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Salary Negotiation for an IT Position?

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the paycheck-hagling dept.

HerculesMO asks: "I am a Windows Systems Administrator and work for a pretty large corporation. I know that I'm underpaid for what I do, and as such, I've been looking for another position. The problem is however, that a lot of potential positions ask for what you are currently making -- and it's a bargaining chip that the company I interview with will (and have) used to negotiate salary." Given that businesses usually base the salaries of new hires on their previous job, how can one arrange a fair salary if they were badly underpaid? "I'm currently in a series of interviews with a company that I really like, the work environment, people seem young and friendly (like myself), and the business is something I wouldn't hate doing. I'm well qualified for the work, and their director already likes me. I just feel that, if I accept the position, I won't be able to bargain my way up to the market rate for the position, given it's such a leap from what I currently make. In New York, many of the companies require the disclosure of salary so just 'saying no' locks me out of a lot of potential positions."

2 of 149 comments (clear)

  1. Do tell them, but give them the gross by Blasphemy · · Score: 4, Informative

    Most companies I have worked at provide bonuses, RRSP matching (think 401k, only up here, where it's colder) and other compensation. I also do some work on the side.

    By the time I add all that stuff up and tell them that is what I am currently making, I've pretty much reached the base salary I am looking for.

    The key is in how you word it. Obviously you can't say "my current base pay is", you have to say "I am currently making about ...".

    Another key is to be somewhat vague. If you are making $65k/year, say "in the high sixties, looking for something in the low seventies".

    If you are very underpaid, don't be afraid to mention this to your new employers as a reason you are looking for a new job. This will ensure they offer something above what you are currently making.

    Also remember that when they offer you a job, it's an offer and it's probably not final. I've never accepted the first offer and always received a better offer.

  2. READ THIS BOOK by Mattcelt · · Score: 4, Informative

    READ THIS BOOK.
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580083102/ref=pd _sim_b_1/002-6822999-5302459?_encoding=UTF8&v=glan ce&n=283155

    It's a handbook of negotiating techniques with specific regard to salary and job prospecting.

    The golden rule?
    WHOEVER GOES FIRST LOSES. Don't EVER be the first to mention a number.

    The book is incredible, it really is. There are at least three different techniques for dealing with the "what are you currently making" question.

    If you do nothing else before you have your next interview, read the book. If it doesn't help you, I'll buy it from you. I re-read the whole thing before EVERY interview to brush up.

    I don't want to seem overenthusiastic, but this is one of the few things I can say works without a doubt. It's one of the most important books I've read in my entire career.