Negotiating job offer

[bioasisx]

So I've recently finished my two year program and am looking for a full time job. I've got 1 job offer as of today and I'm looking to get a better salary rate.. I'm just not sure how to go about it. Wondering if you guys can help since a lot of you are working already.

Some info on the job offer:

They are offering $35K to start and 3 weeks vac. I had a classmate that went there for their 6 weeks practicum and got an $40K offer for the same job. But she did have a part time job during school that was similar to what the job description is.

The job is a planning/estimating position. The company said they're not really hiring... but they're really supportive of my program so that's why they're willing to hire 1 person to job their team.

I'm not really sure how to go about it... Looking for some advice...

[tonyzoomzoom]

Straight up and tell them about your classmate's salary.  They will prob cite lack of experience, etc and lower your demands.  But then I would suggest getting an agreement for the higher salary after the probation period.

[Elder_MMHS]

I don't have many tips on how to get it, but do what you can to get the higher initial salary.  Personal experience in my industry - once you start low, you stay low.  Incremental raises via performance and annual reviews are usually chump change unless you get a major promotion or switch companies.

[Keiichi]

That's the sad thing.....usually big salary jumps due tend to be from job changes.

[tonyzoomzoom]

That has been my experience as well.

[bioasisx]

Hmm, but how would I go about asking for the higher rate? Just say I know "ann" got a $40K offer from you guys, even though I don't have the same experience as she does, I still believe i'm worth that much?

I'm bad with words.

I don't have many tips on how to get it, but do what you can to get the higher initial salary.  Personal experience in my industry - once you start low, you stay low.  Incremental raises via performance and annual reviews are usually chump change unless you get a major promotion or switch companies.

That's what I've heard too, that's why I want to get a higher rate. It's how I can go about doing it that makes me uneasy.

[mzr 2.3 disi]

$0.02 =

Take the job 'cuz it's right there for the taking.  Unless if this company is one that you think you would like to stay on with for a while, then try to get the higher starting wage.  But if this one's not, then there's nothing wrong with jumping in and use it as a stepping stone to gain the experience that you say you lack for the +5k annual then jump ship when something more alluring presents itself to you.

mzr

[Ice-520]

more income, more tax

British Columbia    
5.24% on the first $35,016 of taxable income, +
7.98% on the next $35,017, +
10.5% on the next $10,373, +
12.29% on the next $17,230, +
14.7% on the amount over $97,636

Federal tax rates for 2008 are:
15% on the first $37,885 of taxable income, +
22% on the next $37,884 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income between $37,885 and $75,769), +
26% on the next $47,415 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income between $75,769 and $123,184), +
29% of taxable income over $123,184.

[oracle]

Hmm, but how would I go about asking for the higher rate? Just say I know "ann" got a $40K offer from you guys, even though I don't have the same experience as she does, I still believe i'm worth that much?

I'm bad with words.

I don't have many tips on how to get it, but do what you can to get the higher initial salary.  Personal experience in my industry - once you start low, you stay low.  Incremental raises via performance and annual reviews are usually chump change unless you get a major promotion or switch companies.

That's what I've heard too, that's why I want to get a higher rate. It's how I can go about doing it that makes me uneasy.

Even though you may think your worth more than they offer you, and you may be, there is only one initial way to counter their offer. With a job offer letter. Basically you want to formally verbalize why you are the right person for the job and why you deserve the salary you want.

You are lucky that you know that they are willing to pay more than 35K per anum. You can use this as a no-verbal confirmation that they will reward people based on exp, knowledge and how they approach the position.

I recently used a Job offer letter to increase my base by 10K per year, my car allow from $500 before tax to $600 after taxes and increase my commision from 30% of GP to 40%. We signed a 2 year agreement to hold this rate based on performance and will be reviewed at the end of year one and year two.

http://www.quintcareers.com/sample_counter_proposal_letter.html

I used this one and just tailored it to my financial goals and past acheivments.

hope this helps.

[HeaTransfer]

more income, more income

Fixed your post there, Leighton

[Tim25]

What sort of company are you doing planning/estimating with?  That's pretty much my job on these projects, and I make a fair bit more than $35K (and I get a lot more than 3 weeks off per year).  Look around - what they're offering is chump change, especially when construction companies are screaming for people in all positions including planning/scheduling.  A 6 figure income is not hard to come by... especially if you're willing to travel.

my $.02

      TIM

[bioasisx]

It's for printing.. haha, far from constructions.

[oracle]

It's for printing.. haha, far from constructions.

offset. large format?

the industry sucks and you;ll stay at that wage forever.

[Username]

IMO. This is your first job related to your education. Don't be greedy. The experience you gain is worth far more then $5k more/year.

Furthermore, 3 weeks vacation for a new hire is very good.

To give you some insight, I took my first job in the accoutning field two years back with no argument over salary. I started at $30k/year. In the two years I've been here, my income has gone up over 50%. The experience I have gained is even more valuable, as I take a look at the job market, my income will grow even more.

Finally, I would recommend against saying that your friend has earned that much money. Some companies have a very strict policy against discussing your salary with others. As a result, you may be comprimising her if she still works there.

If the industry you are going to is quite strong with a lot of positions available, then go ahead and try to negotiate your salary. If not, take what you can at this point. It sounds like the potential employer likes to nurture new grads and that experience may be an asset to you in the long-run.

All the best in your decision,

  Kev

[Keiichi]

That's true.

It's your first true job AND 3 weeks is quite a bit for a private corporation.
And honestly, $5000 will end up being nothing with all the taxes rolled in etc.

[rob]

Perhaps negotiate something else, like instead of waiting for the yearly review, asked to have your performance review in 6 months. Incentive for you to bust your balls at the job and if you're successful, a quicker raise.

[bioasisx]

Yeah, all the above is true. and i know offset is not going so well, but they have 2 other companies that i can promote to... and they keep on stressing they have a high promotion rate. i think the hardest thing is asking for something better, and how to tell them that.. i know its a pretty good offer for a first job, but also want to learn how to negotiate...

[Ice-520]

just take this job first and u can learn negotiating on ur next job offer, cuz if all goes wrong, you still have this job on hand

[jefferino]

I work in the print industry too. Just out of curiosity, which company is offering you the job? PM me if you can't post it here.

[oracle]

yeah, who is it, RHINO? 3S? Met?