Not sure what to ask for salary?

Hey all, first time poster here (long time lurker though). Want to first off give a thanks to the people on this forum. This site is a constant source of good information, as well as motivation. Hats off to you guys!

Anyways...Had a round of interviews over the past few weeks for a Systems Engineer position, and it appears that the interviewers liked what I had to offer. They've mentioned I'm a finalist, and that they want references and a salary requirement (!). I'm not quite sure what I should ask for, and would greatly appreciate any input on the matter.

The job description from the posting:

Reports To: NOC Manager

Position Summary: System Engineer is primarily responsible for the completion of service desk items. It is the responsibility of the System Engineer to troubleshoot, implement, test, all aspects of a service ticket in a concise and professional manner. This position is targeted toward individuals who are self-motivated and have a constant desire toward continued education in the technology field.

Required Skills:
• Strong people skills - the ability to communicate quickly and effectively with both management and customers
• Strong knowledge of LAN and WAN environments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows Server operating systems

Desired Skills:
• Experience with Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express
• CCNA
• MCSA

While being interviewed, I asked for more details of the position. Essentially, I would work under a manager to help design/implement solutions for our clients for all aspects of IT (VMware, Microsoft, Cisco, etc...They live and die by their vendors/certs). This would be about 50% at the office and 50% in the field. The company is a smaller sized IT Consulting firm.

The company is located in Michigan, and my area has a relatively low cost of living (probably just a bit below national average). I've included my resume below (I know it's not perfect, but it has done me well so far).

Certifications

- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
- Cisco Certified Network Associate Voice (CCNA Voice) (In progress)

Skills

Networking: RIP OSPF and EIGRP routing protocol configuration, CCNA Level understanding of OSI and TCP/IP Models, CCNA level IOS configuration, T1 DSL Frame Relay MPLS Cable and ISDN troubleshooting, DMVPN troubleshooting, UTP terminations, fiber connectivity, management and configuration of Cisco Call Manager and Cisco Unity Connection.

Operating Systems – Windows Server 2003, 2008, and 2012. Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, and 8. Debian, OpenSUSE, Ubuntu, and CentOS Linux. MacOS Experience as well.

Office Software – Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint troubleshooting, creating network documentation in Visio, Outlook/Exchange management, SharePoint management.

Other – Batch and Bash shell scripting, Python, VMware (vCenter/vSphere) setup and monitoring, Citrix XenServer administration, SolarWinds, Microsoft System Center 2012 setup and deployment, Remote Desktop, VNC, WSUS implementation and management.

Work Experience

Food Distributor Company, Network Intern, since April 2013

· Member of the Network Team in a 10,000+ user environment. 200+ Remote offices.
· Work consisted of: Cisco router and switch configuration, documentation of network topology, running cable, IP telephony, WAP deployment, VPN troubleshooting, DMVPN, MPLS/DSL/Cable/ISDN/T1 Troubleshooting.

Insurance Company, Jr. Systems Administrator, since August 2012

· Work in a four man IT department for a business supporting 200-250 users at about 25 sites. Environment was Citrix based, with most servers being virtualized via VMware.
· Involved in: Server implementation, image creation/deployment, PC deployment, network management, Cisco telephony (CUCM), AD management, Remote Desktop & VNC, troubleshooting…
· Saved a large amount of capital via: implementation of an imaging system, automated software installs/updates through Group Policy, ground up implementation of WSUS, removing McAfee contract via Microsoft System Center Deployment (Forefront Protection), and the use of scripts to automate other essentials processes.

ABC Public School, Technology Assistant, June 2011 – Dec 2011

· Work involved: imaging computers, running/crimping cable, inventories, replacement of hardware, help with accounts and e-mail, etc.
· Coordinated with the teaching and administrative staff to assist with the use of technology.

Education

Bachelor of Science, Computer Networking
Private University ABC - MI
Over 120 Credits Completed, 3.96 GPA
January 2012 – December 2014 (Estimated)

Associate of Science, Computer Science
ABC Community College – MI
Degree Completed, 3.9 GPA
August 2009 – May 2011

Just for reference (as my resume may confuse some people), I currently work 2 part time IT jobs. Additionally, I am currently enrolled at university (22 years old), and am taking night classes to wrap up my Bachelor's degree.

Thanks for any assistance!

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Comments

TechGuru80

Why not say "negotiable". Recognize that you are coming out of school and have not held a full time job so you will be lower on the pay scale. If you throw out a number let's say $70,000...well in Michigan first off you are asking for the world and it is very unlikely unless (and this would be a best case scenario) you went to U of M because people lovveeeeee that big M. They already know what they are going to offer so you can either use that point for negotiation or not accept the offer if you get to that point. That goes for any job not just the first one, not just IT, companies know what they are going to offer.

