The range is really big, though - like more than $25K wide - and I am at the entry level - this would be my first job with librarian as a title. So I shouldn't ask for or expect top of the range? I was just hoping to not come in at the basement, especially since I was basically working as a librarian but not being paid as one the last 2 years of my last job.

The time off could also be part of that negotiation, if there isn't more money, maybe you could get more time off? (I have heard this exists, but have never actually experienced it myself.)

My most recent hire asked for (and got) additional time off, Moneywise we gave her an offer that was slightly higher than what she had told HR was her target so there wasn't much room for her to move there.

t bitter

What is it with you people and companies who actually value employees?

I brought in $8M gross business last year. No bonus, no raise. Two weeks vacation. Asked for more instead of money increase at time of hire. Nope.

I was essentially told a few weeks ago that I was lucky I got time off when Rob died, since I hadn't been there a year yet and wasn't entitled to vacation. There is no bereavement leave.

edit: But my boss got a bonus based on our company's overall business. Whatever.

t /bitter

(Who am I kidding? That will never close until I get a new job.)

In the main contract for my work, the first 6 months are probationary, so it is highly advisable to negotiate any planned leave in that interim at the outset. They're actually really flexible with it because it isn't at all uncommon in the field for this to come up. However, it needs to be written into the hiring contract to protect both you and the employer.

As for negotiating, I have no input there. I asked for $5k more or more vacation. I was told NO. My contractor is a soulless evil corporate monstrosity where every employee is just a cost. They don't negotiate entry level.

Raises or no raises anything you can get up front is more important. I would see what they come back with and go back to them with something a few thousand higher.

When I was hired at my current job they offered X salary + 10% bonus potential. IIRC I said I would be more comfortable with (X + the 10%) plus bonus. They agreed to the X + 10 but with much smaller bonus.

Either way was a huge jump from what I had been making. I made my self do it even though I was terrified of jeopardizing everything. But my last couple of jobs I hadn't and had really kicked myself for it, both in $ terms and in feeling like a pushover. Whether you get it or not, it's worth asking.

But having the starting salary higher means that every raise you do get is higher as long as you work there. Like compound interest! And again, in these days of mandated % raises, when you get them at all, the flexibility is much greater before you sign on.

flea,

there are all kinds of reasons why someone might not be at the floor of salary: education, experience, particular skills, etc.

don't accept the floor if you can help it. I understand it is your first job, but think about all the factors that make you an asset.

Negotiating ~ma, flea!

I was essentially told a few weeks ago that I was lucky I got time off when Rob died, since I hadn't been there a year yet and wasn't entitled to vacation. There is no bereavement leave.

Oh my god. Sometimes I think there are no actual human beings left in corporate America at all.

And Maria's employers aren't all that huge corporate. They're just garden-variety assholes!

brenda makes good points. let me add that my first job post-graduate school, I had a low salary. I was not the best negotiator back then, but what really bothered me years ago, is that the low salary in effect made sure I contributed a whole lot less to my retirement, and that is hundreds of thousands of dollars over a decade.

it does not feel good to press, but we have to because otherwise we will get shafted.

Amy, this is a family-owned dealership group. The dealer principal is a micromanaging, cranky SOB who treats all of his employees like crap.