Author Topic: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...  (Read 7470 times)

Harper

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Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« on: April 11, 2019, 05:05:54 PM »
I'm worried that I went too high.

Two rounds of interviews with CEO and COO.  I perfectly fill a gap that they have.  I can step right in and make a difference.  COO says they want to send an offer packet to me today and asks me to email my salary requirement and start date.  This is a small-ish (90 and growing) company.

I'm currently employed so to jump need a bump.  I went between 10% - 15% - 20% and back and forth.  I don't have the best confidence really but decided to just do it and put down the 20% bump.

Sent this off around noon today.  Got an email from COO at 6pm thanking me for my follow up and that she would get the offer letter out tomorrow.

A normal person would just think, ok.  I'm not normal and am berating myself that I went too high, they're insulted, playing with me, etc, etc.  Help?

maizefolk

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #1 on: April 11, 2019, 05:09:44 PM »
It's going to be okay. I promise you, if they were insulted, they wouldn't have given you a specific time (tomorrow) that they were going to send you the offer letter.

secondcor521

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #2 on: April 11, 2019, 05:14:21 PM »
A 15% bump at the levels you're likely taking about is quite normal and assumed to be the premium for getting you to take the risk.  As long as the 20% is not outside the realms of reasonableness, you'll be fine.  They may counter with a lower number, but if they do that they'll probably finesse that with an explanation of some sort (they're a fantastic company but cash poor, there is lots of upside potential, etc.).  And hey, there's a chance that you'll get the 20% ask.

Did you do any salary research?  Before my last job, I did that and felt pretty prepared when they asked for my salary requirement.  There are sites out there where you can list job title, size of company, public/private/government, geographical location, etc. and get a pretty good idea.

If they said they'll get an offer letter out tomorrow, I expect that unless they're total flakes that you'll get an offer.  Then go from there.

ApacheStache

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #3 on: April 11, 2019, 05:25:17 PM »
Fortune favors the bold. Nicely done! Unless I'm misinterpreting your post it sounds like you don't have anything to worry about. If for some reason the COO changes their mind, they'll probably just send you a counteroffer. Sometimes when a company doesn't counter your offer, you could've gotten away with asking for more. Worst case scenario, if they decide to pass on you, you're still fine because you're currently employed. It's easy to forget that recruiting, interviewing and hiring new employees consumes a lot of time and resources at a company — more often than not, they'll gladly hire someone just to be done with the process. I would gladly trade feeling "uncomfortable" for a little while after asking for a higher salary if it means I can retire years earlier than I otherwise would've been able to. Not to mention, this is only your starting salary.

Bloop Bloop

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #4 on: April 11, 2019, 10:53:35 PM »
Always ask for more than you think you deserve. Then when you get it, ask for still more next time. This is how you end up with a high income.

Do I think I 'deserve' my hourly rate? To me, that question has no meaning; it's as strange as asking whether the speed of light deserves to be 3x10^8m/s. It is what it is.

But the answer is probably, in commonsense terms, 'no, most high income earners do not deserve their hourly rate if we take a socio-political or anthropological view (lol)'. But this has no bearing on my thought when it comes to setting my market rate. Remember money is just an arbitrary figure so play the game and be confident. I've also found that the more quietly confident I act, the more people think I am worth - so remember to be quietly confident!

Harper

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #5 on: April 12, 2019, 10:59:42 AM »
Thank you all.  I really appreciate it - your comments helped calm me down a bit last night.

Still haven't received it but....hopefully soon.

LostGirl

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #6 on: April 12, 2019, 11:21:38 AM »
I wish I had the courage to do this earlier in my career, you 100% made the right move.  I totally understand the anxiety you are feeling, its just that unknown factor while you wait on the offer. 

It should be a good Friday for you!

honeybbq

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #7 on: April 12, 2019, 11:27:56 AM »
Are you female?

Just asking because historically women don't ask for what they want or deserve.

All you are doing is asking. Not demanding. Not requiring. It's a discussion. They may come back at 15% or 10%. But it doesn't hurt to ask.

BicycleB

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #8 on: April 12, 2019, 11:38:30 AM »
Stay calm until the letter arrives. I'm guessing they'll meet your offer.

If they don't, they'll counter. You can accept, or ask for something between their counter and your 20% request. Worst that's likely is for them to repeat their counter with no movement. At that point, you say yes!

jlcnuke

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #9 on: April 12, 2019, 12:02:33 PM »
You only asked for 20%? Sounds like they probably got a deal hiring you.... congrats on the new job though.

Harper

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #10 on: April 12, 2019, 12:49:17 PM »
Quote
Are you female?

Just asking because historically women don't ask for what they want or deserve.

