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.

[Bearcat]

I agree with those who said there's no way you should talk to the new employer about it if you've already accepted an offer.

Originally Posted by wutamess

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.

I've averaged 2 years at my last 4 jobs, and even though each job hop has served a more important purpose than a salary increase (non-IT to IT in a non-IT company to IT at a software company to mostly avoiding a layoff), it can be the most effective way to get a decent raise, especially in the past few years. And to Braniac's point, I can definitely see how accepting a counteroffer could be the best option if the only downside to your job is that you're underpaid.

Like you said, it's all business... you're in charge of getting the most out of your career just like the corporation wants to get the most out of their money (employee cost or otherwise).

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by Hoover

Dude, you already agreed to a job with a different company, your negotiating with them is over if you ask me.

As an employer this is what I'd do if you agreed to take a position I was offering and then you came back to me wanting more pay because your former company now wants to keep you.

You'd be the boss someone was leaving.

Shut up...

[Hoover]

Originally Posted by Rausch

You'd be the boss someone was leaving.

Shut up...

Whatever.

I don't play games. There are too many good people out there looking for work.

[qabbaan]

Originally Posted by Hoover

Whatever.

I don't play games. There are too many good people out there looking for work.

I agree. Unless his skillset is exceedingly rare, this isnt a "k, you two have a bidding war over me now" kind of climate.

Further, as a hiring manager this kind of nickle and dime behavior before even being employed makes me wonder if he fits the profile. It would cause you to wonder if he's going to leave you later over a couple thousand dollars.

[BigRedChief]

In my field at my level the tech has leverage. I've offered many jobs to techs the last two years, they accepted and later backed out. Members of the current team have recieved job offers from other companies and they were bribed to stay.

I dont think this situation is normal. But, in my field at the upper levels, its the norm. We are contractors. Expendable but essential at the same time. It's defintly a screwy system.

If you are not happy and your employer thinks you are doing a good job, you have a history of verifiable success at other jobs, you can write your own ticket.

I dont know what field your in, but I'd say you sought another job because you wernt happy. If the other place says we can give you the things that will make you happy, cool. Just dont stray from the grass is always greener mantra.

[prhom]

Have to agree with qabban, mlyon, and hoover on this.

Your current company didn't do enough to keep you loyal in the first place and pulling out the checkbook now doesn't change that fact. This doesn't seem like the best company to work for and you shouldn't be too enticed by their "suddenly open" checkbook.

You said you already accepted at the other place. The time and place to have had the salary discussion with your current boss was after you had the offer from the other place. If money is the influencing factor then you should have been honest with them and said that you would like to stay with them only you feel that you aren't being paid on par with your level of contribution. If you are truly worth it they will probably try to give you a raise, if you aren't they'll say good luck at which point you can turn in your notice and accept the other position. If money isn't the influencing factor then an offer of more money from your current company shouldn't sway you from your decision to leave in pursuit of a better job/opportunities/work environment/etc.

Use this as a learning experience going forward. You now know that perhaps you are more valuable than you previously thought. Don't let the new company treat you the same way as the old one. You never know either, if your old company is truly serious about your value they'll probably keep trying to get you hired back anyway.

[Bugeater]

It's hilarious to hear all the "loyalty" talk in this thread. There's no such thing from employers these days, why should there be any from the other direction either?

[|Zach|]

Originally Posted by Bugeater

It's hilarious to hear all the "loyalty" talk in this thread. There's no such thing from employers these days, why should there be any from the other direction either?

Exactly.

[|Zach|]

Originally Posted by Bearcat

I agree with those who said there's no way you should talk to the new employer about it if you've already accepted an offer.

Yea, that changes everything. The previous company stepping up when they realized you were leaving is a pretty normal and unless you completely hated it and absolutely wanted to move on it is worth sitting down and saying that you have this offer on the table that you are inclined to accept. If that changes nothing then fine all the best to you but if you would like to make an offer to keep me aboard I am listening.

