Life Salary negotiation tactics...suggestions

thecoffeeguy · 07-05-2012, 10:57 PM

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.

07-05-2012, 10:59 PM

What, you can't just PM Bugeater?

**Bugeater** · 07-06-2012, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phobia

What, you can't just PM Bugeater?

Dickhead.

But yeah, I just went through a similar situation, and it pretty much backfired on me. All I can say is make sure that you're REALLY unhappy at a job before you leave it, because the next one could be worse.

Oh, and just because another job pays better, it doesn't necessarily mean it's a better job.

Chiefless · 07-05-2012, 11:06 PM

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.

BigRock · 07-05-2012, 11:14 PM

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.

**Buck** · 07-05-2012, 11:11 PM

Lowball 'em.

DJ's left nut · 07-05-2012, 11:22 PM

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.

07-05-2012, 11:28 PM

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.

BigRock · 07-06-2012, 01:07 AM

Quote:

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.

07-06-2012, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRock

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.

He doesn't want to be there. He's unhappy there. If he takes their money he'll have more disposable income but will probably continue being unhappy. If he doesn't he's going to be left wondering if he could have repressed his feelings in exchange for the extra coin. He's at a fork with no clear answer and nobody to blame but himself if he makes the wrong choice.

BigRock · 07-06-2012, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phobia

He doesn't want to be there. He's unhappy there. If he takes their money he'll have more disposable income but will probably continue being unhappy. If he doesn't he's going to be left wondering if he could have repressed his feelings in exchange for the extra coin. He's at a fork with no clear answer and nobody to blame but himself if he makes the wrong choice.

There shouldn't be a wrong choice. They're saying "Tell us what it will take for you to stay". So decide what that would entail. Maybe there is no answer. But if there is, figure it out and tell them.

Why would he agree to stay if he was still going to be unhappy? Eliminating the reasons for his unhappiness should be a key part of the "What It Will Take To Keep Me" proposal. Then for good measure, throw in ways to rectify future unhappiness.

And there's no reason he should be left wondering about anything. Either they'll agree to what he wants or they won't.

Brock · 07-05-2012, 11:32 PM

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

**SAUTO** · 07-06-2012, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

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

this

Amnorix · 07-06-2012, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

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

This.

MoreLemonPledge · 07-05-2012, 11:35 PM

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.

07-05-2012, 10:57 PM	Topic Starter
thecoffeeguy That Rascally wabbit! Join Date: Aug 2009 Casino cash: $10001564	Salary negotiation tactics...suggestions 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.
Posts: 1,565

07-05-2012, 10:59 PM	#2
Phobia Guest Casino cash: $	What, you can't just PM Bugeater?
Posts: n/a

07-05-2012, 11:06 PM	#4
Chiefless Veteran Join Date: Jul 2001 Casino cash: $10007500	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.
Posts: 1,326

07-05-2012, 11:14 PM	#5
BigRock Pritay Pritay Pritay Good Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: The State of Euphoria Casino cash: $805412	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.
Posts: 6,987

07-05-2012, 11:11 PM	#6
Buck Take a Chill Pill Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Carolina Casino cash: $6180295	Lowball 'em.
Posts: 44,604

07-05-2012, 11:22 PM	#7
DJ's left nut Sauntering Vaguely Downwards Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Columbia, Mo Casino cash: $-650901	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. __________________ "If there's a god, he's laughing at us.....and our football team..." "When you look at something through rose colored glasses, all the red flags just look like flags."
Posts: 66,733

07-05-2012, 11:28 PM	#8
Phobia Guest Casino cash: $	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.
Posts: n/a

07-05-2012, 11:32 PM	#12
Brock Say hello to my little friend Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Larryville Casino cash: $9598422	Either hold up your current employer for more money or leave on the terms you already negotiated with the new people.
Posts: 47,314

07-05-2012, 11:35 PM	#15
MoreLemonPledge M-I-Z S-E-C Join Date: Apr 2009 Casino cash: $10004927	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. __________________
Posts: 6,039