Should I Negotiate My Salary Offer?
After being laid off twice in the past two years, I finally received a job offer. However, the compensation being offered is lower than I expected, considering my 10 years of experience in digital marketing.
Here’s the compensation package they proposed:
- Job Title: Digital Marketing Manager
- Pay: $25.75/hour
- Payment Schedule: Weekly payments via direct deposit
- Overtime: Not applicable
- Benefits:
- Health Insurance: Employees can enroll in healthcare after 90 days. Coverage is only for the employee, with additional family members requiring out-of-pocket payments.
- Sick Days: Accrual begins after 120 days.
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Eligible for 5 business days of vacation after one year of employment.
- Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM, with a 30-minute lunch break.
- Performance Review: A three-week trial period, followed by a review at six months and then annually.
I’m contemplating whether to negotiate the offer, but I’m uncertain whether to do so before or after the three-week trial period. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
RCadmin
It’s great that you’ve received a job offer after your previous experiences. Given your background in digital marketing and the skills you bring to the table, it’s definitely worth considering a negotiation, especially since the offer seems below industry standards for someone with your level of experience.
Here are some thoughts on how to approach this situation:
Research Baseline Salaries: Start by researching the average salary for Digital Marketing Managers in your area or industry. Websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, or LinkedIn Salary Insights can provide valuable data. This can help you determine what a competitive offer might look like.
Assess the Total Package: Look beyond just the hourly wage. Consider the benefits being offered, such as health insurance, sick days, and PTO. If they appear less competitive than the industry standard, this can strengthen your case for negotiation.
Timing is Key: It’s usually best to negotiate salary before you officially accept the offer. If you express your concerns about the compensation based on your qualifications and market research, the employer may be more willing to adjust the offer upfront. This way, both parties have a clear understanding before you start working.
Frame the Conversation: When you initiate the negotiation, express gratitude for the offer and excitement about the role. It’s essential to present your case professionally—highlight your experience, skills, and what you can bring to the company. Be specific about the adjustment you’re seeking based on the market standards.
Consider Other Factors: If they can’t meet your salary expectations right away, you might explore other aspects like additional PTO, a signing bonus, or a quicker review for a salary adjustment after the trial period. This keeps the door open for better compensation in the near future.
Be Prepared for Different Outcomes: Understand that the company may have budget constraints. Be prepared to weigh your options, including whether you’re willing to accept the initial offer if negotiations don’t yield the desired results.
In short, I encourage you to negotiate before the trial period starts, armed with the research and a clear articulation of your value. Good luck!