New Job Offer

Magnettica

(I posted this earlier in the electrical section and it was suggested to me that I post it here as well).

I responded to a classified ad today. The ad was "experienced electrician needed for new residential work." So I called and told them I'm ready to start as soon as possible. We discussed my background and experience in the trade. Then he asked me how much I was looking for per hour. I gave him a number which was a little bit more than what I was making last year. I offered to take less than what I originally asked for so I could prove to them over a period of 4-6 weeks that I A) knew what I was doing, and B) was worth what I was being paid for. Then they said someone would call me back soon to come in for a sit down for an interview.

To make a long story short, they called me back in less than 30 minutes and made me an offer and want me to start Thursday. The offer was $6.00 less p/ hour than what I was looking for, and $3.00 less p/ hour than what I was previously earning. That's a difference of $12,480 and $6,240 respectively.

The job is close to home and they're a reputable company that's been around for at least a dozen years. They also told me I'd be wiring up apartments, condos, and some new custom homes. I would like to take this job, and know that I can do the work, but not at the rate that was offered. Any suggestions on how I should proceed to get the numbers to where we can both be happy?

Thanks.

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dougchips

Don't take my advice alone, just factor it in.

They were much to quick to offer you a job. Hopefully they are not in a pinch and are looking for someone in a hurry. Do they burn up a lot of staff?

I would not give up the $3.00 per hour, the step back does not seem to have rewards. Get something in writing about the other $3.00 (you meet these production goals over *** amount of time and you get the dough).

Way to quick to hire.

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dirt diggler

ok - you gave him a higher number than what you were making last year

but then turn around and say "well, ill do it for less"


you blew your river card ...

call em back - say need $6 more

or whatever ... i dunno - but you can't highball it - then come right back down,

or am i missing something???

farrellpainting

12,480 and 6,240? i dont get it, did you ask for 18/hr and they offered you 9/hr?
either way dirts right, you blew you river!
grow a pair and call another company!
are we missing something here?

john elliott

Seems simple enough to me. Just call them back and say "sorry, I made a mistake with the numbers, I'd love to take your job but just couldn't afford to. I realise I need to make at least $xx an hour, and I can guarantee that I'm worth it"

Ditch the bit about working for less to start with, NEVER do that, ever.

John

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Pearce Services

You are willing to take a lower rate, and are able to start as soon as possible. Add in the part where you refer to how much you made last year, as opposed to how much you are currently making, which indicates a lapse in employment history.

They must feel that you are desperate. The bigger issue is that if you are currently unemployed, and do not take the job, they may also suspect that you are not motivated.

I would ask to sit with them again, and tell them that you need to make "X" amount per hour. Ask if you can structure a plan to get to your target in a realistic time frame. For instance, $1/month raise every month for 6 months, with a firm agreement that if you become unworthy of the full amount agreed upon, you both part ways.

joasis

I would say you blew it, and as stated above.....decide on a number, and stick with the number. If you are in demand, a company will raise that number to get you...if you are unreasonable, the phone will not ring.....least that is how it has been in my experience. Good luck, but I bet you will not work for this company.

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thom

To broaden this topic just a little:

Over the past several years there has been a shortage of competent tradesmen. If the housing boom has truely cooled as the numbers suggest, and commercial doesn't increase dramatically, there will be a surplus of tradesmen in the near-term. Over time, many will leave the industry.

Wages and profits have risen in recent years well in excess of inflation. Much of this is directly related to a shortage of qualified tradesmen. It would not be unreasonable to expect some retrenchment now. The amount of that retrenchment would be directly related to the surplus of labor as the market cools and the surplus in labor shakes out. Labor pricing is also a product of the "market".

It's happenend in our industry in the past, it will happen in the future, it may be happening now.

ButlerDesigns

YOU BLEW IT MAN!! Wow talk about pinching yourself. Honestly I would call back and just say Hey sorry, but I need atleast this much after looking at all my responsiblities. Just be upfront because it sure seems they need someone to only think for 30 minutes. I mean some companies you will be lucky to hear back within a week. Don't play their game. Tell them to cough up the other 3 per hour or off. Well said son, Well said ...Nah, be professional now that I think of it Go getem

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John Butler
Butler Designs, LLC

dayspring

Biggest mistake was telling them you want XYZ but would start for XY, whoever you talked to obviously discussed it with others and decided to offer you X, they figured you needed to work worse than they needed you.

Always stick to your guns on money, If you are worth what you ask then don't work for someone that won't pay it.

Many times, I've hired people for less than they were worth, only after realizing they were worth more giving it to them without their asking.
However, many companies don't or won't raise a man because he is worth more.

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SmithBuilt

I disagree, nothings blown. I offer all potential employees a trial period, thats all magentica was asking for. A chance to prove his worth.

Be sure you can do as you stated or at the end of the trial period there could be problems.


It really depends on how much you want the job. If you are willing to take less than you stated maybe you could negotiate and come to a compromise. Or if you are content where you are then stick to your guns and go for the higher number. Who knows you might get it.

Magnettica

Thanks for all of your sincere replies. I wanted to go down there today and talk with them but got caught up working at my aunts house and time went by faster than I anticipated (what else is new?). So what I am going to do is call tomorrow morning and ask to come in, sit down, and discuss pay. If they agree to pay $3.00 more than what they offered me, with the promise in writing to raise my rate by $1.00 per month for three consecutive months, than we'll have deal. If not, I keep looking. I hate to say it, but this job would be perfect for me because it's close to home, only 4 miles to the shop.

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dirt diggler

if it's that close ... and you use their truck ... you might make up for the lost money in gas ...???