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Old 09-01-2005, 06:02 AM   #48
ernie
Franchise Player
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
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1) naming a company you think is lowballing you on a public forum...especially a popular local one is a bad idea and not a way to make any sort of good professional impression.

2) the average salary may be "X" but that means some are going to be above and some below.

3) it's seems a smaller company. Small companies usually pay less than larger ones (atleast in my industry). However, the work environment may be better suited for an individual just starting out. You will receive much more recognition when things go well as you will most likely have much more responsibility than you may in a larger company. That could bode well a few years down the road compared to your peers when you are looking for another better job. You may be in line for larger bonuses than you otherwise would in a large firm where your contribution isn't as noticeable. There is a good chance that stock option incentives for a small company on the rise can pay off handsomely. Basically the future rewards could very well greatly outweigh the current underpayment.

4) what are your other job prospects? I'm guessing you finished up in April correct? It's September. How long before the next offer comes around? It gets to a point where waiting around for a job begins to affect your chances of finding a decent job. In my industry being 6 months from graduation without a job in the industry can set you back a few years career wise. It can haunt you. So beware of that. Is taking a lower than expected paying job now and gaining valuable experience better than working at Blockbuster or McDonalds? If you have nothing else in the pipeline (ie. no interview callbacks etc) I would think the choice should be obvious.

5) No company I've ever worked for expects you to accept the offer without some haggling. However, be forewarned that unless you have long term expereience or specific experience being aggressive and a hard ass can be a dangerous game. There is always someone else who can do the job and will do it cheaper.

6) don't worry about extra hours and overtime and start calculating an hourly rate. There is a reason you are on salary. When you are just starting out the best piece of advice I can give is make yourself indisposable. Be willing to work extra hours to get the job done earlier. It won't be long at all before that pays off as the next time there is a promotion the guy who gets tapped is not going to be the guy who clocks out at 5:00 pm sharp. It's going to be the guy that stuck around doing extra work and gave up some weekends etc. That guy will also be the one that gets a great reference when you are competing with him for a job a few years later.

My advice is that if you don't have any other good prospects in the pipeline right now you should take the job (depending of course on how you think the boss will be to work for etc etc). Basically, don't necessarily let the money or lack thereof scare you off. Money is important but there are several other things that are more important at this stage for you (namely experience and great references). Remember the real money comes with proven performance and pertinent experience over time. Don't put yoursefl into a position where you are trying to play catch up with your graduation year.
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