Yakezie.com - Topic: Salary Starting Point

Buck Inspire on Salary Starting Point

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 21:37:04 +0000

Hi One Cent,

Thanks for the valuable feedback. Are you a hiring manager? You sound quite familiar with the process.

Hi Jeff,

Thanks, will keep it in mind!

Hi IIW,

I started the discussion on salary to keep thing simple, but now that I am reviewing other factors like you mentioned. Thanks!

Buck Inspire on Salary Starting Point

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 21:32:38 +0000

Hi Justin,

Good point, thanks!

Hi Squirrelers,

Thanks that helps!

Hi Henry,

I see a trend forming. Thanks and will remember KC's point!

Invest It Wisely on Salary Starting Point

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 21:13:50 +0000

I don't have that much experience with this TBH, but what I have seen others do and what I would do as I prepare negotiating for the next leg up is to research what others in a similar position make -- people working at similar companies, with similar levels of experience.

You have sites like glassdoor, and you can also just ask people you know if you know them well enough that they would be willing to share or at least give you the salary scales.

Then, like any negotiation, you have to find a happy middle. Go for as much as you can but also remember salary alone doesn't count for everything. Commute time, quality of work, etc, and the company itself, what they do, where they're going, are all very important as well and can also impact the potential of future raises.

Good luck! :)

Jeff @ Sustainable Life Blog on Salary Starting Point

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:37:20 +0000

I agree with KC - always try to stay away from a number until you can be for certain that they are interested. Typically, I'd shoot higher than start to meet them in the middle, and if they didnt offer what I'd like, I'd tell them thanks but no thanks.

Good luck

OneCentAtatime on Salary Starting Point

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:03:41 +0000

There is always a salary 'range' for any job. When I decide to offer a salary for a new hire, I determine the skill level of that person and his future potential to grow before giving out an offer. If the asking price is beyond my expectation I say 'no'.

I found many times that the range on offer is much above the candidate's current salary expectation, in those cases the new hire, even though ended up in the lowest bracket of the range, still got a significant jump as compared to salary he drew before joining us.

In big companies we can't deviate much from the set rules and processes. It is always better to set asking price after doing a lot of research. A good way to make friends with employees of 'target' company on linked-in. I do get such 'add friend' request on linked in all the time who ask me about our salary structure.

Henry @ TotallyMoney on Salary Starting Point

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 03:18:12 +0000

I would definitely start higher. Again it depends upon so many things, but if you start high you have room to maneuver. It is important to be well prepared with what the salary is normal for your industry and other what salary other job posts are advertising for.

Great point by krantcents as well about making sure they are sold on you before negotiating

Squirrelers on Salary Starting Point

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:11:33 +0000

I'd start high, then let the negotiations work their way down if they have to. But don't start with your reservation (minimum) price, give some room. I've gotten extra money that way before, and I've also been rebuffed too. Either way, it generally doesn't hurt to ask for the high end of the range.

Also, if you start too high - as in WAY out of range, you could be screened out. Keep that in mind too.

MoneyIsTheRoot on Salary Starting Point

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:41:07 +0000

Always start higher than you want to settle for, at the very least. You almost never get your initial request.

Buck Inspire on Salary Starting Point

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:18:29 +0000

Hi KC,

Thanks for the clear, logical instructions. You are absolutely right. I should focus on selling myself and then price should take care of itself. Thank you!

Buck Inspire on Salary Starting Point

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:17:14 +0000

Hi Miss T,

I'm leaning toward aiming high, too. Thanks!

Buck Inspire on Salary Starting Point

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:16:22 +0000

Hi Andrea,

I'm conservative by nature and used your tactic before. Worked out well. This time around, trying to push for a little more. Trying to find a sweet spot. Thanks!

Buck Inspire on Salary Starting Point

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:14:46 +0000

Thanks RB40! Gonna read the article you included. I read a recent one from Flexo that said to go ridiculously high as a joke, but it helps give you a little bump. Still debating that one. We'll see.

http://www.consumerismcommenta.....s-request/

krantcents on Salary Starting Point

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:05:13 +0000

If you are completing an application, you should say open. If they ask you about it during the interview, you should make sure you sold them on your skills. Then you can say, I am sure you will make me a fair offer based on my skills and what I can do for you. The only reason an employer wants to know what you want is to take you out of the running. Never negotiate about salary until you sold them!

Miss T @ Prairie Eco-Thrifter on Salary Starting Point

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:51:18 +0000

I always aim high with every job negotiation. Then I work with them to find something in the middle ground that works for both. It has seemed to work every time.

sooverthis on Salary Starting Point

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:40:07 +0000

If I'm asked my required salary on a job application, I always put down $5k more annually than I make right now. If it comes up in the interview, I usually tell them that's the minimum I could accept. Sometimes that has worked well for me; other times it has backfired. I think it's impossible to know right now what companies are looking for and what they're willing to pay.