Promotion Salary Negotiation

apr911

Hey All,

Wondering if you could provide some advice for how to go about negotiating salary increase for a promotion.

I currently work as a Level 1 System Administrator and I am up for promotion to a Level 2 position at the end of this month. It is very likely and I am confident I will be granted the position so Im trying to determine the best way to negotiate salary.

The company could surprise me and offer me exactly what I want/expect but then again, I work for a company well known for offering base salaries for low-balling current employees when it comes to merit and promotion increases.

Basically, as it stands, Ive found the following infromation:

1. The industry standard pay for a Level 2 SysAd appears to be in the 55-70k range with most falling in the 62-67k range.

2. The company mid-point for a Level 2 SysAd pay is 58k.

3. My original offer letter that was sent to me incorrectly was for a Level 2 position with a base salary of 60k + 9k shift differential.

4. I stepped up and filled a much needed position but took a paycut of $2500 to do so (shift differential for weekend 1st shift Friday-Tuesday, now working Saturday to Tuesday 2nd Shift for lesser differential).

I suspect given the usual promotion increase, they will offer me somewhere between 50k and 53k + 5k shift differential (between 6-15% increase depending on if you calculate with/without the pay cut).

I hope to argue my case based on my paycut (+2500 = 56k) and the original offer letter as well as industry standard.

I am concerned about how to go about opening the negotiation. On the one hand, I already am and have been doing L2+ work so while turning it down on basis of pay sounds great the reality is, if they walk away they will get L2 work for the L1 price and yet I also dont want them to think I cant walk away from the offer because I can and I know if I dont get what I want my tenure will not last much longer than January 2011 as at that point it will no longer make financial sense for me to continue to stay at my current or even slightly increased salary and it will be time to look for greener pastures elsewhere.

Knowing that the off-the-street offer will be higher than the internal offer, my target salary is 57k + 6k shift differential. This is an increase of my current base salary of 15-25% depending on if you account for my pay cut I took for the current team.

Thoughts? Is my reasoning sound? Am I being too ambitious? How would you go about this situation?

Zartanasaurus

apr911 wrote: »

I am concerned about how to go about opening the negotiation. On the one hand, I already am and have been doing L2+ work so while turning it down on basis of pay sounds great the reality is, if they walk away they will get L2 work for the L1 price and yet I also dont want them to think I cant walk away from the offer because I can and I know if I dont get what I want my tenure will not last much longer than January 2011 as at that point it will no longer make financial sense for me to continue to stay at my current or even slightly increased salary and it will be time to look for greener pastures elsewhere.

Start sending out resumes to other places. The important thing will be to have a couple of offers in hand by the time your promotion is due to take place. Don't tell them about the offers. Sit down with whomever you need to sit with and tell them what you expect out of this possible promotion. If they say no, or drag their feet too long take one of the offers.

They are bargaining from a position of strength now. They know they can already pay you what you're being paid now to do the job of that level 2 position. So they threw a few thousand your way and see if you jump on the table scraps. If you have haven't done your research, you don't have a lot of choices but to take it.

Always be prepared and able to walk...

Ashenwelt

First off, I wouldn't get to stuck on what the industry makes as averages for a tittle. Those are so fluid in IT it isn't even funny.

But, how did you get a paycut from day one with an offer letter (that was signed I am guessing)? Thats a contract.

Michael.J.Palmer

Let the company know that you are interested in staying with them through the long haul and see what that may get you. Some companies reward loyalty so maybe you can get your requested salary (or maybe more if you're able to let them know of your loyalty before they make a formal salary offer) just by going that route, worst case scenario it's worth a shot.

Heero

It is said a lot, but i'll say it again. The best way to get what you want in a negotiation is to make them believe you can and will walk away. In this case, this taking an offer with another company, bluffing, or making them think that if you don't get what you want you will start looking for new opportunities (assuming you don't have an offer in hand).

Essendon

Do what you have to but dont burn any bridges. Let's say you threaten you'll leave if the right amount is not offered and they agree to it, come lay-off time (I hope it never does) you'll be on top of the hit-list. Proceed with caution, only pull out the I have another job offer-and I am leaving if you dont agree card if you absolutely to.

2ndchance

Michael.J.Palmer wrote: »

Let the company know that you are interested in staying with them through the long haul and see what that may get you. Some companies reward loyalty so maybe you can get your requested salary (or maybe more if you're able to let them know of your loyalty before they make a formal salary offer) just by going that route, worst case scenario it's worth a shot.

I'm not trying to pick on you, per se, but in my experience loyalty shows weakness. Employers love to exploit weakness. I slaved for 5 years to get a big promotion at work, which I didnt' get. The person who got my promised job was told that she would work with a really loyal network guy.

I go with the other posters who suggest the OP have several aces in the hole. I believe that this is the best method. Make them think you are going to leave, and then actually do it. If they want you, they will make you an offer that will ensure you stay.