Negotiating - Getting Promises in Writing

GreenMonkey1

I am getting a call tonight with an offer for a new position, my gut tells me it is going to be low.  Ultimately I am ok staying at the same salary because (a) I need a new job for my sanity and (b) this will save me 30 miles of driving/day = raise in itself.  In all aspects of the interview they discussed flexible time - i.e. needing to work an occasional Saturday, but getting the following Monday (or another day) off.  I can deal with this if the comp. time is real and not just an illusion in the interview.

What is a good way to phrase asking the hiring manager for the flexible stuff to be put in writing?  I have been burned in the past with promises made in interviews never actually being reality, even to the point of what I would call bald faced lies.  Any good negotiating tips?

Amelia4

Maui has good advice.  Also, even if they lowball your offer, you can still negotiate.  Start with "is that the best you can do?" and go from there. 

CrawltheWarriorKing

Amelia4 said:

Maui has good advice.  Also, even if they lowball your offer, you can still negotiate.  Start with "is that the best you can do?" and go from there. 

I agree, you can still negotiate but "is that the best you can do" is not what you should say IMO.

Something more along the lines of...I appreciate your offer however the range I'm currently looking for is $1-$2 or make it based on research you have done on the salary for that position.  Or if you're ok with it say you're making x amount and you'd consider the same salary or higher obviously. 

As far as the comp time/working Saturday for another day off, a good way to bring that up is asking how that is tracked.  Whether it's a timecard or some other way.  Also, this is the hiring manager you're talking to, but make sure the person you report to also is aware of the type of flexibility they are telling you about.

GreenMonkey1

Thanks for the advice.  I did get a lowball offer and it was non-negotiable; however, it keeps me at my current salary so it is acceptable.  Given the decrease in commute we will save money on gas and less frequent oil changes/maintenance.

I spoke with the direct supervisor today regarding the flexible scheduling as the hiring manager was not willing to put anything in writing (I was not surprised).  The direct supervisor confirmed what I was told by the search committee and I trust what he has to say.  Everyone's stories have all lined up, but not in a rehearsed way. 

It is not my dream job forever, but I feel it is a great place to be for where I/my family are in life and I am excited for the new challenges/opportunities - accepted this afternoon and am just waiting for the paperwork. 

JWSchwarz

Congrats!! I did almost the same thing just a few weeks ago.