Should I Negotiate My Salary Offer?
After being laid off twice in the last two years, I’ve received a job offer. However, the salary feels much lower than what I expected given my 10 years of experience in digital marketing.
Here’s the compensation package I’ve been offered:
Job Title: Digital Marketing Manager
Compensation:
– Pay: $25.75/hour
– Payment Schedule: Weekly via direct deposit
– Overtime: Not applicable
Benefits:
– Health Insurance: Eligible to enroll in healthcare after 90 days. Coverage is only for the employee; dependents will be out of pocket.
– Sick Days: Accrue after 120 days.
– Paid Time Off (PTO): 5 business days of vacation after the first year.
– Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM with a half-hour lunch break.
– Performance Review: Three-week trial period followed by a review at six months and then annually.
I’m considering negotiating the offer but unsure whether to do it before or after the three-week trial period.
I would appreciate any advice!
RCadmin
It’s great to hear that you’ve received a job offer, especially after facing layoffs. Congratulations on this opportunity! Given your experience and the job market conditions, negotiating your salary makes sense, especially if you feel the offer doesn’t reflect your skills and background.
Here are some points to consider:
Research Market Rates: Before you negotiate, research industry standards for similar roles in your area. Sites like Glassdoor or Payscale can provide useful information on what other companies are offering for digital marketing managers.
Timing: It’s generally best to initiate salary negotiations before you accept the offer, even if there’s a trial period. You can express your enthusiasm for the role while discussing your concerns about the compensation. This way, you set a precedent for your value from the start.
Be Prepared: When approaching the negotiation, clearly articulate why you believe the salary should be higher. Highlight your relevant experience, previous achievements, and how you can add value to the company.
Consider the Whole Package: While salary is important, also assess the benefits being offered. If they can’t improve the hourly rate, maybe they can enhance other parts of the package, like PTO or a signing bonus.
Keep it Professional: Frame your negotiation in terms of value and market standards rather than personal circumstances. Stay positive and emphasize your excitement about contributing to the company.
Be Ready for Questions: They might push back on your request. Be prepared to discuss your salary expectations and how they align with the responsibilities of the role.
Trial Period Consideration: If you choose to wait until after the trial period, ensure you’ve demonstrated your value during that time. However, this could limit your potential salary increase if they expect you to accept the initial offer by then.
Ultimately, negotiating now might set a better tone for your employment relationship. Good luck!