 2. You settle everything else.
You said: My currently title is similar to the SVP position
That says to me that you are not currently called an SVP, which means that it probably doesn't really matter which title you land up in as long as the job is the right level for you.
Tess
You absolutely should provide every detail they're requesting, assuming you want this job. Regarding desired compensation, I'd provide a salary range by writing something like, "Anticipated salary negotiable with the $X to $Y range." Based on the assumption that you're currently employed, a 25% increase is a little steep unless your qualifications are a perfect match for the requirements of the job. Were I in your position, I'd propose a range - assuming you're willing to walk away from this job if the salary offer isn't adequate - that's 15% to 25% more than you're earning now. A 10% range still leaves plenty of room for negotiation within that range, based on how well your qualifications really do fit the requirements of the job. Make sense? Paul W. Barada The Negotiation Expert Thank yaou all! My current company and the hiring company are similar in size, both big companies in the financial industry. My experience fits the position perfectly, as the hiring managers agree. However, the two companies do not have the same titles for the same level of position/responsibilities. The thinking that I deserve 25% of increase is based on my qualification and differences in housing/living expenditure: in the new location, the housing is 2 times and living expenditure is 3 times as much as where I am now. So, while I like the job/people and do not want to lose the opportunity, I dont want to take an offer that would reduce my current living standard. That's why I feel I am in a tough situation and need your advice. Do you think that I shold insist in pursuing a similar position instead of taking a lower position? If you do, how? Do you think 25% increase is too much considering the differences in living costs? If It is not, what is the best way? Any opinion would be welcome. Thanks again.
Based on the COL difference, I think your 25% required increase is reasonable. But, again, I would, were it me, negotiate solely on salary, if it is not what you need, and what you can do for them in whatever position they offer. Do not get hung up on titles/positions. If the only way they can give you what you need salary wise is to give you the higher title, then let them propose that. It is not your call. If they want you, and they're willing to give you the salary you need in order to relocate, let them figure out how to structure the position. If they can't/won't offer a number that makes sense for you, then simply pass on the job. DO NOT relocate for a salary that will put you behind where you are now. | |
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