Computer/Helpdesk support - base salary?

[RagingBITCH]

Just curious - I went out on a friend's boat on Saturday and his IT director was there who offered me an interview this coming week for a computer support/helpdesk position.

From what I can tell:

A) They're a rapidly growing company (from 30 to 300+ people in a year, now with 5 different offices in the US)
B) They do computer drafting/fiber optic layout, so every aspect of their business is computer related
C) Their IT department is rather small - maybe I think 4-6 people. They're so backlogged though b/c they end up having to do a lot of helpdesk support, so they need for this position (might be hiring multiple people) is rather high. Turns out this might be supporting all 5 offices across the U.S.
D) Seemed impressed that my friends all told him I was great with computers, my upcoming masters/certifications plans, and what's on my resume.

He did say he had a range in mind and that I needed to come prepared with a certain figure in mind. That being said - theres a huge range that I can see on Monster.com and then on the salary sites. I make a decent amount now at my current job but I'm almost afraid that I'd be taking a step back in pay by taking this one, depending on what the average is.

Anyone have any suggestions as to real-world salary range for this position? (Based off your experiences or what your company is paying for this respective position) Thanks!

 

[T2T III]

25-35K

 

[warcrow]

Doesnt matter what we think or know about the pay, RB. Go into the interview with a number that is atleast 10% what you're making now, but when he asks for what you're looking for. Aim high. Say 15% so you can negotiate down if needed. You can tell by thier response, but if needed, let him know its negotiable. Remember that you need to sell yourself. Be confident and honest with your abilities, and asure them that you're a fast learner and willing to learn whatever is needed to get the job done right.

Good luck, and dont forget to look him in the eyes when you answer his questions. Oh yea, and dont fidget! Its unprofessional

 

[Zim Hosein]

Ask about benefits and say you're open to salary RagingBITCH, if the IT director can't give you an answer that fit's w/ you life plans:

D) Seemed impressed that my friends all told him I was great with computers, my upcoming masters/certifications plans, and what's on my resume.

Only you can made that decision IMO

 

[warcrow]

Oh yea, one more thing. Don't forget to ask him questions about the company. Do your research and go to thier website and read. Here are some questions for yourself and should ask him:

- Whats the companies mission statement?
- Does the IT dept have team meetings? If so, when and how often?
- What kind of team builders does the compay have?
- 401k? How much do they match?
- Do they base their raises on percentages (example: some big companies allow 3%-5% every year).

Just some tip, it looks good when you ask questions like this.

 

[RagingBITCH]

I definitely can't say I'm open....I'm going to have to come up with a range. I definitely did my research already and I'm having my friend give me all the "inside" info about the company, so I feel confident in that respect. By 10-15% of what you're making now, do you mean higher or lower than the current salary?

The thing is, I do the inhouse tech support at my current position, but my position encompasses more of a business development side, in tune to e-commerce. (Project manager for reconstruction of website, in charge of developing solutions to bringing out products to the e-learning business, etc) It's kind of a change in terms of what I'll be doing most of the time. That's kind of why I'm confused about salary.

 

[Feldenak]

Originally posted by: warcrow
Oh yea, one more thing. Don't forget to ask him questions about the company. Do your research and go to thier website and read. Here are some questions for yourself and should ask him:

- Whats the companies mission statement?
- Does the IT dept have team meetings? If so, when and how often?
- What kind of team builders does the compay have?
- 401k? How much do they match?
- Do they base their raises on percentages (example: some big companies allow 3%-5% every year).

Just some tip, it looks good when you ask questions like this.

Nice questions...I'd never heard about asking dept. team meetings, team building, and mission statements. Just added those to my "Question List".

 

[warcrow]

by 10%, I ment...if you're making $40k right now, then ask for atleast $47k. This is about a 15% increase. but, expect them to pull you down a bit. Negotiations is just a part of business. But, if you're feeling particularly skilled and feel like you can bring much more to the company, then increase those percentages.

Take the interview I had last friday. I asked for 50% more than what I'm making now because the job is alot of work, requires a wide range of skill, and I know they're in need of someone quickly. Now, this isnt a number I just threw out there, it was realistic for the postion they were offering. I consulted some of the engineers where I work, and all 3 of them agreed that my salary request was right on target. but, I aimed high also because I know that there will be some negotiating. You want to be sure that you get as much money up front because once you're in, the only way to get a hefty pay increase is via a promotion. Because it vertainly aint gonna happen through a raise. Well, the other way to get a pay increase is to leave the company for another one. Thats what I'm doing.

Good luck! :beer:

 

[trmiv]

Damn, I wish I could get interview offers like that. Just getting a damn interview lately is the hardest part.

In my area a job like that would be(Silicon Valley), say 40-50K. I guess it would be a little lower in your area. Also it depends the skills you need for this job. If the support you are doing is highly technical, the salary range goes up quite a bit.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Originally posted by: warcrow
by 10%, I ment...if you're making $40k right now, then ask for atleast $47k. This is about a 15% increase. but, expect them to pull you down a bit. Negotiations is just a part of business. But, if you're feeling particularly skilled and feel like you can bring much more to the company, then increase those percentages.

Take the interview I had last friday. I asked for 50% more than what I'm making now because the job is alot of work, requires a wide range of skill, and I know they're in need of someone quickly. Now, this isnt a number I just threw out there, it was realistic for the postion they were offering. I consulted some of the engineers where I work, and all 3 of them agreed that my salary request was right on target. but, I aimed high also because I know that there will be some negotiating. You want to be sure that you get as much money up front because once you're in, the only way to get a hefty pay increase is via a promotion. Because it vertainly aint gonna happen through a raise. Well, the other way to get a pay increase is to leave the company for another one. Thats what I'm doing.

Good luck! :beer:

Ahh.....so they expect you to negotiate the salary? I just hate to throw out this huge offer that's well above their range. Thanks for the tips btw

 

[warcrow]

Most companies do. If its not negotable, he will tell you. I dont want to build false hope, since it sounds like you dont have much experience, atleast this is knowledge for future refference.