PA and Secretary Community - Deskdemon.com

A short article regarding salary negotiations. I never thought of being looked down on if I didn't make a counter offer!

http://www.thewbalchannel.com/money/5296115/detail.html


DonnaP99

When I applied for the position I am in now - I was told I would not receive anything other than a blanket 5% pay increase.  After contemplating the responsibilities and increase of tasks involved with this position, I declined the intial offer and though I was chastised for it by some upper management - I ended getting very close to my counter offer.  

When I took my first position with this company, I was told I should have countered the intial offer.  But I was in such desperate need of a full time job, I didn't dare do anything to rock the boat and have the offer withdrawn.  And it wasn't a horrid offer either mind you... but I was told it couldn't hurt.  I wouldn't have been in agreement had the offer been withdrawn however!!!  :)

I have had many salary negotiations over the years. I have also negotiated various perqs, including: a paid housekeeper, bonuses, stock options, payment for professional association dues and attendance at convention (including time as professional development and not vacation), paid training, payment of professional extras like my notary public stamp, severance packages and more.

You are in a position of power when you have received an offer and have not yet accepted it. There  is nothing wrong with sweetening the pot a little. You just need to tread carefully to not appear greedy. I have finetuned my approach over the years based on the company, the individual job, and the opportunities it opens up for me.

Men are trained from childhood to go for "more". Women are trained to be "thankful they have a job". That just doesn't cut it for me. This is one area where I definitely say, be like a guy!!!

Marie

I know that it tends to be a bit different once you become a government employee and are going for other government positions, but I'm hoping that this works for me.  I've put in for another position, which I'm sure they'll offer to me (if they even offer it to me) at a lower level than what I'm currently at, perhaps even at less money.  I'm hoping that if that is the case, I can counter to where I'm not losing money, and will actually end up making more in the next 3 years (with annual promotions and step increases that are inherent with the position) than I would by staying in my current position for that same timeframe.  But having never had to do this, how would y'all suggest I do so?  Do I just tell them thanks, I'd love the position, but just can't take it at that Grade/Step?  Is this something broached at the interview?  Some pointers please, for this career government employee.

CountriGal
Peer Moderator

I have no pointers, but lots of well wishes.  Good luck to you and I hope you get the job and the money.

I'm the kind of person who would bring it up at the END of the interview, but I think most people would not agree. I'm very forthcoming when it comes to non-negotiable things - that is, when I'm not desparate and unemployed. Being unemployed put me in my current undesirable position - been here 18 months and am making 12% less than I was 3 years ago am a step below on the food chain, and do not have some of the flexibility I've been able to have before - like, I *will* need time off a couple times a month to participate in school meetings and doctors appointments for my special needs kids. I laid it out at the interview at a previous position and was still offered the job! But then he left...

I would say, don't mention this if you are set up to have an initial interview with HR, but save it for the person who would be your boss and actually making the decision. Then he can hopefully say "I interviewed her, I like her, give her what she needs."

I suppose it's just another way I avoid confrontation. Rather than having to counter-offer and dance around, I start with what I want.

Wish you the best of luck!

DonnaP99

CG,
I didn't think you could negotiate that sort of thing in government jobs unless it was advertised at more than one pay grade.  For instance, GS-07/09 Target GS09.  You might think you are qualified at the higher level, but they might offer the job at the lower level and "promote" you after a specific time period.  If that's the case, maybe you could try and talk them into "save pay" during that period, but I wouldn't approach it until I knew at what level they were going to offer the job.

JusPeachy

That was kind of my thought.  The position I'm applying for is a GS-07/09/10/11 with the 11 only being after certification is acheived.  I'm hoping that they don't put me at the GS-07 level, but know I can't go straight to the 11 (which is what I currently am).  I'm hoping to be able to counter if they actually offer me the job at too low a level... just have to cross that bridge when and if we come to it.

CountriGal
Peer Moderator