Anyone had to do a salary negotiation?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Anyone had to do a salary negotiation?
3
Mon, 02-12-2007 - 11:10am

Okay, I'm totally cheating. I posted this exact same message on another board I visit as I don't have the time to type it out again here. I just need some perspective on this, and I know you guys will understand the anxiety part like the other group won't.


*****


I feel sort of sick. I've never had to do a salary negotiation, and I just got off the phone with my new potential boss. I think I could have handled it better. In the formal offer I received on Friday, I saw a couple of points I needed to address with her before I could give her my answer:


--Salary. While the salary is in the range I asked for and a slight raise from what I have now, it may or may not offset the financial loss I take my leaving my current job (which has incredible insurance, not to mention I'm not vested and will be losing over $3,000 from my retirement account)


--Insurance. They did not list the costs of the insurance premiums or prescription drug co-pays. Also, they specified a 90-day probationary period before I'm covered under their insurance. That is NOT COOL with me. I figured out last night that I would be shelling out approx. $300 a month in out-of-pocket costs if I were uninsured, and that's not even considering doctor's visits or if God forbid I was in an accident.


So I told her all of these things, and I wish I had sounded more confident. She asked me what salary I had in mind, and I sort of stammered out an answer that was $1000 - $1500 more than their initial offer. She said she would have to check with their HR person about the insurance premiums and drug copays and get back to me. I reiterated that I was very much interested in the job but that I couldn't give her a final answer without being fully informed.


I hope I didn't put her off. Ugh. I wish I was better at this kind of thing.


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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 02-12-2007 - 7:58pm

I can only imagine the anxiety this is producing, Laura. This is not anything I have experience in. But, I will wish you the best of luck & send PT's your way. GBH's jan


PS Let us know how it all works out!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Mon, 02-12-2007 - 8:45pm

Laura, I would say you handled it perfectly!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-16-2006
Tue, 02-13-2007 - 12:06am

Hi Laura!
It sounds like you handled it perfectly. I have negotiated a few jobs and I did exactly as you did. Most jobs expect it. It shows that you are assertive and responsible. They want you, that is why they offered you the job, they will do what they can to get you.

Let me know how it works out!!
Laura