Provided by Joseph V. Curatolo
Probably. Getting paid less than you should when starting a new job can affect not only your current paycheck but also your long-term asset accumulation. For example, the less money you earn, the less you have available to contribute to your retirement plan, and potentially the lower the amount of matching employer contributions you’ll receive if they are offered.
In addition, because your current salary is typically the benchmark for future pay increases and bonuses (which are often expressed as a percentage of your salary), the effect of a pay gap is cumulative. Unless corrected, pay disparities may widen over the course of your career. For example, a low starting salary at job #1 could serve as a benchmark for your salary at job #2, which could serve as a benchmark for your salary at job #3, and so on.
To determine whether the salary offer is competitive, research and compare salaries based on industry or company standards. You can look at salary-related websites to get an idea of a typical salary range for someone in the same occupation, in your geographical location, with your education, experience and skills.
If the salary offer is low, go back to the company and articulate your strengths. What skills and qualities will you bring to the table? State the amount of money you want. Make it clear that if the company accepts your terms, you are willing and able to accept its offer immediately.
What happens next? There are three possible scenarios. First, the company might accept your counteroffer. Second, it may reject your counteroffer, either because company policy does not allow negotiation or the company is unwilling to move from its original offer. If so, you’ll have to decide whether to accept the original offer. Third, the company may make you a second offer, typically a compromise between its first offer and your counteroffer. Again, the ball is back in your court.
If you need time to evaluate the latest offer, ask for a day or two to think about it. If the company isn’t able or willing to give you more money, it might be able to offer you job flexibility, such as telecommuting or flex scheduling, that might make up for the lack of a salary increase.
Joseph V. Curatolo is president of Georgetown Capital Group, 5350 Main St., Williamsville (phone: 633-9800, toll-free 1 (800) 648-8091, fax 633-9789, www.georgetowncapital.com).
Insurance services offered by Georgetown Capital Group, which is independent of Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., with separate ownership, and is not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor.
This message may contain confidential information and is intended for use only by the addressee(s) named on this transmission.
Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice. The information presented here is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances.
To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances.
These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable — we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.
This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the state(s) of AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TX, VA, WA and WI. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.
Prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2016.
