Salary: Would you push for more?

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So I've just been offered a new job, its going to be a great opportunity to learn and get exposure to new technology. The plan is to be a consultant within 2 years or so which would be great.

But.

It means a salary cut, over 20%. It was originally a graduate role but because I've got a good amount of experience in desktop support (about 5 years) the offer is a bit higher than it would have been (again, about 20%).

So do I ask for any more? An extra grand would make things easier on me but I don't want to **** these people off, especially as the guy I'm dealing with really pushed for me and not a graduate.
 
If you're happy in your current job with training, advancement etc then I'd ask for more. If not then I'd be tempted to take the new offer. 20% sounds like a lot but it really depends how quickly you're likely to be back up at your current salary. I took a 30% pay cut 2 years ago, I'm already above it in a job I love, where as I was bored silly in my previous post. It worked out for me, might do the same for you :)
 
"great opportunity" "exposure to new technology" and "consultant" are the key words for pyramid scheme and salesman.

Not really, I was consulting within the financial data/market data industry for over 2 years. I didn't have targets and I work for a large company with offices all over the world.
 
Not really, I was consulting within the financial data/market data industry for over 2 years. I didn't have targets and I work for a large company with offices all over the world.

"large company" "offices all over the world" .. that just implies they have hives of rats and snakes dotted around :p

Large company != impressive. :D
 
"great opportunity" "exposure to new technology" and "consultant" are the key words for pyramid scheme and salesman.

I know. But I got this interview through a very good friend so I have no doubts about it. The company is also in the 'Top IT companies to work for' list. Its on one of these lists



If you're happy in your current job with training, advancement etc then I'd ask for more. If not then I'd be tempted to take the new offer. 20% sounds like a lot but it really depends how quickly you're likely to be back up at your current salary. I took a 30% pay cut 2 years ago, I'm already above it in a job I love, where as I was bored silly in my previous post. It worked out for me, might do the same for you :)

No, my current job has reached a dead end, the training scheme is non-existent and I've been told I'm at the top end of the salary scale and no obvious progression within the company.
 
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Personally I wouldn't. Show them what you're worth first and then get onto them the next financial year.

once you are in its much harder to get a rise.. - for a lot of companies anyway

maybe if they offered you 20k and you are currently on 24, tell them you are on 26 but as you really like their company you will consider 22 (or something along those lines.. unless of course you already told them what you earn
 
I would ask up front - explain how much you want the job but the salary will be difficult to live off. If you don't get it up front its much much harder to get once you're there.
 
I think this somewhat depends on what the salary actually is. If we're talking around the 22k region then yes I'd push for every penny I could get. If we're talking around the 44k region then I'd give up some money for the prospect of moving on to better salaries in years to come. If it's around 66k then I'd push pretty hard because around those salaries they usually have a fair bit of wriggle room for the better candidate.
 
Has the definition of the word 'consultant' changed over the last few years?

I always thought a consultant was somebody with many years of high level experience in his field. Now it seems every 20-something fresh out of Uni graduate is some sort of consultant.
 
[TW]Fox;16076243 said:
Has the definition of the word 'consultant' changed over the last few years?

I always thought a consultant was somebody with many years of high level experience in his field. Now it seems every 20-something fresh out of Uni graduate is some sort of consultant.
Depends for whom they work.

I take it with a pinch of salt unless it's for a top company (PWC, Deloitte, Accenture, etc).
 
I would certainly ask for more but be prepared to not be offered the job. Some companies will tout a "great opportunity" just to hook people in.
 
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