Salary negotiation tactics...suggestions

[thecoffeeguy]

Hoping the CP'rs here can give me some suggestions on a recent course of events.

I recently accepted a new job offer with a new company. I am scheduled to start end of July and I am excited for it.

Today, the Director and his right hand man called me into his office to discuss why I turned in my resignation.
To make a long story short, they basically told me, "Tell us what it will take for you to stay."

I honestly expected something like this, but basically, these guys are opening up the checkbook. The idea is incredibility intriguing to me.

The reality is, I highly doubt I would stay. Its a long story, but i'll just say that.


As I started thinking about this, I was wondering, could I potentially use this as leverage to maybe negotiate a higher salary with my new company? If so, any suggestions on how to go about doing this? I am not thinking about asking for a crap ton more, but maybe just a little small bump or something would be nice.

I do have concerns though. If I talk to the other company and tell them what is going on, could that paint a negative picture on me?

I would hate NOT to at least try and negotiate a slightly higher salary and kick myself later for not trying.

I have until Monday.

THanks.

What, you can't just PM Bugeater?

[Chiefless]

I wouldn't play it that way. You agreed to a salary with the new company. Going back for more after you have a deal in place would be a crappy way to start. The better play is to give the old company the number they asked for. What would it take for you to pass on this new opportunity...no matter how high it is. If they say yes then you just earned a fat raise. If they say no there's another, more attractive company that wants you.

[Buck]

Lowball 'em.

[BigRock]

If you can't imagine staying at your old job, trying to leverage it against your new one can be a gamble. Not that you can't do it, though.

But I agree with Chiefless, with the addition that if your old job agrees to your "What would it take to stay?" figure, be sure to take that figure to your new job and see what they think.

[DJ's left nut]

Yikes, man. Did you already agree to take the job or have you just been extended an offer with a deadline?

To be honest, if I had a guy agree to take the job with me and then come back right before he's supposed to start and trying to get a raise A) I wouldn't give it to him and B) It would be a red flag to me.

If you've only been offered the gig and asked for 48 hours to think it over, then getting a new figure from your former employer and taking it to the new employer and seeking a match would be kosher. But if you've already taken the job and now you're coming back looking for a sweetener from the company that's offered you a life raft from a job you were looking to leave, that's pretty poor form to me.

You're screwed either way you play this, dude. Unless you're in some highly specialized field with amazing skills this is not going to have a happy ending. However, with your existing job you may use some of your new-found leverage to not only increase your salary but also change some of the conditions which lead to your departure.

The only thing that is going to get you out of this situation unscathed is brutal honesty framed by some very diplomatic communications skills. Are you up for it? Because this could very easily end with you having zero jobs.

[Brock]

Either hold up your current employer for more money or leave on the terms you already negotiated with the new people.

[MoreLemonPledge]

I would leave well enough alone. You accepted a job at a certain salary. Don't start making demands before you even start. That's not a good first impression.

If you're truly unhappy at your former job, money shouldn't be a deciding factor anyway. I would politely decline and give them a proper exit interview, both as a courtesy to them and so you can tell them honestly what led to your departure.

[tk13]

If you knew this was going to happen you probably should've asked for time to think about the job offer and done this. Now you might be playing with fire.

Here's another option. Go to your new job. Work your ass off. Exceed all expectations. Make The Man a lot of money. Accept promotions, bonuses, and salary increases. That's even better leverage than your former employer is offering. There are companies who have been known to counter-offer to get you to stay and then dump you after the fact because employers like loyal employees. It's below-the-belt but not unheard of...

[wutamess]

No... The negotiation only works if you're prepared to walk.

Basically tell the old company what it would take for you to stay and say you'll talk it over with your wife blah blah blah.

Then tell the new company that your old company kind of made you an offer you couldn't refuse but would take what ever compensation amount to be with the new company. They know it's a competitive market for the RIGHT employee and expect negotiations (sometimes even after the acceptance of the offer).

They'll think the old company valued you highly and they're getting a great employee. By you saying, you're just wanting something competitive to what they're offering puts you in a better picture than someone that's just in to for more $.

Last but not least... You already have a job in hand so you must be prepared to walk if the new company doesn't bump you or whatever.

I used this tactic around February and came away with a 10k raise with my old company as I was going to walk if they didn't raise the bar. They did.

This is all easier once you realize that corporations handle their affairs in a business like manner so why shouldn't you? You have to start looking at yourself as a corporation also. It's all business. There's no more loyalty in the workforce anymore. Dave Ramsey said the avg emp stays on the job an average of 4 years. Starting to think that's becoming the norm as of late.

Hope this helps.

[wutamess]

Originally Posted by Phobia

Here's another option. Go to your new job. Work your ass off. Exceed all expectations. Make The Man a lot of money. Accept promotions, bonuses, and salary increases. That's even better leverage than your former employer is offering. There are companies who have been known to counter-offer to get you to stay and then dump you after the fact because employers like loyal employees. It's below-the-belt but not unheard of...

Sounds good. But that does nothing but leave the possibilities open and a bunch of would've could've shoudl'ves and eventually disgruntledness. The way corps are taking advantage of employees now adays with all the "money is tight" excuses. I'd never go in with the idea of them rewarding me accordingly the way I feel I should be.

Originally Posted by wutamess

Sounds good. But that does nothing but leave the possibilities open and a bunch of would've could've shoudl'ves and eventually disgruntledness. The way corps are taking advantage of employees now adays with all the "money is tight" excuses. I'd never go in with the idea of them rewarding me accordingly the way I feel I should be.

There's some truth there. I haven't worked for a corporation in more than a decade. But he hasn't given any info about either company either. Could be a smaller outfit, who knows?

[BigRock]

Originally Posted by Phobia

You're screwed either way you play this, dude.

A job he's leaving is "basically opening the checkbook" to keep him. He's nowhere near screwed. He'd have to take several wrong turns to get to screwed.