How to Negotiate a Job Offer for Time Vs. Money
The adage “time is money” holds true when it comes to negotiating a job offer. While some positions call for the standard 40-hour workweek, others require employees to work extended hours. A company should take into consideration the number of hours it’s requiring a candidate to work when offering him a salary figure, but that’s not always the case. Ensuring that you’re well-compensated for your time requires you to make the employer understand that more time must equal more money.
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Instructions
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Ask about the position’s hourly requirements during the interview process. Don’t wait until the employer extends an offer to you; find out all information relating to the position during the interview.
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Research the average hours worked in one week for the position you’re after. Look at the average salary for the position as well. If the company you’re interviewing for requires you to work 55 hours each week and the industry average is 40, you already know you should receive a significantly better salary than the industry average for the position.
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Talk about salary only after the employer brings up the subject. The hiring manager will eventually bring up a dollar number, so wait it out until he does. If you speak about your salary first, you put yourself at a disadvantage, because the employer may be willing to offer you a higher salary than you think you’re worth.
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Explain that the number of hours you’re required to work exceeds the industry average for your position. Tell the employer that you believe a higher salary should accompany the additional hours.
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Break down the employer’s offer in terms of hourly pay. Point out how the number appears low for what you're being asked to do. For example, suppose you’re required to work 55 hours as a pizza shop manager and the company’s offer is $36,000 annually. Explain that figure breaks down to $12.50 an hour. Tell the manager that you’re only making $5 more than minimum wage for a position that has significantly more responsibility than most minimum-wage positions.
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Argue in favor of overtime. Federal and state laws generally do not require employers to pay salaried workers overtime. If the employer won’t budge from his initial offer, ask him about overtime pay. Explain that an overtime policy is fair for both sides. Tell him that since overtime will kick in only for all hours worked over 40, it saves the company money in the event that your job requirements change and you have to work only 45 hours a week.
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Point out anything else that helps your argument that you should receive a higher salary. A wealth of experience, impressive accomplishments, a variety of skills all contribute toward a higher salary.
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Maintain a firm position. Don’t give in to the employer’s demands. If you feel that the employer is low-balling you because of the number of hours you must work, do not agree to a significantly lesser salary. If negotiations come to a standstill, calmly tell the employer that you’ll have to walk away.
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