I asked to meet with my boss, we set up a meeting. I walked in and asked if my salary was up for negotiation. We had a short discussion where basically he wanted to know if I was unhappy or had already started looking for a job. I was quite pleased with my job and hadn't started to look (and probably wouldn't have if I didn't get myself a raise, but don't tell my old boss that). He then asked me what I think my salary should be. I told him. He said that probably wasn't going to happen (It was like an 18% raise) but he'd talk with his partners (He was the CTO/founder). A few days later they came back with like 15%. I told them I appreciate the effort but the number I gave wasn't really a starting point for negotiation and I still think I deserve what I asked for. I told him I wouldn't turn it down, but those are my feelings. A few days later the CEO met with me and basically did the same thing to make sure I wasn't unhappy about anything. He then gave me what I asked for and everything was good.
I wouldn't start sending out resumes and interviewing, seems like a lot of hassle when you haven't even talked to them yet.
If you really like the job I don't think pushing for the extra 3% is worth it. Obviously you got it, but 15% is pretty generous and asking for 3% more sorta feels like a shakedown.
Really? I think being honest with your employers is as valuable to them as it is for you. If you can't do that you certainly don't deserve to complain about what you get, or how you are treated.
Exactly. The place was awesome and there were no egos or politics in the office, things like this were straight business. I was honest with them and they were honest with me. I didn't say "somewhere around $X" I had a specific figure for a reason.
I didn't throw a tantrum or threat to quit over 3% (I think thats shady and wouldn't have quit anyway). I accepted the offer, thanked them, and told them how I felt.
It was just a round number and that's the way percents worked out. I mean, it was more like 18.43%, but for the sake of brevity...
The actual number I gave took into account current market rates, my job requirements, responsibilities and how I stacked up against other developers in the company.
I don't see the inconsistency. (1) He wanted to negotiate his salary up from what he was currently on. (2) He wasn't interested in anything lower than the figure he'd given.
"Pay me $X or I quit" is negotiation, even if it's a rather bloodyminded sort of negotiation.
Nobody ever negotiates up from your first asking price, as that is the highest anyone will bid unless the terms of negotiation have changed. You can only negotiate down from your asking price or remain firm on it. Negotiating != auctioning.
I've been up-negotiated twice, actually. Once for my second job ("that's too low, how about..."), and once when changing from a contractor to a full-time associate ("if we put you in band X, things are easier"). Things were easier, and I got a few thousand dollars more and a month of vacation :)
I wouldn't start sending out resumes and interviewing, seems like a lot of hassle when you haven't even talked to them yet.