But you borked that chance and you borked the moves you can make without looking like a snake when you rushed to accept the new job. Of course if you accepted it then it must be a good deal for you so all the best. You look like a shithead if you go to your new employer like this...talk about getting off on the wrong foot.

[saphojunkie]

Originally Posted by Bugeater

It's hilarious to hear all the "loyalty" talk in this thread. There's no such thing from employers these days, why should there be any from the other direction either?

It's equally hilarious to hear the "bidding war! screw them!" talk when these same people will skewer professional athletes for identical salary tactics.

The bottom line is, you don't want to screw up BOTH offers. If you hate your job, money isn't going to change that. The more money I make, the more I realize this is true (at least for me).

I think everyone is on the same page for the most part that trying to leverage more money out of the new job is a terrible idea. If you can substantially raise your salary at the current employer, then fine. But you go to the new place and say, "Listen, my current outfit came back with an offer that is too good to pass up. I really appreciate the offer, and I wish you the best, but I simply can't turn down these numbers."

If they respond with "what is the offer? Can we match it?" then, fine. But that's THEIR prerogative, not yours. Not because you don't have a right, but just because it's not the wisest negotiating tactic, IMHO.

[qabbaan]

I was making my suggestions having been on both sides of this in the last couple of months.

It's true that corporations as an entity feel no loyalty to you, but the humans inside them who impact your career prospects do. I don't think any manager faults someone for leaving for a legitimately better job, but you have to expect someone who accepts a counter offer is a short timer and to prepare. Like the OP said, its probably not about the money, so money won't fix it long term. I would take it as a warning that we need to make sure we have someone else who projects to that position if its essential and not easy to fill. You also might assume that the person doesn't see themselves with your organization long term and so you'd probably be eyeing others for advancement tracks.

Everything is case by case of course. If your current employer will give a huge raise to retain you it might mean you are grossly underpaid, or it might just mean its cheaper over the next year or so to overpay you instead of hire and train a replacement.

Anyway, this is just a long way to say loyalty and commitment aren't exactly the same thing, and no, the CEO isn't loyal to you but your direct manager and their boss might be, and it will probably change your relationship with them permanently if they feel your commitment is not to the career path they are seeingfor you and that your goals dont align with their goals.

Like others have said you overplayed your hand and it sounds like actually showing up the first day at the job you accepted is the best choice to me... YMMV...

[qabbaan]

Originally Posted by saphojunkie

I think everyone is on the same page for the most part that trying to leverage more money out of the new job is a terrible idea. If you can substantially raise your salary at the current employer, then fine. But you go to the new place and say, "Listen, my current outfit came back with an offer that is too good to pass up. I really appreciate the offer, and I wish you the best, but I simply can't turn down these numbers."

If they respond with "what is the offer? Can we match it?" then, fine. But that's THEIR prerogative, not yours. Not because you don't have a right, but just because it's not the wisest negotiating tactic, IMHO.

If I were the new employer I'd ask what the new number is. If its close and/or this is a uniquely qualified candidate I might see if I can offer something competitive, but I am probably going to expect him to start work at the terms he already agreed to by accepting.

He can always back out of the job offer and burn the bridge with my company if that is what's better for him, sometimes that makes sense. But slithering about trying to squeeze a few more bucks out of us when you already agreed to a salary is even more unprofessional.

[Bump]

ya I wouldn't do anything with the new company, that would def put a bad label on you from the start. First impressions at a new job are very important, how they view you at first will most likely be how they view you for the rest of the time you work there. But if there is something that could keep you at your new job and you would be happy with that, demand it! I don't know your situation, but if you don't want to work for the company you work for anymore chances are you should leave it.

[threebag]

Go forward with the new job and don't look back.

[thecoffeeguy]

I decided not to try and negotiate more money with the new company.
However, I turned down my current company today and they came and offered me 35% more money, plus a few other things!!!

Jeebezus...I really am at a loss at what to do now. Stay or leave.