How do I handle salary negotations?

[1gobluedem]

I am going to hire a new assistant this week. My boss, who usually handles the salary negotiations is out of town so I have to do it. I have a range, with a number I can't exceed. Where do I begin? At the very bottom of the range or a step or two above? All advice welcome!

[KitchenWitch]

1. Ask the assistant for the number first.

[ohiosmith]

2. Firstly, issue the offer in writing. List all terms including salary,

benefits, etc. Start at the lower mid-point if the individual is well qualified.

[Crazy Dave]

3. It depends on how good looking they are

:popcorn:

[1gobluedem]

4. Oh dear...

He's bespectacled, bald, and bearded and looks like a biology professor. And is happily married. I don't know where that falls...

[Crazy Dave]

6. "I don't know where that falls"

Very reliable and dependable. Not a threat as far as a physical attraction getting in the way of work.

[bettyellen]

9. you discriminate against single and good looking people?

wow.

[1gobluedem]

10. Heavens no

I just answered the question. I think he's going to work out great.

[bettyellen]

12. not you, Dave the Wave seemed to suggest he and his coworkers can't

behave professionally around a good looking person, so they'd screen them out.
i guess that's easier than having scruples or a sense of professionalism. yikes.

[Crazy Dave]

11. We're just playin'

But if she walked in my door and wanted a job...



I'd fire everybody
:P :hi:

[bettyellen]

13. yikes, not mariah.....

sorry i din't have a sense of humour about that. it actually has been an issue with people i've worked with.
it's tiresome. :shrug:

[1gobluedem]

14. My former roommate told me she'd get a job based on her looks

While I was so 'lucky' because I'd be judged on ability. She was stinking drunk at the time but didn't take it back when she was sober...

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

17. Oh yes, it's so horrible that she can just get a job by her mere existence

:sarcasm:

She might have a point at some time in the future, but she's vastly underestimating how difficult it can be to find a job in the first place.

[bettyellen]

20. what a bitch. glad she's outta your life.

don't you love that i'm prettier than you and it sucks thing?
i used to live with my cousin who did the opposite, she was pissed i didn't play up my looks. yelled at me for not fucking my boss once.
she was a wanna be gold digger, she never understood why i didn't "work it" more, date wealthy guys, exploit people for my own gain.
i'm glad i don't have to listen to her crap anymore.

[Crazy Dave]

15. Well at our office we don't have to worry about "good looks"

Just babysitting the boss's relatives who cannot get a job anywhere else. One more day for me at this shit-hole and I start a new/old job Monday.

The Mariah pic was a leftover from another post I did earlier but she is fine. Can't sing worth a damn but you can sure see why it doesn't matter.

[bettyellen]

19. yep, i've worked for companies driven to the ground by nepotism....

the lazier /stupider they are, the more difficult they make it for anyone who just wants to get shit done.

[LaurenG]

5. How much is the employee making at his present job?

How much is he asking? Go somewhere in the middle and (after 90 days re-evaluate for a raise) Always be fair (both to your employer and the new guy) put yourself in their shoes and make the best decision you can. This is how I do it anyway.

[Wapsie B]

7. Do like everyone's done when hiring me,

lowball 'em.

[IA_Seth]

8. I would tell him...

Tell him your top number, then tell him you don't like him and the bottom number is what he is going get. If he doesn't like it, he can leave.

Just kiddin. Normally I would evaluate previous earnings, experience, and motivation. Then I would figure the bottom, 25%, 50%, and 75% marks. I would start by asking him what he thinks would be a fair salary. My general rule is to give them a bit more than they expect, and never more than 75% of what the boss authorized unless he will walk and you are desperate.

That way you are happy, the boss is happy, and the assistant is thrilled.

[northzax]

16. ahh, the salary negotiation dance

so much fun, two people, both trying to figure out who has the power and who is weak enough to put a number on the table. so much fun.

tell him you have a range to play with, starting at X (the low number) and going to Y (60% of the high number) where does he think he falls in. He will hem and haw. finally, offer him the 60% number, if you think he's good. he thinks you're highballing him, when really, you aren't.

[Richardo]

18. Here's what I do...whatever they offer,

I take it. :)