Hi!

Hi! Any good advice for trying to negotiate salary/other compensation for a position that is new, and unique, and something I can't find ANY data for online? And believe me, I have tried. It would essentially be me saying: I want more b/c I want more (again, I can't find any comps online and the role is so new no one, including myself, has ever done it before). I want to avoid that but also don't want to just take the offer b/c I can't think of a creative way of counter offering. Is it ethical to talk about your last salary *if* you're not being honest? I'm not asking if YOU would do this, but I am considering doing it. Could the negotiator ask to see my last pay stub for evidence if I inflated what I made in order to ask the new job to 'come up' closer to what I had been making? Listen, I know it's not a good tactic, but it's literally the only one I can think of. Saying 'my skills are...' only works when you've done something like what you're being asked to do in the new role and I haven't. Thanks for your thoughts! The more creative the better!

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11 Comments

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  1. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    What is the salary range for the position? Please tell me if you're this far into the process, you have had this discussion with the recruiter. How does the salary range align with your current compensation? With your target comp?

    Some companies make their best offer up front and there's really no room for negotiation. Some companies make a low ball offer and you can negotiate from there.

    Don't rely on Glassdoor for comp info when doing research - there are other sites more data driven. Try Payscale and Salary - both use data provided by employers.

    You can also check out a very long comment I posted about negotiating comp on this post:

    https://fairygodboss.com/community-discussion/Oo8HN-Fwe/prepping-for-an-offer-#reactbar-_OLFWzitN

  2. Anonymous

    hi--I did try looking for this position ont hose sites (but thank you) but it's a newly created one. And yes, I found out the range (or at least the upper range) early on. I was surprised they offered up that info. Almost no place has. I think asking: is there any room to negotiate here? I wish I'd asked that last time an offer came in. I'm the woman who tried to negotiate and whose job offer was rescinded. Tragic. That, to me was a dream job. This current opportunity is...not. But it's a job, I have no job and I'm not in a position to wait. I don't want to describe the role and answer Kathleen (sorry Kathleen I know you're trying to help) out of fear of this message being seen. Once bitten twice shy. This whole process has been very tough for me--but I know I'm not alone. Anyway I believe it's a 10k range, and I wouldn't ask to be put in anywhere past the midline as I'm not experienced in that specific role. I'm not in a state where an employer asking for a salary history is illegal (though I don't have to answer) but if *I* bring it up then I might have to show proof? I don't know. I just don't know what to think anymore. ALSO what I really want is more PTO b/c it's very stingy; much more important that pay to me. BUt I doubt they can give me that (I"ll ask)--any tips for going back to ask about salary then? Know what I mean? How do you backtrack to 'get a win'

  3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    I remember you - I mentioned you in my own comment that I posted the link to above. I'm so sorry that happened to you.

    I guess I recently blew up an offer - although to me, it was giving the hiring manager/my potential boss the opportunity to show what kind of person she was. I consider it a bullet dodged.

    Ok, so you believe there is a 10k range. And you're ok with not getting an offer over mid-point.

    I don't know why who brings up your salary history would make you have to show proof. Can you expound on that, please?

    And why, specifically, would you want to bring up your salary history?

    In virtually every company where I've ever worked, PTO is not negotiable - it's company policy and the same for everyone except for very senior executives.

    YOU SAID:

    "any tips for going back to ask about salary then? Know what I mean? How do you backtrack to 'get a win'"

    What do you mean in that first sentence by "then"? Have you already received an offer? When you spoke with the recruiter previously about the comp, what specifically what said?

    And what do you mean by "backtrack to 'get a win'"? Backtracking to what, specifically.

  4. Jhan Kathleen

    What’s the title of your role and what’s the purpose of the job ?

  5. Jackie Ghedine

    Yes! We are actually doing a webinar on this January 18!

    So much good stuff. First, in more than 20 states, it has become illegal to ask about salary in your previous job, find out if you're in one.

    Secondly, negotiating needs to feel like a win-win for everyone, so consider how do you do this before you even ask for what you would like.

    1. Proof: Collect proof and evidence around the job you've done and the success you've had to showcase your worth and state it with conviction when you go back in the counter-offer.
    2. Outline objections you may get and practice your retorts
    3. Highlight the benefits of having you on the team when you counter-offer. I appreciate your offer and I know I will be able to deliver, X, Y and Z and I would like a salary of ____ to reflect the (savings, earnings, efficiencies, whatever you bring to the table).
    4. Create a negotiation container, what ELSE can you ask for if they say no. If they push back it's important to have other asks - more vacation, gym membership paid, back end bonus, etc.

    I know this is detailed - I hope it helps. Most important thing, know you're worth and believe in the value you bring and articulate it fully.
    I will say, in all the women I coach, this is the biggest deficit (worth) that holds them back from succeeding. It's why we are launching a brand new group program around it because it is a game changer. You are worthy of more money. Say it out loud!

  6. Valerie Burns

    Hi. You don’t have to lie about your last salary. If you think the compensation is less than what’s fair for the duries of the role and you’re unwilling to perform those duties at their quoted salary, it’s perfectly reasonable to say something like… “given the unique nature of this role and where I’m at in my life and career right now, I was thinking something more like xxxxxx…”

    be prepared for them to take some time to think about it and maybe counter you down or decide you’re out of their price range if your numbers ars really really far apart. but if the salary doesnt work for both parties, neither will the job.

  7. Anonymous

    Please don’t lie about your previous salary ... it’s unprofessional and speaks volumes about your character. As for this new position, what knowledge, skills, and abilities are required by this position? I understand that the position is brand new and somewhat unique however when it is broken down into component parts what is needed.
    You’ve said you don’t want to be saying I want more simply because I want more. When you heard about this position what attracted you to it? What about this position made you think you’d be a good fit? Focus on your skill set and what you bring to the table.

  8. Michele Mavi

    Most states now have laws against employers asking you about your salary history. That said you should I be able to show facts regarding similar positions. For example if your job is a combination of HR and Marketing find the salaries for each to come up with a number that makes sense. You should stress the cost saving advantage to giving you a higher salary rather than having to pay for 2 salaries. Hard to be more specific without the details but hopefully this helps

  9. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    Why would you have to lie about what you weren't making. Just ask for the comp you want if it's the comp you want.

    What you did or did not make previously really has nothing to do with it.

  10. Karen Gongaware

    Your last job salary is NONE of their business. You are not working at that place in that role anymore. How do you know you haven't done something similar (transferable skills) at other jobs. It makes no sense to hire someone unqualified. Do your budget, look at what is realistically going out and then, how much do you have to have coming in to offset. What number will compensate you (be realistic but no low balling) for your time and expertise? You have to work so you can live, not live to work. AND NEVER LIE! It will come back to bite you.

  11. Jackie Ghedine

    Here is the link to our free negotiation webinar happening on January 18 at 1PM EST.

    https://moderngenxwoman.com/negotiation

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