Negotiating a Fair Salary

 

Pay What the Job Is Worth - Get Paid What You Are Worth

 

Step One:  Research wages and salaries

 

Here are some places that have salary information:

 

http://www.geosearch.com  - specific to the geospatial sciences

http://www.salary.com

http://www.urisa.org/2007_salary_survey

 

Be sure to adjust your figures for the cost-of-living of the job location.

 

http://www.homefair.com/real-estate/salary-calculator.asp?cc=1

http://www.coli.org/

 

Step Two:  Try to find out the salary range for the position before your interview.  It is not usually recommended to accept an offer on the spot. Express your appreciation and strong interest in the job. Request at least 24 hours to consider it, even when saying "Yes." Ask any questions you need clarified.

 

Step Three:  Assess the job offer in terms of your needs, benefits, and long-term career and life goals. Talk it over with someone you respect. Make a list of the pros and cons of the job offer.

 

Step Four:  Consider if the job description is clear. Note your reporting relationships, authority, and advancement potential. Keep asking questions until it is clearly understood. Careful thought and consideration will only gain you respect.

 

Step Five:  If you want the job, make it clear that it is the job you want. If you are uncertain, state there are some items you would like to discuss before you can accept the job. Suggest meeting further to talk about the offer. Again: Make sure it is the job you want!  Don’t waste your time or theirs if it is not what you are seeking.

 

Step Six:  Begin the negotiation with reasonable requests. Those requests could include more money, Employee Benefits, tuition, training, more vacation time, a flexible schedule, stock options, company car, on-site daycare, parking privileges, etc.

 

Step Seven:  Negotiations should never become emotional or hostile. Use your value, skills, experience, and education to negotiate. Do not use your need for the job to negotiate.  

 

Step Eight:  Listen carefully. If the offer is less than you expected, let them know that, but state you are still interested in the position if they want to reconsider their offer. Don’t assume the first offer is fixed. Even if the interviewer tells you it is, it rarely is.

 

Step Nine:  If the same figure is offered a couple days later, it probably is the last offer. In that case, you can ask for a salary review in six months to evaluate your performance and value, or you can turn the job down, asking that they keep you in mind for future openings paying more money.

 

Step Ten:  Even when saying "no," leave the door open to negotiation. (Do not use this to negotiate a higher wage. When you say "no," be ready to lose the job forever.)  When you reach an agreement, request the agreement in writing.

 

Final Note:  The job itself is typically the # 1 most important matter in deciding on an offer. Location is the # 2 most important matter in deciding on a job offer.  Salary is most often # 3

 

Creative Job Search, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development