Promo Offer Possible
I am currently working as a sales coordinator for a manager, supporting 12 engineers. I have been in the same position for 6 years now. I am also shared by numerous other departments for travel arrangements and other administrative details.
I interviewed last week for a promotion to executive assistant to a Global VP. Chances are good that I will be a final contender. I need an idea of how to negotiate the salary.
Right now I am an hourly, non-exempt employee. The new job would be a salaried, exempt position. The VP made it clear that I would have to make myself accessible, and sometimes would be required to work OT and on Saturdays. I didn't ask about compensation at the time, but it has since come to my attention that I would not be eligible for any OT, due to new legislation passed recently in this regard.
I originally intended to ask for a 10% raise in annual pay, but if I am to receive no OT pay, I would guess that a 15-20% raise might be more suitable.
What are your thoughts on this, please?
Generally speaking, it makes no sense to switch jobs, even internally, unless you can increase your salary by at least 10% to 15%. But my expectation would be that you won't be asked what your anticipated salary is, but rather told what the salary offer is - assuming you're offered the position. If that does happen and you're offered an increase in salary of around 15%, give or take, I'd take the job. Opportunities like this don't come along every day. There are pluses and minuses associated with exempt verses non-exempt jobs. Hourly people get paid for the time they work and time and-a-half for hours worked over 40 per week, but exempt positions usually have lots more personal freedom associated with them. Exempt people don't clock in and out, and can usually take casual time to go a child's ball game or school activity or doctor appointment and not lose pay. Hourly workers usually can't do that. Point is, there are trade-offs associated with both types of positions. But were I in your position, if an attractive offer is made, I'd take it.
Paul W. Barada
The Negotiation Expert
I would caution you not to be too short-sighted too. An Executive Assistant (non-hourly) position has more clout than a Coordinator (hourly) position on your resume. Yes, you lose the overtime, but you gain prestige and you jump over the line onto the management side of the house. That can be a difficult line to cross so although you lose the overtime, you're really gaining for the future. Your boss will probably also allow you more flexibility in your scheduling and chances are good he won't be on your case if you have to take off an hour early once in an while or may offer up a comp day for a Saturday's work.
Tess