Yes I am.  It was really hard for me to get there in my head to even put that number down.  *sigh*

Master of None

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #11 on: April 12, 2019, 01:20:57 PM »
My DW just went through a similar scenario, but it involved a promotion within her own department. Typically for these types of promotions it is a standard 5% increase. She has been hearing for years from her Managers/Supervisors that she is the best worker that they have and if everyone worked as hard as she did then they would be able to reduce their staff by 50%. DW was very nervous about asking for more money, but really put herself out there since she was highly respected by her leaders. She countered the initial offer with a 25% increase. They countered back that they could do 22% tops. She happily accepted the position and continues to succeed. I was so proud of her for knowing her worth and not just accepting the standard 5%. I admire her and strive to follow in her footsteps soon.

Tyson

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #12 on: April 12, 2019, 01:23:23 PM »
Someone here on MMM has this great signature - "In life, you don't get what you deserve.  You get what you negotiate".  So true. 

And good luck!

honeybbq

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #13 on: April 12, 2019, 02:56:51 PM »
Quote
Are you female?

Just asking because historically women don't ask for what they want or deserve.

Yes I am.  It was really hard for me to get there in my head to even put that number down.  *sigh*

Congrats! Fight against that stereotype! I'm rooting for you.

Harper

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #14 on: April 12, 2019, 04:09:04 PM »
They gave me more than I asked.  25%

I'm stunned.  Of course, my husband said I probably should have asked for more...

I'm happy.  Thanks all.

Tass

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #15 on: April 12, 2019, 04:10:52 PM »
YES! That was the success story I was waiting for!

Romag

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #16 on: April 12, 2019, 04:11:55 PM »
Congrats, that's fantastic! Good luck with your new job!

PDXTabs

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #17 on: April 12, 2019, 04:26:02 PM »
They gave me more than I asked.  25%

Awesome! That also means that they are a decent company. They could have paid you what you asked for and you would have been happy.

Tass

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #18 on: April 12, 2019, 04:29:14 PM »
Make sure you use this feedback to increase your opinion of your own worth. ;) You clearly have a lot to offer, and only more to gain by owning it!

maizefolk

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #19 on: April 12, 2019, 04:32:06 PM »
They gave me more than I asked.  25%

I'm stunned.  Of course, my husband said I probably should have asked for more...

I'm happy.  Thanks all.

Way to go! A 25% bump is nothing to sneeze at, and clearly they do value your skillset a lot if they went above your offer. Working somewhere that you are valued is worth an awful lot in its own right.

FIRE 20/20

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #20 on: April 12, 2019, 04:38:08 PM »
They gave me more than I asked.  25%

I'm stunned.  Of course, my husband said I probably should have asked for more...

I'm happy.  Thanks all.

That's awesome!  Congratulations!

LostGirl

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #21 on: April 12, 2019, 04:56:08 PM »
Amazing! You go girl!

partgypsy

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #22 on: April 12, 2019, 05:09:30 PM »
That's awesome!

MaaS

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #23 on: April 12, 2019, 05:20:32 PM »
Always better to go too high than too low. If I got that response, I'd be psyched. It sounds promising to me. They'll probably come in slightly under 20%.

mm1970

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #24 on: April 12, 2019, 05:22:09 PM »
They gave me more than I asked.  25%

I'm stunned.  Of course, my husband said I probably should have asked for more...

I'm happy.  Thanks all.

YEAH!! That makes me happy.

I'm female and underpaid and have been with the same company for 10 years so...I love these stories.

Bloop Bloop

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #25 on: April 12, 2019, 06:00:53 PM »
Well done - amazing effort.

Now remember that in 1-2 years you can get a job at a different company for another 25% pay bump! Remember you are worth exactly what you think you're worth...and then some!

Tyson

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #26 on: April 12, 2019, 06:33:55 PM »
Woot!!

ApacheStache

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #27 on: April 12, 2019, 07:00:31 PM »
They gave me more than I asked.  25%

I'm stunned.  Of course, my husband said I probably should have asked for more...

I'm happy.  Thanks all.

This is quite possibly the best news I've heard all week. Congrats Harper!

oldladystache

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #28 on: April 12, 2019, 07:07:42 PM »
I'm proud of you and I don't even know you.

Harper

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #29 on: April 12, 2019, 07:40:51 PM »
Thank you everyone.  Really.

This was probably one of the hardest things I've done.  Honestly if I can do it, anyone can.

fuzzy math

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #30 on: April 13, 2019, 04:17:55 PM »
Cheers!!! I thought I had screwed up the first time I negotiated too. Take that confidence and carry it forth with you for all future negotiations

BobTheBuilder

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #31 on: April 14, 2019, 09:27:45 AM »
Well done, cheering for you!
This is your new wage anchor. This will make a big difference for years to come. Congrats!

Caroline PF

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #32 on: April 14, 2019, 05:17:21 PM »
This is such an awesome ending to the story! Congratulations!

honeybbq

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #33 on: April 15, 2019, 01:02:25 PM »
They gave me more than I asked.  25%

I'm stunned.  Of course, my husband said I probably should have asked for more...

I'm happy.  Thanks all.

YEEEEEEEEEEEES!!!!! Congrats!!!

