Need Help! Need negotiation letter for possible job

[Snoozan]

Here's the scoop - I've got less than 2 weeks at my present job as my department was eliminated. I've had a couple of informal "meetings" for a job prospect. It's a small medical billing office and very informal compared to the corporate world I've worked in the past 30 years. The guy "interviewing" me has given me a good idea of the position they have in mind for me and how I would progress to that position. I'd first have to learn the data entry end of the business, which is fine with me as my job experience includes insurance claims. I know the entry pay for the data entry job is $11-$12/hr. However, I am going to be a Client Manager, which is more responsibility and means much more customer service contact with clients. My dilemma is, I was asked to let him know what I think I'd need to take the job. Do I just say something non-specific like that I currently make in the mid to upper $30's, but am more interested in the whole benefit package? Do I give him what I feel would be my absolute minimum? I don't want to price myself out of a job that I think I would like and would be very good at. As you all know, jobs are pretty hard to come by these days and although I wasn't looking to jump into a new job right away(I have a year severance that I receive whether I have a new job or not!), I hate to pass up an opportunity for something that feels "right". Any feedback from people who have had to negotiate is greatly appreciated! I've been working for the same company for 30 years so this new world outside of my insurance company is new to me!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

My husband sort of did this with his present job. He was laid off from his last one, this job is similar--but there is no way in heck that he'd ever make close to the same salary/benefits...at least for now.

We honestly took it b/c any income is better than no income--and it wasn't bad income.

Something occurred and he was asked by the end of the first week to submit a letter stating what he needed to stay.

Sort of like what you were asked for.

He properly conveyed what hsi prior job salary and benefits entailed, our plight (can't sell our house and moving was prohibitive), and what was needed.

They negotiated from there.

Our situation is a bit different...he was already logging hours with them.

Given your circumstance, I'd think about what you believe is fair compensation--and if they ask, you can use your present compensation to illustrate why you feel what you are asking for is fair.

Hubby shot high with this company--b/c they wanted to know "what it would take". And so they didn't think he was from outer space, he did disclose the details of his prior position to demonstrate that while it seemed he was shooting for the moon, his request was actually a significant pay cut. And to boot--he didn't disclose EVERYTHING he made. Just the very obvious stuff.

It went a few rounds--he will end up with a raise later this year--that isn't what he asked for, but it made it worth our while to stay long term.

 

[kilee]

Congrats on a new potential offer. I go w/ what you know would be a fair but competitive rate. Maybe you could low-ball just a hair and work in a guaranteed raise at a certain point based on performance.