For the first time, employees have access to the equivalent of a Kelley Blue Book for jobs. The availability of online compensation information has leveled the playing field between employer and employee when it comes to negotiation and job offers. Employers who are confident in their pay practices should welcome these new data sources, as they provide external validation that their compensation is competitive with the market.
Q. I just made a huge mistake in a salary negotiation and am wondering if there is something I can do to fix it.
This was the first interview and I was not prepared to discuss salary, as I know it is a huge no-no. Unfortunately, the interviewer's second question was, "What is your salary expectation?" Instead of answering with the question, "Well, what is the range for the job?" I said, "Between $55,000 and 60,000, but it is negotiable." I said this before I even knew what my duties would be. I don't know what I was thinking! That is well below the average for the position in my area; the range is $60,000 to $87,000 with a median of $72,000.
Q. I recently hired on to a new company and could use some advice. On my second interview with my new company, I was offered a salary on a yearly basis. I accepted this offer and began work. The paperwork I signed accepting this offer also had the same figure termed as "annual."
Did you know that you may be able to negotiate some of your benefits? Even though companies put fixed policies on most benefits, some benefits are negotiable - and sometimes, all you have to do is ask.
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