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[Carlisle]

I'm really torn about this. I always hear that you should and that employers usually expect you to... but in this day and age when businesses are dropping like flies and there is another half million people to compete with for jobs every month... I really can't decide if that's the best move now.

The pay is significantly lower than my last job, but there is a review after 3 months with a good probability of a nice raise. And there's benefits too. I'll still be crashing with my parents so I don't technically need the extra money for survival, but it'd be nice to have of course. I just dunno if it's worth the risk of communicating to the guy that I'd be unhappy with this job before I even start. I haven't had a job in like 10 months. I don't wanna mess this up.

Thanks GAF.

 

[Slurmer]

I'd say no. I assume you'll be living rent-free, so that is a big benefit and you can save up money over the months. Then there is a good chance you'll get a nice raise after the review and all will be well

 

[Cloudy]

I haven't had a job in like 10 months

Umm, you better just take the job.

 

[rareside]

I'm kinda in the same boat. It just depends how many other good leads you have. If you pass this up, do you have anything else?

If the answer is NO, then I'd be happy with what you can get right now.

Also, what kind of job experience is it? Something that will help you out in the long run on the resume? Or something just for the cash? Is the experience worth a smaller wage than you'd normally consider?

 

[Cyan]

Why would you not? They're not going to take back the job offer. The worst that can happen is they say no and you'll take the job at what they're offering now.

 

[Feral Youth]

Take the job.

If they know you haven't had a job in 10 months you better just take the damn job.

 

[D4Danger]

what sort of job? I assume this is a job that requires some skill and you deserve it?

If it's like Mickey D's or something just take the job.

 

[Eric_S]

I don't think they'll mind as long as you're being realistic with your demands and we're talking about skilled labour.

That said, what's the contract like in regards to vacation time, paid overtime, health care, guaranteed "salary ladder" ...?

There are other things that you should try to look over other than base pay, that are just as important when it comes to quality of life.

 

[Carlisle]

what sort of job? I assume this is a job that requires some skill and you deserve it?

If it's like Mickey D's or something just take the job.

Yeah, it's a 9-5 M-F deskjob, but pretty low-end. The company makes websites for clients. I'd be addressing issues that the clients might have and fixing/editing the HTML code. It's an hourly wage. I had a salary at my last job.

I don't think they'll mind as long as you're being realistic with your demands and we're talking about skilled labour.

That said, what's the contract like in regards to vacation time, paid overtime, health care, guaranteed "salary ladder" ...?

There are other things that you should try to look over other than base pay, that are just as important when it comes to quality of life.

I haven't seen the contract yet. It's coming in the mail. But you raise a good point. I don't start for another week, so I can go over the contract when I get it. I was hoping to avoid having them draw up a whole new contract just cause I didn't bring this up sooner though. But it's probably better for me to have a look at the whole picture in case there are other things I want to negotiate anyway.

 

[zoku88]

Ask them what they usually pay people with your background.

Negotiating might be hard if you don't have a second option though (although, never tell them what their second option is going to pay you anyway.)

 

[AstroLad]

Say you'll do that job for half that because you're that passionate about the work.

 

[Aselith]

Just take the job. You haven't worked in almost a year. Best not to quibble over your only job opportunity.

 

[Daigoro]

the answer is yes. ask for more money. there is no downside.

the worst that can happen is that they will say that what they offered is the best they can do.

 

[Eric_S]

Ask them what they usually pay people with your background.

No.

Instead get statistics to back your claims up* If you ask them what they usually pay, you run a real risk of getting underpaid. Say 10% below average. Large enough to be beneficial for them and small enough for you to have a hard time finding out if you got shafted or not.


*I've got no idea about the quality, but you get the idea.

 

[zoku88]

No.

Instead get statistics to back your claims up* If you ask them what they usually pay, you run a real risk of getting underpaid. Say 10% below average. Large enough to be beneficial for them and small enough for you to have a hard time finding out if you got shafted or not.


*I've got no idea about the quality, but you get the idea.

Well, I was under the impression that that question would usually through them off a little bit and that they might not produce an answer. I wouldn't really know since I've never done this, but I was told this by a professor that specializes in negotiation a few days ago (as long as you have backup options.) Like, telling them an exact price means that they have no reason to go above that price anyway, so you're basically limiting yourself.

 

[Solo]

Do your homework, get some stats to back it up, then ask for more. Ive had 2 "real" jobs now in my engineering career, and I was able to talk both up almost $5,000 from their original offers, simply because I had read the salary surveys prior to interviewing, and knew they were low balling me (which every employer does). My rule of thumb is to never accept the first offer. There is ALWAYS room for them to go up. If they wont increase your salary, see if they'll throw you a signing bonus, cover relocation fees, give you some more vacation, etc.

On the other hand, it IS a recession, so I wouldnt push it as much as I would have a year ago.

 

[variance]

I've got a somewhat similar question. I've been working at a company that provides CRM software for RV and car dealerships, as a low-level programmer -- I basically use vb.net and a report designer so they can print out their Financial documents and bank contracts.

I'm coming up on my two-year mark and I make less than what a document I found says starting salary for my position would be. However, due to others in my department, my department's productivity has been slipping; they're very understanding, and allow me to work around my school schedule completely; and I had no prior experience in the field and nothing more than a high school degree when I started.

Especially with the economy the way it is, considering a fact that I don't have any other jobs lined up, I'm confused as to how I should proceed. Continue working at my current wage, though I feel completely disrespected now that this information has come to light, or go in and request a raise (and probably file two weeks notice if I don't get one)?

I also live at home, so I don't necessarily need the money. Don't want to hijack your thread, but I think my situation is similar enough it ain't worth starting a new one.

 

[CoilShot]

Take the job.

If they know you haven't had a job in 10 months you better just take the damn job.

This.

 

[vicissitudes]

Ask for a pay decrease.

 

[Eric_S]

Well, I was under the impression that that question would usually through them off a little bit and that they might not produce an answer. I wouldn't really know since I've never done this, but I was told this by a professor that specializes in negotiation a few days ago (as long as you have backup options.) Like, telling them an exact price means that they have no reason to go above that price anyway, so you're basically limiting yourself.

The following is in my experience; the person you're negotiating pay with will have a good grasp of salary ranges and where he/she would like you to be. If it's a large company, for example, it's not unusual for the managers to get salary negotiation training.

Asking what they'll pay you will render in them telling you their preferred choice, which is only beneficial for you if you're underestimating your own worth. Something that statistics helps aleviate. So instead of getting a -10% salary suggestion you give a +10% salary suggestion, in hopes of it getting scaled back to ... say a +5% salary. And if there are questions you can refer back to your numbers.