Negotiating a salary

[Scarface30]

Alright, so I just got back a job interview for working in an underground gold mine, and I feel I short changed myself with the question "what is your expected salary?"

I was just wondering if they offer me the job, how normal is it to negotiate your pay if you don't feel they have offered enough for the job? I am just thinking that they'll be like "oh, he said he only expects this amount, so that's what we'll give him" when I feel what I said would not be worth it.

I feel pretty confident that I have the job because I am the only person they interviewed and the chief geologist was telling me before I left "oh, we'll get you trained with this program and that program, and this is what you'll be doing..."

 

[MyK]

they can ask, not very professional though..

you usually shoot back with "are you offering me the job?" very friendly like.

you should also know what the job pays going in, industry averages, and what you think is fair, what you would like. what you earned on your previous position is also a factor.

if the job is a managerial position be ready to negotiate benefits too, a couple of extra weeks vaca is worth more than 5 grand to me...

 

[Gregzs]

These should help:

Make Money, Save Money -- Sound Money Tips

How to Negotiate an Employment Contract | eHow.com

 

[maniclion]

Start out at 100 million dollars, when they give you a funny look say "What too low?"...

If they make a fuss about why you put a lower expected salary say you'd heard that on payday employees get to fill one pocket with all the gold they can grab in one hand.....you figured that would supplement any loss in your lower salary....

 

[ZECH]

Start out at 100 million dollars, when they give you a funny look say "What too low?"...

If they make a fuss about why you put a lower expected salary say you'd heard that on payday employees get to fill one pocket with all the gold they can grab in one hand.....you figured that would supplement any loss in your lower salary....

I like that!

 

[theCaptn']

Alright, so I just got back a job interview for working in an underground gold mine, and I feel I short changed myself with the question "what is your expected salary?"

I was just wondering if they offer me the job, how normal is it to negotiate your pay if you don't feel they have offered enough for the job? I am just thinking that they'll be like "oh, he said he only expects this amount, so that's what we'll give him" when I feel what I said would not be worth it.

I feel pretty confident that I have the job because I am the only person they interviewed and the chief geologist was telling me before I left "oh, we'll get you trained with this program and that program, and this is what you'll be doing..."

it comes down to preparation, doing your homework before the interview.

If you hadnt already found that info, ask what the going rate is

 

[lnvanry]

I can't speak for your industry, but in aerospace and defense its very common for that question. I've been asked it what my salary expectations were every time I interviewed.

You should have known what the fair market value for yourself is (based on work experience, education, past salary). What the fair market value is on your function in your industry...and how your company stacks up in regards to paying its employees compared to the competition. Location is a big factor too.

There is no end all be all equation to plug those factors into, but look at the standard salary calculator site and try to talk to folks who do what you will be doing...then contrast the experience, location, company, etc.

You didn't post your response, so its difficult to gage what your next step should be IMHO. I've never accepted a first offer...you can ALWAYS negotiate something unless you come in as Union or you are working for a mom-and-pop shop. I find what my fair market value is, and ask for 10% more + sign bonus + relocation. If you are working in finance, supply chain, or some other business function, you are expected to successfully use your negotiating skills in your job...nothing wrong with reflecting that in employment negotiations.

Just never over step and ask for something grossly out of range...or ask "is this negotiable?" or "what is the average pay for my function?". It shows you have done ZERO homework and took no initiative on a topic that is clearly important to you and the company. Present your expectations, and then back them up with justification/evidence. If you can't put a case together on why your value is $X, then you shouldn't be asking for it.

Employers know how crumby the market is right, and many Fortune 100s are really sticking it to new hires...its HRs job to bring in the best talent at the lowest possible cost. Always remember that...just don't come off as trying to tell HR how to do their job, lol.

best of luck

 

[theCaptn']

In the mining industry the job market is booming . . there is a serious skills shortage, so the OP is in a strong position to negotiate.

 

[KelJu]

This is tough. It is like poker. The is a lot of betting against someone for whom you don't knwo what cards they are holding. The employer already knows the highest they are willing to pay you. The employer knows how bad they need you, and also whether someone just as qualified as as interviewed and accepted a lesser offer.

