New Job Negotiation

[radwife]

Have you ever successfully negotiated a job offer? Any tips/recommendations?

New Job Pros:
small salary bump
way less commute
more flexible work environment

New Job areas for improvement:
4 less paid holidays
1 less week of vacation
continuing education credits may not be paid for
60 days until medical kicks in

This is definitely a lifestyle move for our family so that I can work closer to home with a more flexible job since DH's call schedule will be crazy for the next few years.

Can I ask for more vacation time even if the company has a formal vacation policy? How much does cobra cost for 2 months of coverage?

What would you ask for? How would you go about it?

[SuzySunshine]

How big is the company? I ask because when I was hired by a big company I had no luck negotiating the standards like holidays and insurance dates. Vacation was a little different because it was on a scale like when you started you accrued it at a certain rate and after every year of service that rate changed, if that is the case you could ask to start at like the 2nd or 3rd year rate...

I just happen to have DH's exit paperwork right here and family coverage ranges from $1,398-$1,492 per month - YOWZERS! I'm sure that is plan, state and location specific. Employee only coverage is $466 - $497/month.

[DCJenn]

You can try to negotiate anything. In social services it's rarely successful except on the Director level. COBRA costs depend on the plan you're currently in, I think.

J.

[b.morales99]

You should also consider the position/rank you are applying. If you are pursuing a higher rank most likely than not they could accommodate your demands. Be watchful though of leaves you would ask because they may take it against you as well.

[oceanchild]

Hey, I've been gone so this is late, but I wanted to comment on negotiating leave. I came to a government job, and I didn't think there would be any flexibility AT ALL. But I was taking a pay cut, and they knew it. I asked for extra leave to make up for it, and they gave me 3 extra days of annual leave plus immediate access to 2 personal days that are usually prorated and not available for several months. So seriously, ask. Unless you really think they might take back your job offer, the worst that can happen is them saying no.

[Tenacious_D]

Late on this as well...

Like DCJenn said, everything is negotiable. I got a raise, more vacation and friday work from home when I made a switch from one company to the next. I wanted to get a certain salary and they met me part way so I said in 6 months let's do a review and if you like my work, pay me what I want. They agreed and I got the money. Everything is up for negotiation and they can simply say no... Good luck!

[poky]

I honestly don't know anyone who has ever taken all of their vaca time in a calendar year

Yes, you do: me! Every single year. I work to live, not the other way around, and I even take extra (unpaid) leave when the companies I work for will allow it and I've run out of paid vacation toward the end of the year. I don't need the money as much as I want the time off. We're taking furlough days over the summer at my current job, and I couldn't be happier; I get several 3-day weekends and several 4-day weekends!

Yes, you do: me! Every single year. I work to live, not the other way around, and I even take extra (unpaid) leave when the companies I work for will allow it and I've run out of paid vacation toward the end of the year. I don't need the money as much as I want the time off. We're taking furlough days over the summer at my current job, and I couldn't be happier; I get several 3-day weekends and several 4-day weekends!

I think that varies a lot by field of work, and level within a company.

[poky]

I think that varies a lot by field of work, and level within a company.

Most likely, yes. And ambition to continue to climb the ladder (which I don't have). Improve my skillset, keep up with new developments and tools and such, yes, but go into management (the only real option in my line of work for "advancement")? Not for me, thanks.

[ladymoreta]

I'm with Poky! (Or, well, I was before opting out entirely... ) Even my managers in IT usually took all their vacation.

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

I'm with Lily...we never get to take our vacation. My boss even threatened me once with "it all comes out in the wash" when I asked to be paid for unused vacation (by that he meant, "don't complain or I'll knock your bonus down"). So I guess I'm a chump too.

I agree with the tactic that it's better to ask. If they say no, I'd negotiate a review in 6 months to get what you want. I'd take immediate health care coverage...it's not that hard for them to do that, it's simply submitting the paperwork faster. I assume you pay some premiums too so it's not even like they have to pay for that entire benefit.