Salary Negotiation:

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by onlydarksets

I have to strenuously disagree with the advice to go in with a range. You are always setting yourself up for the low end. The best approach is to give them a number that is reasonable, but, as BB noted, a little higher than your reservation price, and let them know that you will negotiate if they don't think this is fair. Otherwise, you are negotiating against yourself, which is the cardinal sin of negotiating.

I think that's generally true, but not always the case. For example, my salary demands depend upon fringe benefits. To the extent that they suck, I ask for a higher salary and vice versa. I haven't had any problems with that approach thus far.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

I think that's generally true, but not always the case. For example, my salary demands depend upon fringe benefits. To the extent that they suck, I ask for a higher salary and vice versa. I haven't had any problems with that approach thus far.

You mean you don't go in there and say "I'm good, nay, I'm very good therefore I demand you hire me, pay me 270K and give me a company jet for the weekends."

[onlydarksets]

Originally Posted by saden1

You mean you don't go in there and say "I'm good, nay, I'm very good therefore I demand you hire me, pay me 270K and give me a company jet for the weekends."

Dude, I'm ALWAYS saying "Nay" this and "Nay" that. Employers like it when you're pretentious.

Don't bother responding, I'm above you - nay, I'm FAR above you.

[mheisig]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

I think that's generally true, but not always the case. For example, my salary demands depend upon fringe benefits. To the extent that they suck, I ask for a higher salary and vice versa. I haven't had any problems with that approach thus far.

Good point about the benefits. Defined benefits, but also some of the "undefined" or informal benefits.

It's not listed as an official company benefit, but the way my boss runs our group I basically set my own hours. As long as we get the work done, he doesn't care if I show up at 6:00am or noon. Got a dentist appointment at 10:00? No big deal, no need to call or plan or take time off, just work as long as it takes to do the job.

With that comes the understanding that we might have to work 16 hour days for a week leading up to a site launch to get the job done, but that's more than made up for on the days I can come in when I need to or take off at 2:00pm cause the weather is nice.

Having worked a job where being a minute late meant disciplinary action, the freedom that comes with setting your own schedule is incredible. If someone offered me the same job, same benefits and everything but required me to work defined hours I would probably need a 30% pay raise to even consider it.

[saden1]

Benefits first salary second unless the salary can easily compensate for the lacking benefits. Give me 3 weeks of vacation, 100% matching up to 4%, health benefits where I don't have to pay with a foot or a leg and you are in pretty good shape as a prospective employer.


Bottom line, if you nickel and dime me with the benefits, I am going to make up for it via salary.