Job Offer WWYD

[Colbie]

I interviewed for a job I'm a pretty good fit for. It's my same function in a different industry.

They gave me an offer that, per salary.com and people I know who work for that company, is about 5% lower than the average for the position at this company. The position is for someone with 2-4 years of experience and I have 3. I think I"m being screwed because it's a big COL difference between where I am and where the job is and they know I make less now. Would you try to negotiate? I'm currently making above average for my region for this type of position.

If I do negotiate, do I call or email the HR person? I also have the managers number, but not email.

[Deleted]

I would negotiate. I'd call HR

[ijack]

always negotiate! I would call HR.

[definitelyO]

agree to always negotiate. and if they refuse to come up on salary, but you really want the job use other things to negotiate such as bonus, 6 mo vs. annual review, increased vacation days.

[Colbie]

Follow-up question: When I call HR, do I ask for the average and state why (3 years experience, X, Y, and Z skills I highlighted in my interview), or do I have to ask for more so we can meet in the middle?

If it matters, it's a large company so from my research people haven't had luck negotiating vacation or other "perks" they sometimes ask you for. Some people get signing bonuses, but I'm more worried about my long-term salary than quick cash.

[drloretta]

Tough call on how much to ask for. One thing to keep in mind is where you'd come in on their pay band. If their current offer is low on the band, I'd try not to shoot too high or you'll be stuck in terms of LT salary and raises.

[locarb]

May 16, 2012 17:19:48 GMT -5 definitelyO said:

agree to always negotiate. and if they refuse to come up on salary, but you really want the job use other things to negotiate such as bonus, 6 mo vs. annual review, increased vacation days.

I agree w/ this

[5thofjuly]

If you're about 5% under average, I'd call, highlight your skills, and ask for 10% more than they offered so you can meet in the middle.

[je55]

I'd explain the cost of living difference. I'd be afraid to ask for too much (even if you hope to meet in the middle). Agree with asking for other benefits (vacay time, etc.)

[Colbie]

Update: I called HR to ask, he said I needed to submit it by email, so I did. This is odd, but whatever.

If I don't get it I'll take it anyway, but would like to avoid feeling short-changed.