The employer has to bet against you in hopes that you are every bit as good as you say you are. Also, they don't don't want to offer the job to someone who is half as good as you, but willing to work for $5,000 less.

So, to make things simple, just ask for a little bit over what you think you are worth if you really need the job. If you have a good job, but this is a slightly better job, go balls to the wall and get some practice in hard negotiation.

Believe it or not, negotiation is a huge thrill, or at least it is for me. I love turning down an offer when I know the other guy thinks he is fucking me. I'll turn down a good offer just to see if the other guy will come back with a better one.

I haven't ever had the other guy not come back with a better offer. But, the key to this was I was usually leaving a good job for a slightly better one. I would never pull that shit if I was in a bind.

 

[Scarface30]

Thanks for all the advice fellas. I wasn't sure how normal it was to negotiate a salary if the job offer is there, but I feel better about doing it now. I do have an idea of the average salary for a geologist coming out of university, so I can go from there.

The only bad thing is that this is my first "real job" because I am just graduating this year. I've worked in the mining industry before as a student, and the pay was pretty good then, so I am just sort of judging it from that.

I am pretty sure I am the only one they interviewed, they are in dire need of a geologist, and my responsibilities in the job would be little steep, and from the vibes I got the chief geologist and the geologist I'd be working with really liked me, and thought I had a good attitude. I feel as though that's all stuff I can use as leverage.

But now they just need to offer me the job, that's the next step!

 

[I Are Baboon]

I wouldn't get greedy if their offer is fair. Don't underestimate how many people are out there looking for jobs. I recently hired a clerical person and got about 150 resumes. Granted a geologist is a lot more specialized, but there are more people looking for jobs than you might think.

Good luck. Keep us updated.

 

[tucker01]

I wouldn't get greedy if their offer is fair. Don't underestimate how many people are out there looking for jobs. I recently hired a clerical person and got about 150 resumes. Granted a geologist is a lot more specialized, but there are more people looking for jobs than you might think.

Good luck. Keep us updated.

Was she hot?

 

[I Are Baboon]

Was she hot?

Negative.

 

[lnvanry]

weak sauce...I won't hire an admin unless she is a 7 or 8 outta 10. 9s and 10s are no go...too much distraction

 

[Dark Geared God]

In the mining industry the job market is booming . . there is a serious skills shortage, so the OP is in a strong position to negotiate.

Not really In Az , my friend got layed off 2 years ago they have not hired him back

 

[Scarface30]

Not really In Az , my friend got layed off 2 years ago they have not hired him back

Yeah, that's the bad thing about the mining industry.

I worked at a mine around here a few summers ago when everything was booming. When everything went downhill they laid off everyone and haven't hired anyone back since. Let's just say that mine isn't in operation anymore.

I guess it depends on what sort of mining you're in. Gold is at a pretty good price right now and is holding steady, so there's lots of profit to be had.

Still no word yet on if I got the job or not. Sucks too because I have an exam in an hour and I'm a little anxious to know.

 

[maniclion]

Yeah, that's the bad thing about the mining industry.

I worked at a mine around here a few summers ago when everything was booming. When everything went downhill they laid off everyone and haven't hired anyone back since. Let's just say that mine isn't in operation anymore.

I guess it depends on what sort of mining you're in. Gold is at a pretty good price right now and is holding steady, so there's lots of profit to be had.

Still no word yet on if I got the job or not. Sucks too because I have an exam in an hour and I'm a little anxious to know.

You need to contact them and make an inquiry, show that you're proactive...

 

[jessiefoude]

I think you should start doing your homework and research on how much is fair enough for you and your skills. Don't make it too low just to get the job, but don't make it higher than what it should be, or else they would end up regretting hiring you.

 

[maniclion]

 

[Scarface30]

You need to contact them and make an inquiry, show that you're proactive...

I did that just the other day. I contacted them and reassured them I was still very interested and whatnot. They are still in the interview process, I guess they are just looking for someone out of university. That makes me feel a little better.

 

[maniclion]

I did that just the other day. I contacted them and reassured them I was still very interested and whatnot. They are still in the interview process, I guess they are just looking for someone out of university. That makes me feel a little better.

Well if you don't get it make sure you go back and let them know how you feel....