Negotiating salary in a bad economy… should you do it?
Wait. What?
Salary?
Do you know what that means?!?!?
I GOT A JOB!
My conference call with ‘Company X’ went very well. After HR management explained the benefits, I was told to prepare myself for a lower than expected salary.
Then she read the number…which was significantly more than I had hoped.
Naturally, I acted completely un-phased while silently doing a one armed handstand. Thank heavens it was a teleconference. I may not have seemed so composed in person.
They offered me just short of the position max salary for the 2009 fiscal year. I didn’t negotiate for more.
Here’s the dilemma. I’ve been in salary negotiations before and I’ve never once accepted a first offer, but this time, I didn’t think twice about taking it. According to some, this was a mistake.
But here’s my reasoning… in these economic times, I don’t want to be seen as the person who asks for more knowing full well there are others who would take less.
I think it would be foolhardy to demand an equal salary to what I was making in good economic times.
But don’t give up on me. I know my value.
I know they will see my value.
If they don’t… I’ll remind them.
Posted: December 15th, 2008 under Work.
Comments: 9
Comments
Comment from MonkeyMama
Time: December 15, 2008, 8:21 am
I would think a more appropriate time to negotiate salary would be a first review anyway. Particularly if it was more than you expected. Just take it and be happy.
I mean, of course, I am sure employers often start low ball. I’ve been in cases where they have and they haven’t. If they are willing to pay you what you are think you are worth (or more) up front, that is a good start though.
Congrats!!!
Comment from Daniel Massicotte
Time: December 15, 2008, 1:47 pm
Hey! Congrats! Glad to hear you’ve got something happening!
Comment from FrugalTexan75
Time: December 15, 2008, 4:05 pm
Congrats on the new job!
Comment from Vanessa
Time: December 15, 2008, 9:15 pm
In times like this, I say congrats on the job. If it’s a salary you can live on, don’t argue, just enjoy the job and run with it. They’ll see your worth.
Comment from Lizzie
Time: December 15, 2008, 9:54 pm
They’ll definitely boost your salary at the review after they’ve had you for a while!!!
Comment from Lady T
Time: December 16, 2008, 5:06 pm
Congrats!! How exciting for you! I think you did the right thing by accepting their first offer, especially since it was more than you thought it would be. Knock their socks off with your performance and get ready for a hefty raise at your first review!! 
Comment from Nicole
Time: December 19, 2008, 10:50 pm
I know they’ll see you for the funny, personable woman you are:) Glad they are paying you better than you thought, especially in these tough times.
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