Salary negotiation question

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K

Kyuuryou

Junior Member
Dec 4, 2004
13
0
0
I'm a computer science major from a university that isn't one of the big important ones.

I've interned at this company in Austin for the past 3 and half years for a total of about 2 years employment. The other day my manager calls me up and tells me HR is going to call soon and make me an offer. My base salary will be $58.5k.

I'm very happy with the amount but my manager said he thinks there is room to "wiggle" and if I wanted to hold out for 60 I probably could, just "dont get yourself not hired!" So apparently I will be dealing with HR.

Do you think I should hold out for 60? And if I do, what exactly do I say? "I was hoping for 60 let me think about it"?

I'm leaning towards just accepting the offer but I just wanted to get some opinions. I have a friend who works in the same dept and has been there for 2 years and is doing great and is at 60 now.

So, just bouncing this off you guys. Let me know what you think.
 
G

GtPrOjEcTX

Lifer
Jul 3, 2001
10,784
6
81
I negotiated a bit last month myself. Just call them up and say that with your experience you were hoping the salary would be around 60K. They will say they'll see what they can do and call you back the next day with a yes or no (probably yes).

60K is very nice. Good job!
 
Y

Yossarian

Lifer
Dec 26, 2000
18,010
1
81
I bid you welcome to our fair forum. I would never take a company's first offer, especially if your mgr says you can probably get more. Why not ask for 65? Say something like "I've been working here for a long time and you know I do good work. My skills make me worth (whatever amount). I am a known quantity, compared to the risk of hiring someone off the street."
 
F

flot

Diamond Member
Feb 24, 2000
3,197
0
0
I guess it doesn't hurt to ask (the HR department is unlikely to say "nope, changed our minds, forget it!" but honestly the difference between $58,500 and $60,000 is almost meaningless, unless you are looking at this job as the first year of a very long career there.

After taxes etc are taken out, that is approx $38 a paycheck.

So, don't sweat it. If they do this sort of thing, you'd be better off trying to negotiate getting a check to cover your moving expenses (esp since you may not have any) or perhaps a starting bonus. $1500 cash up front will be more useful to you than $1500 spread across a year.
 
A

axelfox

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
6,719
1
0
<Homer Thinking> Reject the first offer. Reject the first offer. </Homer Thinking>

Mr. Burns: "Would you like something to drink?"

Homer: "Sorry Mr. Burns, no deal!"
 
S

sciencewhiz

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2000
5,886
8
81
According to Salary.com; The median expected salary for a typical Software Engineer I in Austin, TX is $48,617.
The median expected salary for a typical Software Engineer II in Austin, TX is $58,266.
 
J

Jumpem

Lifer
Sep 21, 2000
10,757
3
81
$60k!!!!

I'm graduating with a CS degree in February. I have about a year and a half of full time development experience. I would be absolutely thrilled with $40k. I'm expecting closer to $35k though.
 
Kelemvor

Kelemvor

Lifer
May 23, 2002
16,928
8
81
Originally posted by: Jumpem
$60k!!!!

I'm graduating with a CS degree in February. I have about a year and a half of full time development experience. I would be absolutely thrilled with $40k. I'm expecting closer to $35k though.
Click to expand...

That's what I was thinking too. Maybe I need to move to Texas...
 
A

Armitage

Banned
Feb 23, 2001
8,086
0
0
Originally posted by: Yossarian
I bid you welcome to our fair forum. I would never take a company's first offer, especially if your mgr says you can probably get more. Why not ask for 65? Say something like "I've been working here for a long time and you know I do good work. My skills make me worth (whatever amount). I am a known quantity, compared to the risk of hiring someone off the street."
Click to expand...

Agree completely ... particullarly if your manager is suggesting it. I'd counter with about 62-64 and take 60.
 
C

cchen

Diamond Member
Oct 12, 1999
6,062
0
76
Thats awesome. Congrats. Seriously though, there's no point to hold out for $60k unless you know they'll give it to you... not much of a difference between 58.5 and 60
 
K

Kyuuryou

Junior Member
Dec 4, 2004
13
0
0
Thanks for all your advice.

I do think they will give it to me, but like one person posted its not too big of a difference. I think Im just going to stick with the 58.5 and not be greedy.

It's not a defense company. Just a big well known company.
 
I

imported_Phil

Diamond Member
Feb 10, 2001
9,837
0
0
I'd ask tentatively for 60k, as otherwise they'll consider you a pushover, and will walk all over you.
 
Y

Yossarian

Lifer
Dec 26, 2000
18,010
1
81
Originally posted by: Kyuuryou
I do think they will give it to me, but like one person posted its not too big of a difference. I think Im just going to stick with the 58.5 and not be greedy.
Click to expand...

you are a fool if you don't ask for it. it isn't being greedy. your starting salary is the best place to get a "raise".
 
J

Jumpem

Lifer
Sep 21, 2000
10,757
3
81
This is crazy. My Project Manager/Lead SE had thirteen years with our company and wasn't making $60k.
 
T

T2T III

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
12,899
1
0
A fair question to ask when it comes to salary is "what amount is being budgeted for this position?" This puts some of the spotlight back on HR - as apposed to them placing the eyes on you in an effort to get an answer. Also, make sure you so research on what the positions of that nature pay for that area - salary.com is a good place to start.

Best of luck :)

 
T

T2T III

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
12,899
1
0
Originally posted by: Jumpem
$60k!!!!

I'm graduating with a CS degree in February. I have about a year and a half of full time development experience. I would be absolutely thrilled with $40k. I'm expecting closer to $35k though.
Click to expand...

Keep in mind, lots of this is all relative. Costs in some areas are higher than others when it comes to living and commuting. Being that you live in NY state as you've indicated, the cost of living has got to be quite a bit less than where I live - outside of Wash, DC.

I can be applying for jobs that pay $90K, but that kind of money can be spent pretty quick where I live.

 
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