Job offer negotiation (living, cost of living, company)

[mlarsen23]

Generally pay for professional jobs in San Diego is lower than you would expect for the cost of living. I would bet that on average similar jobs pay _less_ in San Diego compared Philadelphia, despite the fact that that the cost of living, especially in terms of housing, is higher. So getting a salary equivalent to what you made in Philly is actually pretty good in that sense. I don't know if it's the sunshine tax or what, but generally LA and SF will also pay you a lot more than San Diego for a similar job. Also, if you rent instead of buy, the cost of living differential between Philly and San Diego is a lot lower.

[treevernal]

Thanks for all the advice guys, I do appreciate it.

I will definitely be taking the job either way, I was just wondering if it would hurt to ask for a higher starting salary. In my mind, the worst thing they could say is no, but nmnita you have me scared, lol. I'm sorry to hear that that happened to your husband.

Perhaps like Chieftans said, it's just a matter of phrasing it correctly.

Thanks mlarsen23, I do remember hearing that about San Diego; that's crazy that the salaries aren't as aligned with cost of living here.

Anyway, I'll let you guys know how it goes

Dan

[f_m]

Originally Posted by treevernal

Thanks for all the advice guys, I do appreciate it.

I will definitely be taking the job either way, I was just wondering if it would hurt to ask for a higher starting salary. In my mind, the worst thing they could say is no, but nmnita you have me scared, lol. I'm sorry to hear that that happened to your husband.


Dan

Something you might consider, if they do not budge, is to see if they will do a review (for possible increase) earlier, such as 6 months, or give you starting vacation time.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by f_m

Something you might consider, if they do not budge, is to see if they will do a review (for possible increase) earlier, such as 6 months, or give you starting vacation time.

As I had mentioned, which is what you are saying, sometimes perks can be added or something to offset the salary you didn't get.

Nita

[PharmboyinNC]

Congrats to you!

I would request a higher (but reasonable) salary. Also check to see what other similar positions with your expereince makes on public salary-database websites. If they have no salary wiggle room, they will tell you to take-it or leave-it. Rarely do i hear a company rescind an offer due to salary negioations, since it takes time and money to recruit skilled employees.

I also agree that the San Diego biotech market is very isolated and I too am having a difficult time breaking into the field. If you have no other options, then there is only one response, take it.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by PharmboyinNC

Congrats to you!

I would request a higher (but reasonable) salary. Also check to see what other similar positions with your expereince makes on public salary-database websites. If they have no salary wiggle room, they will tell you to take-it or leave-it. Rarely do i hear a company rescind an offer due to salary negioations, since it takes time and money to recruit skilled employees.

I also agree that the San Diego biotech market is very isolated and I too am having a difficult time breaking into the field. If you have no other options, then there is only one response, take it.

I happen to agree, rarely does it happen, but as I said it happened to hubby twice. The one time they were so far off that it really wasn't a big deal, I am not sure he really wanted the job anyway. The other was a job he really wanted, the salary was off, but not outrageously and we were very disappointed. We just wished they would have come back with their offer again..You live and learn I guess. Again, I would be more inclined to ask for a salary review sooner than suggested, other perks, whatever, but leave the salary as is, especially in this economy.

Nita

[f_m]

Originally Posted by nmnita

As I had mentioned, which is what you are saying, sometimes perks can be added or something to offset the salary you didn't get.

Nita

Depends on what someone thinks perks means. I would consider things like discounts or free stuff as perks. I wouldn't consider (starting) vacation time as a perk, since that's part of the standard benefits, and it wouldn't necessarily cost the company any more per year.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by f_m

Depends on what someone thinks perks means. I would consider things like discounts or free stuff as perks. I wouldn't consider (starting) vacation time as a perk, since that's part of the standard benefits, and it wouldn't necessarily cost the company any more per year.

ok, I might have been simplifying it, but I would consider vacation accumulation early as a perk, or a benefit might be a better word, as well as a review earlier than the usual time frame, whatever that is for this company. I guess I should have said concessions..

Nita

[treevernal]

Thanks guys!

Well, long story short, I accepted their offer of employment and begin working on Monday

I tried to negotiate with the HR rep but she wouldn't budge (she added that the amount offered is actually higher than what they were going to originally offer but that she had gotten them to raise it; but I think she was BSing that). However, while I was on the phone with her and even before I tried negotiating, I got more detailed info on their benefits which are better than at my last job. Also, they will be doing a review in 90 days (in addition to my yearly review) though she didn't specify if it would be a salary review as well.

Unfortunately, they knew my situation and my salary at my last job, so they knew I'd probably be willing to accept a lower offer.

All in all though, I am still very happy to be employed with them and feel it will be a good career turn for me. It is nice to be employed and have benefits in the city I wanted to live in for so long.

Thanks for the support!

Dan

[cruitr]

Congrats Dan... a good job in San Diego is a great accomplishment. Now you need to work on forgetting about those Eagles and Phillies!