RE: Negotiation questions

["Giordano, Connie" <Connie -dot- Giordano -at- FMR -dot- COM>]

Questions I'd ask:

Are they grossing up the lump sum bonus?  If not, run fast in another
direction, you'll pay through the nose in taxes at the end of the year, or
you'll lower your regular take home significantly through withholding to
cover it.

Would they consider an earlier-than-standard salary review?  Since it is
less than the median, and less than she would make if she stayed where she
is, she could ask them to consider a salary review at 3 months or 6 months.

Can they add per diem costs of temporary housing to the bonus amount?  It
would help when it comes time to close?  Do the bennies include assistance
with finding a realtor or financing?  That would be a nice alternative to
per diem.

Benefits are great, but is the growth potential worth the risk?  I'd
seriously reconsider unless my gut told me it was going to be a high-growth
company and a fast-track position.

MTC

Connie Giordano
Doco Diva

"Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done, and why.
Then do it." - Robert Heinlein 





-----Original Message-----
From: anonfwd -at- raycomm -dot- com [mailto:anonfwd -at- raycomm -dot- com]
Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2000 9:28 AM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: FWD: Negotiation questions



A friend of mine has been offered a job out of the area, and I was hoping
someone on the list could help me help her with the negotiations (neither
of us has ever been in this situation).

The salary offered is about 10k less a year than the median average for
the area in which the job is located; however, the company is offering her
a lump sum "bonus" for relocation expenses or "whatever she wants to spend
it on"  that brings the salary close to the average.

Her immediate concern is: is it worth negotiating for more pay since the
combined total of the salary and bonus equals about the average for the
area?   

[SNIP]

Her secondary concern is negotiating for time to start.  She can't rent
because she has pets, but she won't be able to close on a house for at
least 60 days.  

[SNIP]
On one hand she feels greedy for asking them to get the salary closer to
the median average because 1) the other benefits are so great and 2)
because the salary is close to the average for the first year (including
the bonus).  

[SNIP]
Does anyone have any insights or tips on how to negotiate?  Is she out of
her mind to ask for more?  Or out of her mind to take the job as offered?
Any tips on how to ask for a higher salary - does she just say "I can't
take less than $X"?  She's supposed to call them this afternoon, so
immediate responses would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance.



^