Wage_Negotiations

Mighty_Mouse

Any advice on the best "tactics" for wage negotiaitons. I'm overdue asking for a wage and want to know if people can lend a hand.

Wage Gross = €22,000
Wage Net = €19,200

Paid 'Salary' monthly.

If I ask for a one or two grand increase. (Max hopefully round €25,000) my monthly/ weekly take home is still a little crap IMO

Ie. an increase to €25,000 results in a take home of around €20,000 (after 20% tax)

Is there a better way to ask for an increase in terms of benefits
- ie a monthly bus pass
- dinner expenses

Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to tackle a pay negotiations. Whats the best way to impact on income( avoid tax)

joePC

You might be able to take something from this,

If asked, do your best to avoid mentioning a specific
figure since it will almost always be lowered. Try to get
the other person to mention a figure first.

If you are asked what you made at your last job, politely
state that you no longer work at your last job and that
the job you are applying for is completely different than
the job you last had. Ask what the salary range is for
your position, telling them that you will confirm whether
that is appropriate or not.

Ask the salary range of workers above and below you if
there is no prior history for the position you seek.

Salary discussion is not necessarily a job offer. If
unsure about it, ask. "Is this an offer?" If so, and the
figure is too low, at least give yourself an out.
Something like, "That is somewhat lower than I expected,
but I am interested in the position. Is there any thing I
could do in the near future to make myself more valuable
to your organization?"

Or, "I am very much interested in this position and
flattered by your offer. This is an important decision for
me and I would like some time to consider it."

Mentally calculate the value of the benefits you will be
receiving before agreeing on a definite figure for your
salary.

If you feel your performance will merit an increase, ask
for a performance and salary review after six months.

Don't discuss money during your first interview if at all
possible. If you ask, then you are giving the impression
that you are more interested in the money than the job.

Let the employer name the first figure, if it is too low
tell why you want to work for the company and how you
might benefit them . . . then state your requirement.
Decide before you go in what your worth is and stick to
it. As a prospective employer, part of their job may be to
get the best for the least. Subtly remind them that you
usually get what you pay for.

If the interviewer insists, use your current or last
salary as a guideline. Then bracket your position. You
should have some idea what their salary is for the
position you are applying for. Use this for a broad
response. If you know that they pay around $30,000.00 for
instance, you could ask for "Somewhere between high
twenties to low thirties." This gives you both some
working room.

Once you are actually offered the job, you are in a much
stronger bargaining position. This is the best time to
negotiate. In fact, in my opinion, it is the ONLY time to
negotiate.

Basic rule: The higher the salary, the fewer the jobs.
Don't lie about your last salary, don't ask for more than
the market will bear. Be realistic. NEVER, EVER come
across as desperate.

By the same token, do not EVER turn down a job because you think they aren't paying enough. This includes doing so without verbally stating it. If you act disappointed, you
will probably not be offered the job. Best to give
yourself at least 24 hours to consider.

It may be $3,000.00 less a year than you were considering, but what if other benefits outweigh the loss of pay. Perhaps you won't have to commute, maybe you'll actually be working less hours, or get an afternoon off in the middle of the week. It is important to seriously consider any offer. Time may change your initial reaction.

Thanks joePC

Nuttzz

remember that you employer has to pay employers prsi so you add 8.5% to his costs by employing you

e.g.

if you are on 20k
it costs your employer 21700 to employ you,

so when you look for a raise he/she is always looking at the second figure, not the first

DundalkDuffman

I found before that it is best to have your homework done well before going near the bosses office. Write stuff down for yourself before hand. Sell yourself. Why should you have a raise? How is your job different from when you started? What have you done differently which helps out the company? All private sector bosses love savings for the company. The absolute key is however to not mention a number at all. Same as buying a motor. Know what you are happy with before you go in and don't settle just for the sake of a few extra quid. Bear in mind also that you will more than likely be fobbed off. Extra days off, flexi hours anything that will not cost cash. Of course if you have a good relationship with your gaffer he may feel that you do in fact deserve it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Peace

Some really good stuff in this thread...especially liked the part about waiting for them to offer you the job before negotiating wages.

Also IMO, a raise doesn't have to be an increase in your salary.... i would much prefer something the taxman doesn't rape... more days holidays off per year...that sort of thing.

Mighty_Mouse

Thanks for the advice but to be honest I'm knowledgeable of most the negotiation techniques.

But some really interesting info all the same.
I suppose what I'm asking here is there any "better" alternatives than asking for cash. Time off doesn't really apply.

I've just been wondering am I missing something by only asking for a salary increase.

whosurpaddy

afaik bonus bonds and the like are taxable from this year. they used to be a great way to get a little extra "bonus" into your hand. is their anything similar that hasent yet become taxable maybe?