Accept the offer or negotiate?

Whiteout

My first job out of the military, they offered my 65k + benefits. The job is a Junior Information Security Engineer working as a contractor for the military. The job requires a TS clearance, which I already have. I also have a Masters in InfoSec, but not a lot of work experience in InfoSec, mostly networking and system.

They mentioned that 75k was in the realm of possibly salaries last week. Should I take the 65k or maybe ask for 70k?

Thanks!

Oh and the location is about 40 minutes from Seattle.

Codyy

Ask for 75, settle at 70. I say that, but I separate from the military as well in a few weeks and would probably take anything offered in my salary range without negotiation. You're probably like me, more concerned about actually getting your foot in the door in a civilian position than the salary.

Best of luck in whatever you choose.

Mow

Since this is your first job out of the service, I would suggest you try to figure out if 65K is doable for your situation. Experience is king, so just getting the position is a win. You can learn as you go and renegotiate at review time, or move to greener pastures later. But it all falls back to whether 65 is going to work for you.

networker050184

I think they'd have some wiggle room for you in that market with the clearance.

Danielm7

Whiteout wrote: »

They mentioned that 75k was in the realm of possibly salaries last week. Should I take the 65k or maybe ask for 70k?

That to me would be a clear path to ask for it, worst case they keep you at 65, which for a first job in a new field is great.

danny069

I'd ask for $75 and see what they come back with. Once you get what you want, get the salary in writing.

636-555-3226

The worst they'll do is say no. They aren't going to rescind the offer, so I say go for it.

paul78

636-555-3226 wrote: »

They aren't going to rescind the offer...

It depends... An offer of employment is not a contract of employment. Some employers do rescind offers if they believe there is not a fit because they don't want to hire a employee that they will belief will be unhappy. I have only ever once rescinded a job offer but it was because I didn't want to deal with a potential prima-donna on the staff.

@Whiteout - congratulations on your offer. If you do decide to counter-offer, make sure it's for a reason other than squeezing a bit more out of your prospective employer. I fall into the camp that if I have decided to trust and agree to work for a prospective employer and I've already shared my compensation requirements than I will trust that the best offer was put in-front of me. I don't believe in counter-offers unless it was done as part of the initial compensation discussion. Good luck!

LA2

Although for a slightly different position, I quite literally went through the same situation as you recently. Same salary range and everything. I attempted to negotiate, but they held firm on 65k. My salary requirements currently as a single guy isn't that high and I make much, much lower than that currently. So, in terms of salary, I see it has a win and also a way to break into the civilian sector. From everything thing that I have come to understand, it rarely hurts to negotiate your salary. If you have have different salary requirements(large family, or relocating) then I would be a little more aggressive with the negotiations. Also keep in mind you can you this a opportunity as a stepping stone into the civilian sector and find a better opportunity later.

Whiteout

Morning Everyone! I have been extremely busy and never got a chance to get back on here and thank everyone for the advice. I took it all to heart and appreciated whatever one had to say. I ended up just accepting the offer and am now a Jr. Information Security Engineer. Maybe I'll talk about a pay bump at review time

Mow

Congratulations!

paul78

Well done and congratulations on your new job.