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I need to figure out my payscale

Lean L

Lean L

Diamond Member
I recently interviewed with a company that does network performance monitoring. The role is entitled product support engineer. I just got a call back that they wanted to see what I was expecting for pay. This is the first job that that I would have to negotiate pay.

The job is support for the fortune 500 companies on a very detailed level. I'm told it would be very hard work as it would require a great deal of time and expertise.

I am graduating college this June although I have 1.5 years of IS experience with three different companies. I have an Information Systems major with two business minors and a 3.4 GPA.

The job is in Delaware.

What should I ask for in this case?

BTW: No initial offer. They are asking me my range.
 
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75k? But, as the millions of others are sure to tell you shortly, I wouldn't want to be the first one to throw out a number. Especially for a position with relatively little experience required.
 
I would not expect more than 50 given your level of experience at the nature of the position, but shoot higher than you expect but not too high that you scare them off. Generally you want them to initiate negotiations so you don't unknowingly sell yourself short.
 
Let them throw a number at you first!!!

One that names the # first is usually in the worse position (in the end).

Sales 101
 
Lean L said:
I recently interviewed with a company that does network performance monitoring. The role is entitled product support engineer. I just got a call back that they wanted to see what I was expecting for pay. This is the first job that that I would have to negotiate pay.

The job is support for the fortune 500 companies on a very detailed level. I'm told it would be very hard work as it would require a great deal of time and expertise.

I am graduating college this June although I have 1.5 years of IS experience with three different companies. I have an Information Systems major with two business minors and a 3.4 GPA.

The job is in Delaware.

What should I ask for in this case?

BTW: No initial offer. They are asking me my range.
Click to expand...

You should ask what the salary range is for that position within their company.
 
look up industry standard. Look up what the average pay is at the company for the position you are in.

But seeing as how you're a fresh grad, you'll be lucky to get 50k.
 
Software Support Engineer
$71k$78k

Operations Analyst
$58k$62k

Computer Programmer - Hourly
$24$26

Director of Product Design
$140k$149k

This is what glassdoor has on the company. Should I base it off this or is there a more reliable source?
 
Don't.

Seriously - Don't Quote A Figure. Find a good way to avoid it.

Fortunately, I think you are in a position to avoid giving up numbers - because you are graduating only now, you should say that you do not have any prior/set expectation, and will be good with what they offer as their regular salary range.

If they come back once more, you could add that you understand the work you'll do with them will be different/more intense / more difficult (take your pick, make your own), so you are not in a position to judge the right salary (ie, by comparing with the past jobs). Another way - "...if you could make me an offer based on whatever you have budgeted for this position and we can go from there..."

Another thing you should do (should have already done) is research the company and its salary ranges; there're a bunch of sites that could give you an indication. At the very least, you'd know what their competitors offer for similar posts.
 
Lean L said:
Remote into servers that house the application and then perform updates, check code, fix code, troubleshoot problems, help users figure out how to perform tasks.
Click to expand...

For DE, you're going to be looking at between 45-55k for entry level...total comp will move that figure up or down depending.
 
radhak said:
Don't.

Seriously - Don't Quote A Figure. Find a good way to avoid it.

Fortunately, I think you are in a position to avoid giving up numbers - because you are graduating only now, you should say that you do not have any prior/set expectation, and will be good with what they offer as their regular salary range.

If they come back once more, you could add that you understand the work you'll do with them will be different/more intense / more difficult (take your pick, make your own), so you are not in a position to judge the right salary (ie, by comparing with the past jobs). Another way - "...if you could make me an offer based on whatever you have budgeted for this position and we can go from there..."

Another thing you should do (should have already done) is research the company and its salary ranges; there're a bunch of sites that could give you an indication. At the very least, you'd know what their competitors offer for similar posts.
Click to expand...

I've tried doing that. They are a small growing company so not much info is out there. Software companies generally offer great salaries for that same role. Plus IDK how to judge how much experience the other job postings have on glassdoor or indeed.
 
You can try telling them you just don't know, it is pretty common for them to throw out first number for college grads.

Talk to your career center on campus, they may have data in general for your major, this position or even this company.

If they insist pick something high, not stratospheric but more than you think is likely. From what you posted $75k seems ball park. It is more than you will likely get but its their own fault for asking a new college grad to name a number.
 
Lean L said:
I was told it's a non-traditional work week lol.
Click to expand...

I will translate that for you.

You will work MANY hours and have VERY little life.

And based on what I see at other companies/clients are work with. This is in line what companies are doing. Laying off much needed staff and putting the burden on current employees. Those employees are expected to work 10-12+ hours. Guess what happens when they don't.

In some cases, being laid off is actually a good thing. Cause working all those hours can't possibly be healthy for anyone.

Good luck
 
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