Comrad Ears asked:
I am cosidering taking another job and it would be at a higher level, ie entry level to mid-level. I make 42k now, would asking for 50k be too much? I’m seeing mid-levels in environmental consulting making anywhere from 35k to 90k depending on location. Or should I go higher?
They called me and seem desperate… I didnt even send my resume…
whatever the market will bear
what are other mid-levels getting
how do your credentials compare with theirs
If you have a good track record and are confident that you can do a good job for the new company ask for the 50k. If they want you they may make a lower counteroffer with more benefits. Think carefully before taking or rejecting the offer, it is all a balancing act and your negotiating skills will be exercised.
Remember your facts too as a way of strengthening your request for the higher pay.
In my personal opinion, the person in the interview who mentions money first will lose.
Example: They see you potentially valued at 60K, you ask for 50K. A) they feel you don’t know your own value and will move on to someone else or B) they know you may think you’re at the top of your value, and will offer you less…about 45K, saving the company 15K! (Let’s face it, they’re not going to go with whatever number you give them, they are going to try and low-ball you, so be prepared to take less than you ask!)
When asked for an amount point blank, be vague. Take your last salary, multiply times about 1.5 and then say “At my last position, I made about 63K…(pause) but a lot of that is on paper. Let me ask you, if I may, what is the Salary for this position?” If they balk at telling you an exact salary, ask for the bracket. “Mr. Smith, I understand that an exact salary is based on many things. What is the salary bracket for this position?” When Mr. Smith says “We are looking at 40-60K.” Your response should be ” Excellent. The upper end of that bracket is not out of my salary target range. What can you tell me about the rest of the compensation package: insurance etc?”
Never respond without asking another question about the company, the building, the job, etc etc. By asking questions aimed at the company, you will appear more interested than those that just sit there and answer questions… You also want to save salary questions for the end of the interview, and have hopefully gotten the offer at this point, too.
How much do you know about this company? Are they reliable, reputable, etc? Will this be a good career move for you? There are a lot of things that must be considered before accepting a job offer. Maybe it would be best to ask what they are offering before mentioning money. Only you can decide what is best for you. If you check them out and they have what you want, then let them make the 1st offer. Who knows they may be offering more than 50K. Show interest, but don’t be overly anxious. RELAX and make a good 1st impression.
I would be very leery of a company that seems desperate to hire-NOT a good sign. Especially in this economy, as so many people are out of work. I would be very careful and try to find out about this place.
As for salary, if that is what the jobs are paying in that area for your level of experience, then I would definitely ask for 50K.
Try for the 50k. If possible, find out what others who have held that position were making and go above that. Good luck. Considering the CEO of the hospital I work at makes $500.000 a year, it seems the pitence they offer those who do honest work for a living is a joke.
If they called you without you submitting a resume than that should raise questions. Do you know someone there-if so talk to them,might have good quidance. If you don’t know anyone there, then someone must have refered you-talk to them.Unless the company has engaged a contract recriuter and you have been refered to them thru their network. Bottom line is that you are a long way from getting an offer. Meet them, let them review your resume,discuss responsibilites in detail and expectations, what do they see as the next step up for a person performing well. And possibly the most important thing- can you work for/with them, are you comfortable with the personalities?