Salary Negotiation
Salary Negotiation
(OP)
I was recently offered a salary for the exact job that I am interested in with a company that is very well known in the industry. They are employee owned and offer company ownership in lue of 401k. This isn't bad deal if you don't mind putting your eggs in one basket and basically being tied to the company for 6 years to become vested. Also, you have to hope they don't lower the distribution of stock either. I have been gunning for this position and was ecstatic when I got the voice mail saying they were gong to make me an offer.
The offer is below what the average starting salary for engineers near where I live. I am not fresh out of school. Engineers do well in my local. I haven't done this work before but some of what I have done in the past carries over. Furthermore, I believe in so many ways I am superior to the version of me that just graduated years ago. I don't understand why I would be presented an offer the gives the impression of the contrary.
I have been unemployed and going to grad school for the last two semesters. I can't figure out if they think I will take a pay cut basically because I am really interested in this specialized position or they think I am desperate for money. The part about this that is bothersome is that I think it is a good company but I am afraid that at where they are starting me I am going to always be far below my market value unless I switch companies at some point. It would be hard to stay someplace if after a year I have my masters and PE and I am making as much as a fresh grad.
Maybe, this is just what this company thinks an engineer is worth in this economy. I have been kind of picky where I have been applying and it is a little rough out there but I really believe if I just wanted a paycheck I could land something in a couple of months. What do you guys think about this and what are your opinions on vested ownership?
The offer is below what the average starting salary for engineers near where I live. I am not fresh out of school. Engineers do well in my local. I haven't done this work before but some of what I have done in the past carries over. Furthermore, I believe in so many ways I am superior to the version of me that just graduated years ago. I don't understand why I would be presented an offer the gives the impression of the contrary.
I have been unemployed and going to grad school for the last two semesters. I can't figure out if they think I will take a pay cut basically because I am really interested in this specialized position or they think I am desperate for money. The part about this that is bothersome is that I think it is a good company but I am afraid that at where they are starting me I am going to always be far below my market value unless I switch companies at some point. It would be hard to stay someplace if after a year I have my masters and PE and I am making as much as a fresh grad.
Maybe, this is just what this company thinks an engineer is worth in this economy. I have been kind of picky where I have been applying and it is a little rough out there but I really believe if I just wanted a paycheck I could land something in a couple of months. What do you guys think about this and what are your opinions on vested ownership?





RE: Salary Negotiation
RE: Salary Negotiation
I am too old for this shit.
RE: Salary Negotiation
Yes, you have an advantage over the new graduate...and yes, they know that....it's probably what got you the offer.
Get in, do your job, prove your worth...then go from there. If it isn't all that you expect...move on. Easier to get a job if you have a job.
RE: Salary Negotiation
Cheers
Greg Locock
New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
RE: Salary Negotiation
RE: Salary Negotiation
I'd counter, but have a couple other ploys up your sleeve at the same time. If they won't go for more straight pay, ask for an early review with pay re-evaluation so they can pay you more once they know how good you are.
Don't know how many years of experience you had before your masters, but accepting less than a starting salary is pretty tough to swallow.
RE: Salary Negotiation
As far as a salary offer goes, there is no harm in countering. When you counter, you should be prepared to "build a case" as to why you are worth more. Saying my Mom always said I was special doesn't cut it. Specific examples of your contributions or cost saving efforts at a previous employer are always good. Additionally, I have found that the HR weenies are good at rebuffing comparisons to salary.com and the like. Stating something to the effect that "those numbers aren't really representative of this location or market." Counter with an ascertain that you are basing your salary data on firsthand knowledge from colleagues from school.
Good luck.
RE: Salary Negotiation
Bear in mind though, even if this is true, some things will be based on 'base pay' not total compensation including bonuses etc. For instance, most loans would probably be based on 'base pay' as I understand it.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Salary Negotiation