NetworkVeteran

Just tell them "This is my first IT job, so I'm not sure. What do you think is fair?" This doesn't preclude you running a sanity check using Payscale.com and comparing to any other offers you received. You'll do far more damage citing a number you're unsure of that's too high or too low than being straight-forward and seeing what they have to offer.

BioHunta

Thanks for the replies.

I like the idea of putting the ball back in their court. I'll probably end up doing that or something similar.

traceyke

TechGuru80 wrote: »

.......because people lovveeeeee that big M.

NOT ME!

cknapp78

Spartans all the way!!!

Seriously, I would ask them to make you a fair and reasonable offer and see what they say. In my experience, when a company asks you for a ballpark number at your age, it is usually to see if they can either underpay you or see if you are unreasonable in your expectations for salary.

Good luck however it ends up! Rooting for you...even though you are a Wolverine.

Corey

instant000

Look up what that job should pay in the area, and ask for what you feel you can command, based on your background and skills.

You have work experience already. You're not just a fresh college grad with no experience. Your salary expectation should be above entry-level.

Why are your current jobs in past tense? That is a little misleading. I would place them in present tense. Make sure they know you're working two jobs (in your field) while going to school at night to finish your degree. (Heck, throw that in your summary. It shows your work ethic and dedication to your field.)

Also, keep your resume up-to-date.

--chris--

And just to add in my $0.02. At my last job (where I was for 8 years) I worked directly with a half dozen IT firms in SE Michigan until we found a winner and stuck with them. I can tell you from first hands (ok second hand, I heard it from the employees mouths) that the pay for most small/medium sized IT consultant places will be a bit lower than that of a corporate gig. I dont know if its like that everywhere or just here in SE Michigan. They all tempered that block of bad news however, and made sure I knew they loved their jobs and the other "benefits" more than made up for the decreased pay.

TL;DR
Don't just bring a salary requirement (or put the ball in their court like its been suggested), weigh the whole benefit package including those that are intangible. I.E. Flexible shifts/hours, company vehicle, mileage paid (if you use yours), etc etc etc...

And good luck man!

NetworkVeteran

I can tell you from first hands (ok second hand, I heard it from the employees mouths) that the pay for most small/medium sized IT consultant places will be a bit lower than that of a corporate gig.

My experience has been the opposite. Since smaller companies typically have less job security, they have to provide more compensation through some combination of dollars, stock options, and employee perks to obtain the same employee. I do often see small companies hire someone for a role for less where a larger company wouldn't have even hired them for that role. And, of course, larger companies sometimes pay for specialist roles that smaller companies don't require.

kohr-ah

NetworkVeteran wrote: »

Just tell them "This is my first IT job, so I'm not sure. What do you think is fair?" This doesn't preclude you running a sanity check using Payscale.com and comparing to any other offers you received. You'll do far more damage citing a number you're unsure of that's too high or too low than being straight-forward and seeing what they have to offer.

I did this today except didn't say it was my first job. I said it has been a while since I have looked for a job so I am not sure what the current fair market value is. Needless to say it worked out in my favor.

BioHunta

Thanks for the replies everybody. I appreciate the input greatly!

I ended up telling them that this would be my first salaried position, so I wasn't quite sure what would be a good offer to make. They countered by asking for my salary history (shoot!). So, begrudgingly (and probably stupidly) I gave them that. Waiting to hear back. I'll be sure at the next chance I get to make it clear that I'm also open for negotiating things other than salary (PTO and what not).

We'll see where it goes from here!

--chris--

NetworkVeteran wrote: »

My experience has been the opposite. Since smaller companies typically have less job security, they have to provide more compensation through some combination of dollars, stock options, and employee perks to obtain the same employee. I do often see small companies hire someone for a role for less where a larger company wouldn't have even hired them for that role. And, of course, larger companies sometimes pay for specialist roles that smaller companies don't require.

Good to hear. Ive only been in an IT role for two weeks, but I am a bit jealous of the guys who get to see new stuff everyday as opposed to the typical helpdesk (where I am at now) which sees the same range of issues. I had wanted to go that route, but the dozen or so guys Ive met with and spoke with here all said the pay was a bit lower but they liked the environment/employer. It was a drastic difference in pay. Is this a local phenomena?

@Biohunta, congrats again! Im curious what company it is, and if I know it. PM me the details if you want.

TechGuru80

BioHunta wrote: »

Thanks for the replies everybody. I appreciate the input greatly!

I ended up telling them that this would be my first salaried position, so I wasn't quite sure what would be a good offer to make. They countered by asking for my salary history (shoot!). So, begrudgingly (and probably stupidly) I gave them that. Waiting to hear back. I'll be sure at the next chance I get to make it clear that I'm also open for negotiating things other than salary (PTO and what not).

We'll see where it goes from here!

Not an issue that just gives them an idea if you are likely to negotiate and can help them actually give you a more appropriate offer.