To tell or not to tell when negotiating

saraboston

I was offered the job I interview for on Wed, but when the rep called asking my salary requirements I was driving and totally unprepared for the question. So, when she asked my current salary, I told her, and now I'm thinking that was a big mistake. FWIW, I'm paid well, but with they type of facility I interviewed with, I would expect a significant pay increase. Instead, the next day she came back with a low ball offer and got pissy when I told her that it was below my current salary when factoring in PTO & 401k match. She responded, "well you didn't tell me that." Which makes me think she's purposefully low-balling me--to the point that I think that she gets some kind of financial bonus for bringing me in at a low pay rate. For the entire rest of the conversation, she was really condescending and rude.

She's checking with the regional manager to "see what she can do".

 

wilabeth

Every job application I've ever completed asked for my current salary. I absolutely HATE it! I think it should be illegal to ask, and obviously I don't want to lie about my current salary... but it's annoying!

If it says "current compensation," I add the 5% retirement contribution my employer puts in on my behalf. I guess you could also add the value of your employer health insurance, paid days off, etc.  and just give a collective number.  

If it says "salary," then I think it's only honest to just give my salary, without other compensation.

saraboston

OnTheGo-Mom2Be:

Every job application I've ever completed asked for my current salary. I absolutely HATE it! I think it should be illegal to ask, and obviously I don't want to lie about my current salary... but it's annoying!

If it says "current compensation," I add the 5% retirement contribution my employer puts in on my behalf. I guess you could also add the value of your employer health insurance, paid days off, etc.  and just give a collective number.  

If it says "salary," then I think it's only honest to just give my salary, without other compensation.

That's what I did when I was prepared for her call. When she called me while I was driving, I just spit out my hourly rate, so her offer was slightly (not enough IMO) higher than my hourly rate. When I factored in the fact that I get TONS of PTO that I can cash out at 100% if I want to, her offer was lower than what I make now. 

sunflwra

I'm the Recruiting Manager for my company- this person should have not only asked what your current salary was but also what you would be looking for to make a move. I think it's fair for the person in your situation to bring it up without being asked but as you mentioned, you were caught off guard. I also think this should come up earlier in the entire interview process, but sometimes companies drop the ball on this and makes it harder on everyone and can be a waste of time.

I think everyone should take the total package into consideration, so do what you have to do to make it work for you and your family. If they're going to lowball on everything- it's best you know up front because that sometimes speaks to how they handle merit increases, bonuses, etc. GL!

saraboston

sunflwra:

I'm the Recruiting Manager for my company- this person should have not only asked what your current salary was but also what you would be looking for to make a move. I think it's fair for the person in your situation to bring it up without being asked but as you mentioned, you were caught off guard. I also think this should come up earlier in the entire interview process, but sometimes companies drop the ball on this and makes it harder on everyone and can be a waste of time.

I think everyone should take the total package into consideration, so do what you have to do to make it work for you and your family. If they're going to lowball on everything- it's best you know up front because that sometimes speaks to how they handle merit increases, bonuses, etc. GL!

That was my thought too. She got really btichy with me and I was shocked. I mean, that's my first real interaction with the company's operations. I was really turned off. Some of the things she said to me literally made my jaw drop.

LeahCK

They purposely low ball!! I have friends in my company that are recruiters. their job is to get the best talent for the lowest rates. After you're in negotiating is almost impossible. You can put the ball back in your court by telling her you're currently happy at your company and will only consider is the offer is X amount. She can counter offer and it won't look bad for you either. 2 weeks after you start no one will remember. They have too many people to deal with. Recruiters get pissy because they have numbers to meet. 

Keep this in mind - Men are better negotiators because they don't feel 'bashful' like women do. They ask for high figures and are not emotional about it. You won't get what you don't ask for. I wish I had asked for 10K more. Now I know I'm worth 20K more at least compared to the knowledge base of many others I work with. Hard lesson learned!! I will NOT make the same mistake again.