Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
(OP)
Hello All,
I'm a young engineer that just got a bachelor's in civil engineering. I recently interviewed for and was offered a position at a construction company I was eager to work at.
I tried to negotiate a higher salary than I was offered, but ultimately I failed and was offered only the original salary. I accepted this since I still wanted the job and the salary isn't much lower than what I was aiming for.
My question is, as engineering employees and employers yourselves, what would you think of a new person coming in like this? I feel kind of embarassed and awkward coming into my first day on Monday now that I tried to squeeze some more money out of them and failed. Do you think they will look down on me a little bit for that or will they just forget about it?
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!
I'm a young engineer that just got a bachelor's in civil engineering. I recently interviewed for and was offered a position at a construction company I was eager to work at.
I tried to negotiate a higher salary than I was offered, but ultimately I failed and was offered only the original salary. I accepted this since I still wanted the job and the salary isn't much lower than what I was aiming for.
My question is, as engineering employees and employers yourselves, what would you think of a new person coming in like this? I feel kind of embarassed and awkward coming into my first day on Monday now that I tried to squeeze some more money out of them and failed. Do you think they will look down on me a little bit for that or will they just forget about it?
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!





RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
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 Failed Recent College Graduate
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
Keep up the attitude that you won't just accept what's given to you, because often there's more if you just ask.
This is only one case where there wasn't more to be given - but next time there might be.
STF
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
Since you're a new graduate, make sure you get on the path to licensure. It matters.
Pamela K. Quillin, P.E.
Quillin Engineering, LLC
NSPE-CO, Central Chapter
Dinner program: http://nspe-co.org/events.php
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
But they hired you, so it's in the past and should be (mostly) forgotten about.
Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
And I disagree that new grads have no bargaining power. With the construction industry booming right now, it's pretty competitive and can get difficult to find qualified people. Especially qualified US citizens or permanent residents that won't have to play the visa game. New grads certainly have less bargaining power than experienced people, but I don't think I agree that it's nothing. Especially if the company has already gone through the process of courting you, checking references, etc.
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
They won't forget about it- they'll at least for a while remember that you were concerned about your salary. Work on being worth more, then gently remind them that you're worth more. Gently- and only after proving that you are indeed worth more.
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
Keep an eye on some of the benefits that don't show up on your paycheque - tuition reimbursement, kick-ass health benefits, opportunity for travel (especially internationally) - try to see the whole package
As others have mentioned make sure your company is compensating reasonably for the industry you work in and the city you are located in.
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
That said, I'm pretty sure none of them would hold it against you for asking (as long as you were professional about it and not asking for a ludicrous amount).
If I was sitting in the interview, I'd be pretty pleased to see someone recognising their own value and trying to sell it. That's a valuable skill that not all graduates are able to do.
In my experience the best time to negotiate salary is during a 'yearly review' (if you do those) or at promotion. Demonstrate you are "exceeding the requirements of your role", and it should be a fairly easy case to get a raise.
Bear in mind 'large' companies will have 'pay brackets' which will relate to job roles / titles / responsibilities, and being paid more than those brackets allow will be hard (if not impossible) to achieve. Although technically based on roles, you might also find a 'years of experience' expectation (although I think this is technically discriminatory, you'll probably find it still holds true).
I have a good relationship with my boss, so I have no qualms about telling him what increase I expect at reviews / promotions and he usually meets these or comes close. In a few cases, HR have stepped in and capped a raise (there are 'mandatory company wide limits'), but he's usually made it up with a bigger than usual annual increase the following year, or a bit more in the bonus etc.
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
I wouldn't worry about your employer's reaction. I'm sure they laughed it off. Kids say the darnedest things.
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
Your reputation, however, IS what "you" begin making with the engineers, bosses, IT, expense accounters and travel staff and management that YOU interact with for the next 2-3 years of your salary cycle.
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
Oops, did I make a wrong turn down the hallway? I was wondering why I was having so much fun; I hope no one in HR catches on
TTFN (ta ta for now)
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RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
RE: Salary Negotiation Failed Recent College Graduate
Once you learn the ropes, get a new job. You will know your value.
If the company counters, its good, if not, move on.