I'm a red panda

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #34 on: April 15, 2019, 02:04:29 PM »
They gave me more than I asked.  25%

I'm stunned.  Of course, my husband said I probably should have asked for more...

I'm happy.  Thanks all.

My company did this to me too. I asked for a 25% bump on my current salary. They gave me 30%.  I LOVE my current company. But it makes me think- wow, I must have been really underpaid before, and kind of wonder if I still am.  But I'm pretty happy with my wage.

Glenstache

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #35 on: April 15, 2019, 07:08:04 PM »
Congrats! Good to ask for what you are worth!

Juslookin

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #36 on: April 16, 2019, 06:46:51 PM »
Congratulations! You should be so proud of yourself. I am a female and also ridiculously underpaid. I went to my boss, nothing, told him I was going to his boss, he said go for it, I support you. I did and still haven’t heard anything back. I would consider jumping if the work at home flexibility wasn’t so great. So happy to hear your success story!

FireLane

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #37 on: April 16, 2019, 08:17:54 PM »
Way to go! Not only did you achieve this for yourself, you've blazed a trail for every woman at your company who wants to negotiate salary in the future.

ender

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #38 on: April 16, 2019, 08:18:55 PM »
Way to go! Not only did you achieve this for yourself, you've blazed a trail for every woman at your company who wants to negotiate salary in the future.

+1

That was one of my main reactions to this (as a guy).

I'm glad to see success stories of this from women because of the fairly significant differences here.

Harper

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #39 on: April 18, 2019, 04:09:11 AM »
Thanks for the continued encouragement.  I had a call to review the original offer - asked for a bit more vacation and a week later start date.  They met my requests and I have the updated letter which I will sign this morning.

I have no doubt that this new job will be demanding but I'm excited to start and think it will be a good fit!

BussoV6

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #40 on: April 18, 2019, 05:31:39 AM »
They gave me more than I asked.  25%

I'm stunned.  Of course, my husband said I probably should have asked for more...

I'm happy.  Thanks all.

This is quite possibly the best news I've heard all week. Congrats Harper!

Harper, I don't know you, but I'm very happy to hear this news. Well done! It will be easier to do next time  :-)

thd7t

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #41 on: April 18, 2019, 07:04:06 AM »
Updating your negotiation after receiving a better offer than you expected shows that you are a really good negotiator (even if you didn't know it).  The offers that you've received from the new company show that they want you to know that they will value you, so even with a demanding job, you will probably be happy there.  It's been great reading how well this went!

2Birds1Stone

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #42 on: April 18, 2019, 07:32:04 AM »
Congrats!

meandmyfamily

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #43 on: April 18, 2019, 08:37:30 AM »
Way to go!

LifeHappens

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #44 on: April 18, 2019, 10:53:03 AM »
Congratulations, OP! I just read this thread, so I got to see the whole story in one go. Well done on stretching your comfort zone with the salary ask!! I hope the new job is a great fit and gets you to FIRE that much faster.

ysette9

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #45 on: April 18, 2019, 03:37:57 PM »
What a great story. Good for you!

When I was asked for my salary expectations for my current job I did research online. I was sort of blown away by what people were reporting online. I passed it off to my husband and he wrote the email with all of the expectations. He found it easy to ask for the moon as he was doing it ok behalf of someone else.
I reviewed what he wrote, took a deep breath, and clicked “send”. I was very happily surprised when they gave me most of what I (my husband) had asked for.

FireHiker

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #46 on: April 19, 2019, 10:10:41 AM »
They gave me more than I asked.  25%

I'm stunned.  Of course, my husband said I probably should have asked for more...

I'm happy.  Thanks all.

YEAH!! That makes me happy.

I'm female and underpaid and have been with the same company for 10 years so...I love these stories.

+1 (only I'm at 17 years with this company), and I'm finally fed up enough to consider doing something about it, so I am actively looking now. Big congratulations to the OP!

Freedom2016

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #47 on: April 19, 2019, 12:42:37 PM »
Congrats Harper! That's great news and I'm very pleased you went with the high end of the range you had come up with.

Someone here on MMM has this great signature - "In life, you don't get what you deserve.  You get what you negotiate". 
That quote is from Chester Karrass who runs open enrollment negotiation workshops around the U.S. This quote was plastered across his ads in airline magazines back in the day.

***I'm a negotiation advisor by profession and the above is not an endorsement of Karrass or his methods. (But it is a good quote.) ***

« Last Edit: April 19, 2019, 01:35:40 PM by Freedom2016 »

frugalnacho

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #48 on: April 19, 2019, 01:20:25 PM »
They gave me more than I asked.  25%

I'm stunned.  Of course, my husband said I probably should have asked for more...

I'm happy.  Thanks all.

Nice!


Peachtea

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Re: Negotiating starting salary...went out on a limb and now...
« Reply #49 on: April 21, 2019, 08:09:15 AM »
Congrats I love stories like this!