Salary, Signing Bonus, negotiating tactics
Salary, Signing Bonus, negotiating tactics
(OP)
What seems to be the going rate for entry level mechanical engineers near you?
I took a temporary/trial hourly position for 90 days and I'm going to be getting a job offer next week to be full time. Any tips/strategies?
Finally, I've read a couple general salary negotiating articles and they mention a signing bonus, is this typically done for engineers?
Thanks!!
I took a temporary/trial hourly position for 90 days and I'm going to be getting a job offer next week to be full time. Any tips/strategies?
Finally, I've read a couple general salary negotiating articles and they mention a signing bonus, is this typically done for engineers?
Thanks!!





RE: Salary, Signing Bonus, negotiating tactics
Go into the meeting with an idea of what someone in your position is truly worth from an industry-wide standpoint. Account for locality, account for your recent experience with them (hopefully you did solid work), etc. Don't waffle, but don't be arrogant/cocky... if you know what others in your situation command, you should have a good starting point. If they look flexible, you may be able to get an extra few $k, but don't push too hard... this is your first spot, after all, and you need experience more than you need an extra couple of $k at the moment.
Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Salary, Signing Bonus, negotiating tactics
Check around for current salary information in your area. Our professional association publishes salary information annually, which is (at least I have found) quite accurate compared to the various industries in my locale.
Also, if you're entry-level, your bargaining position is probably diminished slightly. As you develop more experience, your ability to negotiate improves.
RE: Salary, Signing Bonus, negotiating tactics
I work in automotive and have heard of starting salaries anywhere between 45-60k at least in my corner of Automotive (electronic packaging). With some experience you could probably pull 60+. Of course that was before everyone went bankrupt. In the past I have been offered 35k.
I have found www.jobs-salary.com to be somewhat reliable. If you know a company name that you would like to work for do a search for specific job titles. You might find what they have paid previous employees. Some of the data for my company was in line with what I expected, but take everything with a grain of salt.
RE: Salary, Signing Bonus, negotiating tactics
RE: Salary, Signing Bonus, negotiating tactics
Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Salary, Signing Bonus, negotiating tactics
My last job would have covered all courses to get the degree.
"Wildfires are dangerous, hard to control, and economically catastrophic."
Ben Loosli
RE: Salary, Signing Bonus, negotiating tactics
I also believe they had some sort of minimum stay at the company after the class to keep the reimbursement. 2 years maybe? But it was based on percentage of time of 2 years, so if you left a year after the class you would only have to refund half of the reimbursement. Something along that line.
RE: Salary, Signing Bonus, negotiating tactics
Our competitors are pretty much lineball.
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, Signing Bonus, negotiating tactics
Things like tuition reimbursement are likely laid out in the employee handbook, and are most likely not negotiated per person upon hiring them. Don't count on that for sure though. It never hurts to ask, especially if you are in process of getting the degree and want help with paying for it. Also, with all the other limitations mentioned above, these programs are often discretionary so the company can determine if there is a benefit to them for the degree associated with the individual.
As far as negotiations are concerned, keep an pen mind. Many things are negotiable, not just pay.
RE: Salary, Signing Bonus, negotiating tactics
Also, in many ways, long term it's often better to get a bigger starting salary than a 'signing bonus' as future pay raises with probably be based on a % of your current pay.
Relocation expenses are a slightly different kettle of fish, but even then unless it will cost you in short term loan interest or something, money in your base pay may be better long term.
(Of course if they set pay for positions based on 'average industry remuneration for the position' or similar rather than what you personally bring to/have done for the company, then any bonus when you can get it may be better - there's no simple fits all answer.)
One of our interns just got hired on for around 60k at a different company in a different industry sector.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Salary, Signing Bonus, negotiating tactics
RE: Salary, Signing Bonus, negotiating tactics
Even though the move may not have been my choice, I've found that my biggest jumps in salary come from moving jobs and negotiating for a better salary. Getting into companies large enough to allow good pay while staying away from ones that are so big they force you into a paygrade helps...
Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Salary, Signing Bonus, negotiating tactics
RE: Salary, Signing Bonus, negotiating tactics
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Salary, Signing Bonus, negotiating tactics
Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Salary, Signing Bonus, negotiating tactics
h
Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."
"Luck is where preparation meets opportunity"
RE: Salary, Signing Bonus, negotiating tactics
Try to negotiate with the ONE signing the checks, not his subbordinates.
Negotiate with the one that needs you, not his assistant.