I’m pretty happy with my job. My colleagues respect me and my clients are ALWAYS happy to see me and thankful for my efforts.
I have an old supervisor, who I liked very much, offer me a position that pays about 15% more, has more prestige and might make me just as happy (then again it might not). I’m leaning towards not taking the job, because my current personal satisfaction is highly valued (I like my own office window, and thermostat).
both jobs seem to have the same type of security…I currently have a 1 year contract that is easily renewed, and I expect the same from this new opportunity
This isn’t just some random boss that i don’t have a history with, I’m close enough to him to have socialized before and he’s a pretty good person.
I’m considering writing a letter thanking him for the opportunity and declining; except if he could meet some requirements. Things like working from home, wearing casual clothes, office with a window, more money than he’s mentioned (30% increase over my current), 3 yr contract.
Is this something that I should do, or is it a Faux Pas of some kind to ask for these things up front before I consider applying?
He’s asking you to leave a job where you’re already happy and relatively secure. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with making the requests you’re talking about. He either says yes, no, or “Let’s discuss further.” Doesn’t seem like you have anything to lose by asking.
However, I might suggest — based on your prior relationship and history — that you have that conversation by telephone in a friendly way, rather than in a formal letter. If you guys can agree to something where you’re actually going to take the new job, then have him put the terms in writing before you accept. Makes it less likely to burn a bridge if he’s not amenable to your terms, I think.
The Faux Pas would be not to negotiate. If you are genuinely ready to accept the job if the offer meets your requirements, of course you should state them. People don’t know how much they miss out on by simply not negotiating.
And I agree with Asimovian, a phone call might be better to kick start the discussion.
I agree with the others here. When it comes to a job, especially if someone comes to you first, then just take this offer as a starting point of negotiation. Obviously he thinks you’re good and he wants you to work for him and presumably he’s offering the 15% more, which frankly is enough to lure most people away from a job unless they love it, because he wants you. As such, think of that as just the initial offer, and because that’s a decent pay increase already, that probably means he’s willing to negotiate in a few other ways.
Regardless, I think the worst thing you can do is just send a formal letter declining. Figure out what a reasonable wish list is for you, and then what it would take to actually lure you away, then give him a call and talk. Likely, he’s willing to negotiate and meet you somewhere between your two lists. Worst case, you two don’t work out a deal, but you still plant a seed and reaffirm a good person for networking. Maybe some point in the future he’ll have an even better opportunity come up or he’ll have a spot that’s not quite right for you but maybe for a friend of yours, or maybe your current contract doesn’t get renewed or things change and you decide you want to start looking, and you’ll both be able to reconnect and potentially help each other out in the future.
In short, networking is never a bad thing, so at least give him a call.
First thing you should do is have a conversation with him about the position, how good a fit you are (or are not), what value you bring, etc. In other words, a discussion about the position and the company. Ask to meet one or a couple of peers and get their take.
Second, now that you can articulate the value you bring to the new company and you think it’s a good fit for you, THEN and ONLY THEN you talk about the package.
Third, know that the vast majority of times you can negotiate a better deal. Maybe it’s more money, more vacation, work from home 2x per week or whatever.
Here are some details. the range is 70K to 110K. He tells me I would be ‘on the high end’. I’d like to get 120k but would probably be ok with 115k. I might consider 110k…I’d have to think more about it.
How do I ask if he can give me more?
Do I ask, if he can secure extra funds to go higher?
Do I just flat out tell him, 120K is my requirement? or do I say I’ll be ok with 115?
I’m basically looking for advice on how to get what I want without looking like a dick or blowing my chances if I decide next week that I’ll do it for something less.
Do you have this range after having further discussion with him, or did you get that information from his initial communication. If it’s the latter, then I think the advice given above that you arrange to talk to him (either by phone or in person) and sit down and have a conversation is what makes the most sense.
I think it’s fine to say, “You know, Jim, I’d like working for you, but I’ve got a lot of comfort and security here in my current job. Right now, I’m not sure it makes sense for me to leave for less than $120k, and I recognize that that’s more than you’re looking to offer at this time. But I want to make sure I’m not missing anything, and I didn’t want to say no without having a chance to discuss this in detail with you.”
This range was in the initial conversation with him. I did not bring up my specific numbers, but I did mention in a subsequent email that the range he described as
It seems like you have a lot of requests. Why not just talk it out, letting him know that these things would be pretty nice to have, and see what he offers? This man doesn’t own the company, so what he can offer is finite, but some of your requests (casual clothes, office with a window, a couple telecommute days per week) may be easier to meet than others (salary above the company policy range). Once you’ve gotten an idea of the best package he can realistically offer, work out whether or not it’s worth it to you. He made an initial offer with some bait attached - he presumably does have a budget he is operating under for the division he’s in, so he does have some incentive to encourage you to accept less.
have applied. Interview Monday. he didn’t flinch at all when I asked about working remotely on a regular basis, or the hours I typically arrive and leave. Suggested salary is still a little lower than I want, but 15-20% more than I’m currently making.
See. Certain things like the perk of working remotely sometimes he can just offer - he is held accountable for if you get any work done doing the remote thing, but he doesn’t need approval from someone else. Direct salary is set from above. It has to be. Hopefully he’s offering the most your position and qualifications would merit.
Excellent advice here and I hope this works out well for you.
I would just add that there’s a fine line to walk here, especially because you know and like this guy, but in all situations like this–you don’t want to lead the other person on. In other words, if he meets all of your conditions, I would suggest it’s bad form to say “you know what, I changed my mind” or “actually I want more.” It sounds like he’s already saying he can’t quite do what you asked, so there is a way to gracefully back away; but if he really wants you, be prepared for him to actually find a way to meet your asks.
