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Can this salary offer be correct?
I have received an offer to work for a hotel. The annual salary is $37,000. They are working on a bonus structure but they expect that to be completed within a few months. What would your conversation look like? I would like to accept but not exactly sure what I am accepting?
I should also mention that I have experience in this field and due to the virus - this industry has stalled so I am excited that I even am at this position. At the beginning of the virus - I was applying for new "customer service" positions and was offered a $13.75/hour for "Customer Retention". Why are these positions so low paying - would love to know more on how to negotiate for a higher pay scale. I have a college degree and proven experience of 10+ years.
Breanna Fountain
Critical care RN turned clinical sales manager
82
06/06/20 at 9:54AM UTC
If I currently had no job, and no other offer, I would probably take it. Nothing needs to be forever but isn't a salary better than nothing? Or is unemployment better as it could well be depending on your state?
Pamela Brown Yaeger
142
06/06/20 at 12:44AM UTC
If the bonus structure isn’t part of your package now, it probably won’t be. See if you can negotiate something to sweeten the package. More vacation weeks, travel benefits, gym and association memberships. Can you suggest benchmarks they can set now to create an immediate bonus structure?
In this economy and situation I would take the position but definitely get in there and advocate for yourself. Show them how your special talents can improve their sales and csi scores. Demonstrate why you’re a smart investment for their bottom line.
I once went five rounds and dazzled before getting an offer. It was less than half of my minimum, and rules were stringent. I attempted to negotiate and was shocked when they withdrew their offer immediately.
To this day I’m still glad I never worked there. The next company I interviewed at offered me $20K more. I negotiated anyway! Won some benefits, turned down on others, and told my potential boss why I was worth another $20K on top of his first offer. He didn’t even blink.
I accepted and worked there over 5 years. There was an informal bonus structure in place and I only wish I had put that in writing. During my first year I saved them over $650K in printing expenses, all while printing more and on much better quality paper. Imagine if I had set up a 10% bonus! Even 1% would have been a nice windfall.
Position yourself and then sell!
Leslie WoodHead of People for fast-growing start up
199
06/06/20 at 12:38AM UTC
To truly give solid advice, more information would be needed from you, in all honesty. To start: What is the position you have been offered, exactly, and is it an exempt (NOT eligible for overtime) or non exempt (eligible for overtime) position? What city and state do you live in?
Both of these questions have a huge impact on wages and solid advice cannot be given without this information. However, once you respond, I’m more than happy to get back to you quickly.
Jenny KashYou can't laugh and be stressed at the same time
40
06/05/20 at 3:56PM UTC
I work in hospitality. I was in HR and now in marketing. My starting in HR was $14/HR. My marketing position is salaried at the minimum: $35, 560. It really depends on the position you are applying for...entry level customer service at $13.75 is decent for Hospitality. It doesn't matter was it says on Glassdoor...hospitality companies compare w/ other hospitality companies when they determine salary. Even with 10 years of experience...there is a low/mid/high for each position w/ a cap. If they consider it to be an entry level position they won't bring you in at the high mark. You best bet would be to negotiate a probationary pay increase after 60 or 90 days (whichever their period is). I've never been turned down on one. It may not always be the amount of a raise that I want, but it's normally at least halfway. Also before you accept, definitely get in your offer letter that you are eligible for the bonus structure being created and find out when they do raises (annually, etc) and what the scale is. My company does a 2.5% max unless the position or duties change. I have worked for companies where they didn't do pay raises as well.
User deleted comment on 06/05/20 at 2:29PM UTC
WaterGirl
307
06/05/20 at 2:30PM UTC (Edited)
Hi, I believe you can negotiate terms at this time. If the commission is not in writing then it may never come to fruition. Try to negotiate a higher salary that will convert once the commission structure is put into writing. Show that you're willing to be flexible to work with their pay scale. I highly recommend Lisa Rangel, ChameleonResumes.com for strategy in your industry. She's a well-known strategist for job seekers on LinkedIn.com. the first thing she will instill in you is that your profile and resume need to address the position you want. She has free classes online that can address your specific needs. She works with high level executives to hourly wage workers on strategy to increase your pay/offer. Check her out. I did, and I invested under $100 in various books that she has written to address your negotiation strategies. You don't have to buy anything; just attend one of her free online classes to find out more. I hope this helps to answer your question and to move forward in your career.
Mbf
24
06/05/20 at 2:17PM UTC
It looks like the bonus structure isn't part of the offer and even if they develop it, there's no requirement for you to be a part of that. As you make your decision, I would encourage you to get a bonus in writing if it's important to you.
As for negotiating - you should always negotiate! It would have been ideal to start that process at the beginning of the conversation but you can certainly still negotiate. Look at the websites offered in the comments re: salary and make sure you're getting market rate.
Also consider other negotiating points beyond base comp (i.e., title, responsibilities, benefits, vacation days). You'd be surprised what you can negotiate if done with respect and in a thoughtful manner.
Mara Elizabeth
86
06/05/20 at 2:12PM UTC
What is the exact position? I feel like that salary is pretty standard and fair for a lower level customer service position. My question is if you have a degree and 10 years of experience, why are you applying to a customer service job that typically doesn’t require a degree and usually employs young, low level employees?
Paulla FetzekTeacher, Lighting Expert, & Office Professional
1.73k
06/05/20 at 1:35PM UTC
In addition to the great responses already posted, I would also just state this... what's the economy look like in the area where you live? Will you be able to adequately take care of yourself with this salary?
My first position with the company I'm at now was in Customer Service. This was 2003 and my starting salary was $35K. I felt it to be adequate to what I was expected to do.
Do you feel the same about this job offer?
All the best...
Anonymous
06/05/20 at 1:50PM UTC
Please remember everyone that the US President and Governors shut down the economy for some months as a response to the Corona Virus. Our economy is Depression level. Some business can pay you as they had before, others have shut down or are negotiating with employees.
Kathi ElsterWorkplace executive coach & relationship expert
97
06/05/20 at 1:24PM UTC
Unfortunately you are working in an industry that is being hit hard right now. But, it's better to be employed then not. For your resume and for your state of mind. I know it's not fun being paid so little and not knowing what the bonus will be, it's best to look at the longer picture. Your industry will come back and your resume will show you were working. As far as negotiating a higher salary you can always ask for more perhaps see if they will go to $40,000 because you don't want to be seen as too expensive.
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