"Please tell us the terms under which you would consider leaving your current position"

[Anonymous]

I was approached by a competing firm and asked to come in for a conversation - they like my skills and experience but don't currently have a position. After our conversation they made it clear they would like to create a position for me and I could help write the job description. At the end of the conversation I asked about next steps and the most senior person in the room asked me to send my initial terms that I would like.

I am not desperate to leave my current position and doing so might burn some bridges so I'm only going to leave if it's worth my while. I would like to start negotiations with:

*15% raise over my current salary
* the ability to work from home up to 2 days per week after 3 months on the job, and dependent on work requirements (ie - I am very willing to come in for meetings and not work from home on weeks where my presence in the office is critical)
*20 days of annual leave (which is what I currently get but is 5 days more than their stated policy for new employees)

How does this sound? Too aggressive? Too weak?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

well considering my current job has 2 out of the 3 of those, no, its not too much. Actually, I think its rather balanced - you're obviously not being greedy.

[Anonymous]

I only leave my job (assuming Im satisfied) for 20 percent increase and either an equal or shorter commute. I tell this to recruiters all the time and they only call me about jobs that fit this description. Cuts down on wasted time for all parties.

[Anonymous]

Feels like you should get more $$ if you're going to make a move. Can you do comps and research online to see if asking for more would be reasonable? The other items seem reasonable.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the feedback. I tend to be a little wimpy in negotiations so this is helpful. The 15% increase would put me at the higher end of people at my level so not sure I could ask for more. The WAH 2 days per week would be new since currently I do not WAH at all.

Also, I'd like to leave my current position but I'm not desperate. And I'm pretty excited for this opportunity.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was approached by a competing firm and asked to come in for a conversation - they like my skills and experience but don't currently have a position. After our conversation they made it clear they would like to create a position for me and I could help write the job description. At the end of the conversation I asked about next steps and the most senior person in the room asked me to send my initial terms that I would like.

I am not desperate to leave my current position and doing so might burn some bridges so I'm only going to leave if it's worth my while. I would like to start negotiations with:

*15% raise over my current salary
* the ability to work from home up to 2 days per week after 3 months on the job, and dependent on work requirements (ie - I am very willing to come in for meetings and not work from home on weeks where my presence in the office is critical)
*20 days of annual leave (which is what I currently get but is 5 days more than their stated policy for new employees)

How does this sound? Too aggressive? Too weak?

Thanks!

I would be more vague than that. I would say that three things that are important to you are salary, the ability to work from home, and the amount of annual leave. I'd probably also throw in something like and the ability to do work that is challenging and interesting or something like that. Then let them make an initial offer and negotiate from there. You may end up with what you describe above, or you may end up with more.

[Anonymous]

Devil's advocate here ~ any reason to be suspicious that someone at your present firm wants you out? Or wants you to land somewhere before they make cuts? Just have to ask.

Otherwise I agree, I wouldn't consider it for less than a 20% bump. What about benefits, vested retirement?

I'm always very cautious when a position is created. It can be a dumping ground for all the things currently going wrong - that they want fixed. May not be a clear chain of command. There will be no easy way to evaluate you - whether you are succeeding in a position that is new. Again, just things to think about. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Twenty days of annual leave isn't much (many of us lost 10 days due to snow this year). Ask for 28 days.

[Anonymous]

I'd ask for 20% and 25 vacation days. Also verify their benefits are at least as good. The WAH days are a huge benefit too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the feedback. I tend to be a little wimpy in negotiations so this is helpful. The 15% increase would put me at the higher end of people at my level so not sure I could ask for more. The WAH 2 days per week would be new since currently I do not WAH at all.

Also, I'd like to leave my current position but I'm not desperate. And I'm pretty excited for this opportunity.

Thanks!

This is a typical female approach. Men don't worry about being greedy or asking for more than they should.

Go for 20 percent. If they can't do it, they will counter with a lower number. It is a negotiation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Devil's advocate here ~ any reason to be suspicious that someone at your present firm wants you out? Or wants you to land somewhere before they make cuts? Just have to ask.

Otherwise I agree, I wouldn't consider it for less than a 20% bump. What about benefits, vested retirement?

I'm always very cautious when a position is created. It can be a dumping ground for all the things currently going wrong - that they want fixed. May not be a clear chain of command. There will be no easy way to evaluate you - whether you are succeeding in a position that is new. Again, just things to think about. Good luck.

Excellent point!

[Anonymous]

I agree with PPs who suggest asking for a tad more than what you would settle for and use vague words like

I would expect to earn 15-20 percent more...
maintain my current PTO...
increase my workplace flexibility

ect.

Cool that you are being recruited.

[Anonymous]

Ask for double what you think you are worth. Just kidding. 15:36 hit the nail on the head, females tend to undersell. You cant start the negotiation where you want to end up. If you are uncomfortable asking for a specific dollar amount increase of 30 to 40 percent to give room for negotiations stay vague and try to get them to offer numbers. You could be vague and say I currently make x, have x vacation days. I need x number of leave days, work at home and a significant salary increase. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

a boss who continues to shoot sh!t out of his a$$ but never follows through.

aka big talker, little results.

[Anonymous]

Let's have fun with fringe benefits. I would demand a $5,000 account for conferences and education. And first or business class cabin on all domestic and international travel.