How to negotiate to what I want, and when to walk?

Anonymous

March 29,2022 at 9:46PM UTC

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How to negotiate to what I want, and when to walk?

So I have an offer for a job that I'm really excited about. It combines my Engineering Energy efficiency knowledge and I'll learn more about Building design (I've reviewed plans before but never actually done the design).

Little background about me - I have a little over 4 years of working experience. Of those 4 years, I managed a team of 5 for 3 years, managed utility conservation improvement programs and other small energy efficiency projects. I know it isn't a lot of experience, but I'm smart I'm a hard worker and I learn very quickly. I get that those are things an employer can't always tell just by interviewing you and your history - no matter how much you try to show it in an interview.

So I currently make 86k, but I am not happy in my current job. This job is offering me 70k plus a bonus program. They were told my salary in the beginning, and I'm not in a situation right now where I can accept less than what I'm making now.

I screwed up and as of right now, I don't know about benefits or anything - I need to ask when I come back to them, but I need to know what to counter with for the salary as well. but I know I want to know about their parental leave policy, as well as vacation - I would need at least 3 weeks.

Pros of this job - More of what I want to do. Surrounded by more PE's and can work towards getting my license as well.

Cons - 35 minute drive (w/o traffic), want me in the office 95% of the time.

Sorry that was so long - but just with the drive alone and not a lot of working from home, I'm a little hesitant to accept the job if they won't go up to what I'm asking for. I know those might seem silly reasons, but I really value my work/life balance... Any tips?

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AnonymousMarch 29,2022 at 10:40PM UTC
I am a bit unclear. Did you tell the interviewer what your salary requirements are? It doesn’t make sense that you should receive an offer lower than your current, unless you know that the benefits will offset the 16k cut.
I would advise that you return to them with your counter including the benefits you’re seeking. Some benefits aren’t negotiable, but it does not hurt to ask what current benefits look like for employees.
i find, that we tend to fear rejection if we try to negotiate salaries and benefits, but this fear isn’t helping any of us move up and forward. Also, being able to negotiate or countering could be viewed as a positive in an environment where you have to prove your soft skills to a new employer.
Also, be proud of your experience in management. It’s a selling point. It proves that you are an asset to this employer and will continue to be one.
AnonymousMarch 30,2022 at 7:01PM UTC
yes I did tell them, and they’re trying to balance it out by having bonus plan. But I doubt the bonus amount is guaranteed, so in my mind it’s not part of the salary. I make 86k base before bonuses.
AnonymousMarch 30,2022 at 10:00PM UTC
Bonuses are never guaranteed. I would suggest negotiating a higher base since you’re starting almost mid year.
AnonymousMarch 31,2022 at 1:07AM UTC
That’s kind of what I was thinking too. I feel like they want to throw that in to justify the lower pay. But its not actually in my salary. Honestly I’d rather them offer the salary amount and the bonus amount all together and have that be my salary. We can live without bonuses. I’d rather have the regular income.
AnonymousMarch 31,2022 at 7:00PM UTC
I agree. Bonuses are never guaranteed and you should not have to rely on them when budgeting. A higher base is preferable. Your bonus is an extra reward. If they won’t budge from their initial offer, I would side eye that “bonus” too. Move one, and use all the great advice you got here to negotiate your next offer.
Leslie MillsApril 7,2022 at 8:54PM UTC
Congratulations on a good decision.
You are on your way to q much better opportunity.
You rock!
Leslie
AnonymousMarch 29,2022 at 11:11PM UTC
That is close to a 20% cut in pay. Are you sure you want to do that?
AnonymousMarch 30,2022 at 7:02PM UTC
highly unlikely. But how likely are they to come up to my pay range, even when knowing it at the beginning?
Michele Weber McCallMarch 29,2022 at 11:41PM UTC
5% over current salary, plus bonus options spelled out, review of benefits, mentor program and mileage allowance.
AnonymousMarch 30,2022 at 7:03PM UTC
Can I get them to Guarantee bonus minimums? I find that unlikely. But this would only be my 3rd job so negotiating isn’t my strength!
Leslie MillsMarch 30,2022 at 10:05AM UTC
When you feel an initial interview did not go as well as you hoped, any further interviews( if you are invited back)will be a little more difficult.
If you really want the job
and the pros outweigh the cons, put the first interview out of your mind. Treat the next interview as if it was your first interview. Rehearse, smile and do your best. If you aren’t chosen , it wasn’t meant to be.
With your talent, the right job is waiting for you. Don’t give up!
Leslie
AnonymousMarch 30,2022 at 11:15AM UTC
These are all negotiable. Do your market research on salary for this role/level/ title. Also request more of a hybrid arrangement. Start with 3 days in the office and see what they say.
Finally, find out about their benefits package to make sure they are up to standard and then negotiable for additional PTO on top of what they initially offer.
All these things should be negotiated. Use them against one another. If they can't offer more PTO then use that to get more of a remote schedule.
AnonymousMarch 30,2022 at 7:05PM UTC
Thank you!
Yvonne LoorijMarch 30,2022 at 1:03PM UTC
The fact that they offered you a job means you certainly didn't screw up.
Completely agree with most of the comments. Time to negotiate!
In only 4 years you already managed a team, on top of managing several improvement programs! You shouldn't downplay your experience, and I'm sure the recruiter sees your potential, otherwise you wouldn't have received the offer.
They are just trying to get the best person for job for the least amount of money.
You can ask questions about the offer & the bonus (explain your current salary etc), and do a counter proposal for sure. Then based on their answer, you can make the choice.
AnonymousMarch 30,2022 at 7:05PM UTC
thanks!
Jacquelynn LucasMarch 30,2022 at 2:09PM UTC
Agree with the other comments. Don't belittle your worth. You have great experience. I am hopeful we are changing towards actual experiences rather than years of experience when negotiating salary. If they are not willing to pay what you want, there will be another opportunity. But you never know until you ask.
AnonymousMarch 30,2022 at 7:06PM UTC
Thank you! This makes me feel better!
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 4:12PM UTC
Thank you everyone! I ended up turning the position down. As much as I really liked the work I was going to do. They weren't willing to come up to what I wanted, or guarantee any of the bonus amounts.
I'm looking it as a blessing in disguise, Something better will come along!
Thank you all for contributing your advice!