Kate, try to get as much information about their metrics as you can. We offer a salary in the middle of whatever step we're assigning them to, because that allows room for growth. If you come in too high, you can end up not getting a raise (because you can't advance to a new step without a new job title - impossible). So, it would be better to get $45K at a higher step than in the one you're currently assigning to you (if that's how they work).
But also have alternatives: More vacation time, etc., that they can give you without actually spending $$
Because they will laugh at me and then take away the job offer? (At least, this is what my brain is telling me.)
Right, that is what you need to counter in your brain. That will not happen! It has never happened! Certainly not when someone asked for like 5% more than the offer.
Another thing you could ask for is a shorter review period? Like, could you get a review in 6 months with the stated aim of bumping you up to the higher number?
Woot! Congrats Kate! The salary may be set, but it never hurts to ask. You might want to consider counter arguments (Like additional training/experience/qualifications/comparative salaries)as to why you think you deserve more than they are offering.
I have read that men almost always negotiate, while women generally don't.
Ask for the raise. If they're a private school, chances are the pay grades are more flexible than in a public K-12. And if you don't ask, you won't get!
Worst case scenario is they say sorry, no, [original offer] is all we can do.
I took a minute to imagine what the reaction of the Republican party would be if the Democrats had held the government hostage over a law that had passed Congress, been signed, and survived a Supreme Court challenge.
I envisioned lots of old white guys and a few younger white women standing around, turning purple while yelling about the sanctity of the Constitution.
I envisioned lots of old white guys and a few younger white women standing around, turning purple while yelling about the sanctity of the Constitution.
Just another Tuesday, then?
Argh.
Randomly, speaking of white guys, Saturday Night Live hired five of them to add to the cast this season?? Come on, now. (Also one white woman.)
Thanks for all the advice! OK, I will ask for more, and if they can't give it to me, I will see what else they can do for me.
But also have alternatives: More vacation time, etc., that they can give you without actually spending $$
Do most schools give vacation time in addition to summers off/winter break? I have been assuming they wouldn't.
Another thing you could ask for is a shorter review period? Like, could you get a review in 6 months with the stated aim of bumping you up to the higher number?
Technically this is just a one-year contract position (through the end of next May), so I'm not sure that would work. There is a good chance that I'd have my contract renewed next spring, but not a guarantee.
