Advice Please
Let me make sure I understand what you wrote: You were asked what your salary expectations were and you gave them a salary range that's $3K to $6K more than you're earning now? And they offered you the job for the low end of your range, or for $3K more than your present salary? If that's correct, first of all, the general rule is it's not worth switching jobs unless the salary being offered is at least 10% to 15% more than you're earning now, so if you're earning $30K and they offered you $33K, that would be a 10% increase. But I think you can still go back to them and politely ask if their initial offer is negotiable. If they ask you why you can say something like, "Now that I have a more complete understanding of the job and it's responsibilities, I think a more appropriate salary range would be between $X and $Y." If you do that, however, I also think you need to be prepared to point out how your qualifications for the job - experience, training, past job performance, skills, and education - are a great match for the requirements of the job. Then see what happens. Hope this helps.
Paul W. Barada
The Negotiation Expert
You explained right. That is exactly what I was saying. I understand that generally you should ask for 10-15% more. I guess that was a mistake that I made. I believe I will go back and ask them politely if their initial offer is negotiable. I am leaving my current job because there is absolutely no room to advance. The new job offers so much more in terms of advance, travel, benefits, etc. I really want this job but want to get a payraise at the same time. If the offer is not negotiable, I plan to accept it anyway because of the advancement opportunities.
Thanks for responding :-)
Just be sure you don't quit your present job until you've actually accepted the new one - just in case something should go wrong at the last minute!
Paul W. Barada
The Negotiation Expert
Oh no definitely not. I will wait until I sign seal and deliver the final offer letter.
Thanks for the response!