New Job Negotiations

I was poking around last month and found an interesting job and applied for it. I wasn't seriously looking, but the company is great and the work is right up my alley and offers a ton of growth potential.

Fast forward to last Fri, I had an interview that went well and they called me with the verbal offer today. The written offer will be in the mail today and I should have it Monday or Tuesday at the latest.

The offer is 5% more than I'm making now (although I just got my raise, so it would be 10% more than I was making 2 months ago), with a sign on bonus. I've never negotiated before, so what is the proper etiquette? Do I wait until I receive the written offer, then call HR and negotiate? Do I talk to HR now and not wait for the written offer? Do I negotiate with my future boss and not HR?

I'm fine with the money, but I'd really like an extra week of vacation (3 weeks + they're shut down over xmas-new years, so I don't use my vaca there). They have a policy that allows me to buy an extra week of vacation, but it's at the expense of a week of pay. Is that unreasonable?

Based on the limited information, the only negotiation I'd do would be to say, "Thank you" and accept the job. The increase in pay sounds more than fair these days, and two week's vacation starting out is pretty typical.

Having said that, wait until the formal letter arrives to make sure just exactly what the offer includes.

Two weeks is common. I'd take it and run. Getting a job with an increase is a gift these days. Most of us (myself especially) are just treading water.

First off, congratulations.

Wait for the written offer. That's the real offer. Verbal is heresay.

Negotiate with whomever signs the offer letter. Depending on the size of the company, it may be HR or it may be the boss.

What is your current vacation amt? How long in the industry? What is the policy for the new company? Try the approach of "your policy is 3 weeks after 5 years. I've already been in the industry doing this same type of work that long. How about 3 weeks after (1 yr/2yr etc) to recognize my experience? It doesn't sound like it's a dealbreaker for you, so tread lightly.

In negotiating, always remember the concept of BATNA - best alternative to no agreement. If there is no agreement, what is your fallback? What do you predict is their fallback? Who is in the stronger position? If you have a secure great job and you don't care, then you're in a stronger position to press. If you think that they have long and distinguished line of candidates, then their BATNA is to dump you and go to the next guy. Only you can assess the situation.

As glue guy said, the negotitation starts with a written offer. Here are few tips that work for me.

If possible negotiatiate in person. You'll be in a position to read body language

If possible negotiatiate directly with the person who you'll be reporting to. Recruiters are often hampered by the fact they can only negotiate within a predetermined range and have to get approval for move beyond it. It slows things down and if the hiring manager needs to approve something, you don't want to rely on a recruiter to make your arguements for you.

Create a list of things that you could ask the company to ad to the offer that would be nice pluses for you. Here are some examples: a. Profersional association dues. b. Training or certifications that would like. C. Specific work assignments or responsibilities. d. Addtional vacation e. and of course money.

1. When you are negotiating, start by asking for the things or your list that are easiest for a company to say yes to. Then move forward to progressively harder topics. Get whomever you are negotiating with to say yes a few times so that when you get to topics like more vacation and money, you have some "Yes Momentum" (my term) going and everyone is more emotionally invested in coming to an agreement.

2. Finally, whatever you agree to, if it matters to you, make sure it is in a revised offer letter before you sign and accept. If it not in the letter, the agreement doesn't exist.

Two weeks plus the Xmas/New Year holidays is very good. Suonds like a great setup. Better than what most of started with.

Brotus7 wrote: although I just got my raise, so it would be 10% more than I was making 2 months ago

Raise? I remember those...........