Job hunting

[theonlyski 8]

As many of you know (or do now) I am looking for post-army employment. I've got one good one (not the dream job, but it'll be alright as I can do it too). They're waiting to see if they win the bid for the contract before they give me a solid offer, but I have a contingency offer on the table now.

How the hell do you negotiate for pay? I mean... why can't they just fucking say "We will give you 70k for your starting pay" they have to bring up what I am currently getting paid, and how much my 'lowest acceptable pay' is?

I realize the company is just trying to save some cash and all, but I don't know how much cash they're saving on me.

"I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly
DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890
I'm an asshole, and I approve this message

[wmw999 2,589]

Here's where you have to do some research. Go find out what is industry standard for that job, then decide if you're worth more or less than industry standard. It gives you a starting point. Where can you go research? Google is your friend... I'll send you a list of websites separately, but it's too long for a post.

Another thing to do is to figure out your needs -- how much will you need to live reasonably? You can't take less than that -- if they offer less, then it's probably not the right job.

Note: I haven't had to look for a job since before the internet was invented , but with the shuttle program ending, I'm roughly 95% likely to lose my job in the next year (I'm ready for that and it's OK -- it's been a known quantity for about 6 years). My company has been good about helping people find resources, and sharing is what makes things work.

Wendy P.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[Southern_Man 0]

Can't negotiate effectively unless you are willing to walk away from the job offer. Best way to do that is to already have a job or to have more than one offer. Doesn't sound like you have even one now.

In the absence of that, just be sure to aim high when asked how much you want. Be sure you have a good idea of the market for your skills so it is realistic but don't be afraid to ask for what you ask for. If you low-ball yourself you can guarantee they won't give you more than that.

"What if there were no hypothetical questions?"

[theonlyski 8]

Quote

Here's where you have to do some research. Go find out what is industry standard for that job, then decide if you're worth more or less than industry standard. It gives you a starting point. Where can you go research? Google is your friend... I'll send you a list of websites separately, but it's too long for a post.

Another thing to do is to figure out your needs -- how much will you need to live reasonably? You can't take less than that -- if they offer less, then it's probably not the right job.

Note: I haven't had to look for a job since before the internet was invented , but with the shuttle program ending, I'm roughly 95% likely to lose my job in the next year (I'm ready for that and it's OK -- it's been a known quantity for about 6 years). My company has been good about helping people find resources, and sharing is what makes things work.

Wendy P.

According to the AFN commercials, the air force has just as large of a space program as NASA... maybe you could get a foot in the door there?

Ofcourse, you would have to leave Spaceland.

I sent a fairly 'lowball' offer for my qualifications and clearance. We shall see!

"I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly
DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890
I'm an asshole, and I approve this message

[TImBryant 0]

Be very careful with this...

I applied for work before submitting my retirement papers from the Army and was given an offer that I jumped on.

The offer sounded really good when bumped up against my base pay (which is what the company asked for when establishing their offer). But once I got out and moved to the area for the job I really started to see the difference.

You will not have cost of living allowance, separate rations allowance, basic housing allowance, or any of the other allowances that we kind of take for granted.

If you are on jump status you loose your pro pay as well which isn't taken into account for base pay.

Then there are the other items that you don't see every day that you need to consider, such as your ability to use the commissary. You will loose your dental benefits, your legal benefits with the JAG (wills and stuff) and other benefits like that. Small stuff I know but they do add up.

So use these in your negotiations with the new employer.

The company really used my military leadership experience, so they got a deal initially, but I can tell you that once I put in a couple years with the company, the pay started to even out with my peers.

I hope this helps.


ETA: In the Army, we have the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) That will help you create a resume and give you classes on conducting interviews and negotiations... I think the air Force has something similar at the Airman and Family Readiness Centers. Check into it. It is a big help if used properly.

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[theonlyski 8]

Quote

Be very careful with this...

I applied for work before submitting my retirement papers from the Army and was given an offer that I jumped on.

The offer sounded really good when bumped up against my base pay (which is what the company asked for when establishing their offer). But once I got out and moved to the area for the job I really started to see the difference.

You will not have cost of living allowance, separate rations allowance, basic housing allowance, or any of the other allowances that we kind of take for granted.

If you are on jump status you loose your pro pay as well which isn't taken into account for base pay.

Then there are the other items that you don't see every day that you need to consider, such as your ability to use the commissary. You will loose your dental benefits, your legal benefits with the JAG (wills and stuff) and other benefits like that. Small stuff I know but they do add up.

So use these in your negotiations with the new employer.

The company really used my military leadership experience, so they got a deal initially, but I can tell you that once I put in a couple years with the company, the pay started to even out with my peers.

I hope this helps.

I'm currently deployed, and on HAZ DUTY orders for airborne, as well as getting BAS. I took what I've made thus far this year (according to this months LES) and roughly doubled it (keep in mind, I'm a single E-5 that lives in the barracks with absolutely no revolving debt). My background and clearance should be a good foot in the door. This company seems very interested in hiring me, pending the contract.

Thanks for the other info though.

"I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly
DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890
I'm an asshole, and I approve this message

[wmw999 2,589]

This is really good information for anyone entering an unfamiliar job market in an unfamiliar place.

Wendy P.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)