Salary/Job offer question...

You might have seen my other thread about having an interview for a Desktop Support position at a hospital, and I did well I feel. Thanks again to those who gave me advice, it helped!!!

An update, long story short, I've been calling them weekly to get job updates (I only call this often because they never call me back "next week" like they keep telling me). Today I called them for that reason and was told that the Recruiter should have called me by now asking for my references and then with the job offer; I'm not sure how close that means I am to getting this, but it at least sounds good!

He told me to email him two references so that they can have it on file, which I did. I informed my two references that they might get a call, just in case. He called both. My mother works for my ex-boss, and she said that the IT Director - who was the one calling - said that they liked me! So that's good I think! And the 2nd reference, a previous professor of mine, said she told them good things about me.

The Question: Since this is my first "real" job, as I call it, I'm not sure how this process works in the corporate world. So I guess my question is, if I do get a call from the recruiter and they ask what salary I'm looking for, how do I choose this magic number? I really want the job and would take it at a lower pay if that's what it takes (or if they'd hire someone that would do it for lower instead, do they do that?) but the more money I can get from it the better, obviously. How can I tell what range to shoot for without undershooting or even overshooting? I don't want to make an offer of, let's say $35,000 for example when the recruiter was thinking more like $40,000. What's the best approach to meeting what range they have in mind?

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GAngel

Mirth wrote: »

You might have seen my other thread about having an interview for a Desktop Support position at a hospital, and I did well I feel. Thanks again to those who gave me advice, it helped!!!

An update, long story short, I've been calling them weekly to get job updates (I only call this often because they never call me back "next week" like they keep telling me). Today I called them for that reason and was told that the Recruiter should have called me by now asking for my references and then with the job offer; I'm not sure how close that means I am to getting this, but it at least sounds good!

He told me to email him two references so that they can have it on file, which I did. I informed my two references that they might get a call, just in case. He called both. My mother works for my ex-boss, and she said that the IT Director - who was the one calling - said that they liked me! So that's good I think! And the 2nd reference, a previous professor of mine, said she told them good things about me.

The Question: Since this is my first "real" job, as I call it, I'm not sure how this process works in the corporate world. So I guess my question is, if I do get a call from the recruiter and they ask what salary I'm looking for, how do I choose this magic number? I really want the job and would take it at a lower pay if that's what it takes (or if they'd hire someone that would do it for lower instead, do they do that?) but the more money I can get from it the better, obviously. How can I tell what range to shoot for without undershooting or even overshooting? I don't want to make an offer of, let's say $35,000 for example when the recruiter was thinking more like $40,000. What's the best approach to meeting what range they have in mind?

Ask them what the range for the position is. Then depending on experience i go for middle to top of the range.

cyberguypr

You may also want to check what similar positions go for in your area. Go to Dice, Careerbuilder or the other job boards and check similar positions in your area that advertise salary (or at least a range). That way you get an idea of where you should be an if they go low you can back your desired range with hard evidence.

andy4tech

Since you said you will take the job at a lower rate, just ask them how much will they offer for that position.if it falls within what you will accept ,let them know if not negotiate for a little higher rate but do not let it be too high.Just allow them to say their rate first cos their is a saying, that says in negotiating a salary whoever says the figure first always looses.

pham0329

Mirth wrote: »

You might have seen my other thread about having an interview for a Desktop Support position at a hospital, and I did well I feel. Thanks again to those who gave me advice, it helped!!!

An update, long story short, I've been calling them weekly to get job updates (I only call this often because they never call me back "next week" like they keep telling me). Today I called them for that reason and was told that the Recruiter should have called me by now asking for my references and then with the job offer; I'm not sure how close that means I am to getting this, but it at least sounds good!

He told me to email him two references so that they can have it on file, which I did. I informed my two references that they might get a call, just in case. He called both. My mother works for my ex-boss, and she said that the IT Director - who was the one calling - said that they liked me! So that's good I think! And the 2nd reference, a previous professor of mine, said she told them good things about me.

The Question: Since this is my first "real" job, as I call it, I'm not sure how this process works in the corporate world. So I guess my question is, if I do get a call from the recruiter and they ask what salary I'm looking for, how do I choose this magic number? I really want the job and would take it at a lower pay if that's what it takes (or if they'd hire someone that would do it for lower instead, do they do that?) but the more money I can get from it the better, obviously. How can I tell what range to shoot for without undershooting or even overshooting? I don't want to make an offer of, let's say $35,000 for example when the recruiter was thinking more like $40,000. What's the best approach to meeting what range they have in mind?

If you're going through a recruiter, it doesn't really matter what number you say to be honest. I may be wrong, but the more money you make, the more money they make. The 2 recruiters i've worked with asked what my salary requirements were, and I ended up getting more both times.

VAHokie56

pham0329 wrote: »

If you're going through a recruiter, it doesn't really matter what number you say to be honest. I may be wrong, but the more money you make, the more money they make. The 2 recruiters i've worked with asked what my salary requirements were, and I ended up getting more both times.

This is exactly right.

Don't forget
Mo money Mo problems

Mirth

Thanks for the information fellas! I did a little research and none of these positions in my area show the salary information on Careerbuilder and Dice. And when I say my area, I'm searching 150-250 miles too, since my area is tiny. According to Glassdoor.com, nationwide it seems as though they make $34,0000-$45,000 a year. Maybe I'll ask for a range and see if they put out an offer in that same range, I'd be happy with that!

As for the recruiter thing, I'm not sure why he said "recruiter"... I didn't deal with any recruiters for this job, as I applied straight through the main hospital's website and have only spoken directly with the IT Director. Since he knew her name off the bat, I'm thinking maybe he's just talking about their internal HR representative...

Mrock4

Just my $.02, but I've done well asking for a small range. Say, for example, you want $40k. I'd tell them my range is $42k to $44k, or something along those lines. Then, if they offer less than you expect (very possible), you'll be close to your target salary.