How to determine the value of yourself in a company
If I ask for more they'll take back their job offer. Generally this isn't a presenting problem. However, I have come across one or two people who have used this problem as a mask for their feeling that they don't deserve the job offer they've just received. For most people, however, this is their real obstacle.
Phrased in this manner, the problem presents the other party as being more emotional than rational. A better way to look at this problem is to say, "If I ask for more, and make my taking the job contingent on getting it, they'll take back their job offer." In other words, it's only a rational problem if you push the other party into an either/or decision.
In order to solve this problem you need to know the market value range for the position. You can assume that since they're soliciting outside candidates for the job they're willing to pay market value. However, they may not know how much that is.
As in most of the other raise/salary problem, you need to create trust in your numbers as well as in yourself, through citing reliable sources.
This whole problem is actually an appeal. You're asking the other party to reconsider their initial job offer. The first key to succeeding in your appeal is to make sure it's not framed in a confrontational manner. Say you're flattered by the offer, and are looking forward to the job. Rather than saying you need to resolve the money issue before accepting, act as if acceptance is already a given . . . even if it's not.
Do that and you guarantee they won't take back their offer. Then, add that you do have a problem with the initial salary offer and need their help in solving it. Explain that you know they want to be fair and that you're sure they weren't intending to offer less than the market value to you, but according to your own research, they'd done just that. Then offer up your compensation survey and ask them to reconsider their offer based on the new information you're presenting. Don't be surprised if their response is to settle midway between your figures and their initial offer.
Phrased in this manner, the problem presents the other party as being more emotional than rational. A better way to look at this problem is to say, "If I ask for more, and make my taking the job contingent on getting it, they'll take back their job offer." In other words, it's only a rational problem if you push the other party into an either/or decision.
In order to solve this problem you need to know the market value range for the position. You can assume that since they're soliciting outside candidates for the job they're willing to pay market value. However, they may not know how much that is.
As in most of the other raise/salary problem, you need to create trust in your numbers as well as in yourself, through citing reliable sources.
This whole problem is actually an appeal. You're asking the other party to reconsider their initial job offer. The first key to succeeding in your appeal is to make sure it's not framed in a confrontational manner. Say you're flattered by the offer, and are looking forward to the job. Rather than saying you need to resolve the money issue before accepting, act as if acceptance is already a given . . . even if it's not.
Do that and you guarantee they won't take back their offer. Then, add that you do have a problem with the initial salary offer and need their help in solving it. Explain that you know they want to be fair and that you're sure they weren't intending to offer less than the market value to you, but according to your own research, they'd done just that. Then offer up your compensation survey and ask them to reconsider their offer based on the new information you're presenting. Don't be surprised if their response is to settle midway between your figures and their initial offer.
[posted by : OFP on Oct. 25, 2009]
TAGS: company