Negotiating an offer

[gtpeach]

Sooo... I'm terrible at this part of a job offer. The offer they made was at the top of the advertised salary range, so I'm not trying to get more money. I am going to try to come in under a higher leave time accrual structure. Even if they can't do that, I'll still take the job. To be honest, I really don't care that much about the extra leave time, but I did feel like I needed to at least make an attempt to negotiate to demonstrate that I believed I had value to provide the organization.

Does it look bad not to negotiate at all? I was a little hesitant since I know my current county doesn't like to negotiate leave time accrual, but that seemed more reasonable than asking for more money...

 

[Salmissra]

If you aren't negotiating for $$$, and they can't budge on leave accrual, then inquire about being able to take a vacation before the probationary period is up. And be careful coming in too high in the pay scale - they might not be able to calculate a raise if you're already maxing out the pay scale.

What about flex time options? Is that an available item for discussion in your area?

County cell phone or vehicle option?

 

[Suburb Repairman]

... inquire about being able to take a vacation before the probationary period is up.

County cell phone or vehicle option?

I've done this at every job I've had, and I almost always grant it in negotiation to others--doesn't really cost anything and I've always been bothered by the inability to take leave during probation period.

Do they offer a vehicle allowance? That's a good one that does have some impact to them as far as costs, but they don't have to pay retirement obligations on it. A take-home vehicle gets a little weird for tax purposes.

Honestly, with them bringing you in at the top of the advertised range, I wouldn't bother much with negotiating. They've already sent a clear message to you as far as value by going with the max posted.

The only job I ever got hardball with negotiation was my current one, mainly because I was taking a substantial pay cut (it was a quality of life job change for me). I got a car allowance (was first director-level non-emergency person to get that), phone stipend, five days of vacation leave up-front in addition to anticipated leave accrual & early access to use the leave.

 

[MD Planner]

I always ask for more leave accrual. I refuse to start at the bottom with the years of experience I have. I'd also ask about relocation expenses (if that's an issue). You could (and should) ask for the budget to allow you to attend traning and conferences.

This is a bit of another topic but unless you're required to be available via cell phone I'd never take that. And if it was required I'd carry two phones instead of a stipend for your own. Once you use your own phone for work it suddenly becomes much easier for someone to request stuff on your personal phone. I'd never allow that.

 

[gtpeach]

I've done this at every job I've had, and I almost always grant it in negotiation to others--doesn't really cost anything and I've always been bothered by the inability to take leave during probation period.

Do they offer a vehicle allowance? That's a good one that does have some impact to them as far as costs, but they don't have to pay retirement obligations on it. A take-home vehicle gets a little weird for tax purposes.

Honestly, with them bringing you in at the top of the advertised range, I wouldn't bother much with negotiating. They've already sent a clear message to you as far as value by going with the max posted.

The only job I ever got hardball with negotiation was my current one, mainly because I was taking a substantial pay cut (it was a quality of life job change for me). I got a car allowance (was first director-level non-emergency person to get that), phone stipend, five days of vacation leave up-front in addition to anticipated leave accrual & early access to use the leave.

I've actually never been told that taking vacation during a probationary period is not allowed. That's good to know! I'll just leave it at the leave accrual request and see what happens.

 

[gtpeach]

Well... that was easy. My leave accrual request was approved. They do have money in the current budget for certifications/trainings. I'm the only person that will be using that for the most part. The only thing is that they will not be hiring a new specialist, so the department will basically be me and a secretary. Fun stuff!

 

[Bubba]

Well... that was easy. My leave accrual request was approved. They do have money in the current budget for certifications/trainings. I'm the only person that will be using that for the most part. The only thing is that they will not be hiring a new specialist, so the department will basically be me and a secretary. Fun stuff!

Solid work. The only thing I negotiated for my current gig (move from one dark side firm to another) was a guarantee that I would never be asked to work for or market to one particular client (and I had no bad blood or burned bridges with that particular client - I was just tired of their projects and their project processes). It's a bit of a weird ask, but one they readily accommodated.

 

[Habanero]

Well... that was easy. My leave accrual request was approved. They do have money in the current budget for certifications/trainings. I'm the only person that will be using that for the most part. The only thing is that they will not be hiring a new specialist, so the department will basically be me and a secretary. Fun stuff!

Awesome - congrats!

 

[WSU MUP Student]

Solid work. The only thing I negotiated for my current gig (move from one dark side firm to another) was a guarantee that I would never be asked to work for or market to one particular client (and I had no bad blood or burned bridges with that particular client - I was just tired of their projects and their project processes). It's a bit of a weird ask, but one they readily accommodated.

I'm bumping this old thread because I am interested in the topic now but this response made me laugh. If I were negotiating something I have a few contacts on my list who I could see myself negotiating that I wouldn't be asked to work with anymore for the exact same reason - no bad blood, they are just a hassle.