I know I can no longer win a Wii.... But this is my latest triumph!

I was slightly nervous, as I'd never done this before. After receiving what I thought to be a little low salary, I politely asked if salary was negotiable. She seemed a bit surprised, stating that this was a 15% increase over my current salary, but if I had justification, she would speak with the hiring manager.

Luckily, I had my reasons ready to go, and I listed them off (in a nervous voice, unfortunately!). Cost of living is VERY different, have my security clearance, 1/3 done with Masters degree, and I have 1.5 years of directly related experience (the position seemed almost entry level). I gave them a range that was 5-10k higher than what they offered. A bit bold, but it *was* the range I had pre-computed to be fair.

They called back and said they were only able to increase my salary by 2k, but could throw in a 3k signing bonus. Much better! Five grand just for speaking my mind and selling myself!!!!

Actually, I would say it's better than 5 grand - you get 3k once, but you will get that 2k every year you are in that position, plus you raises will be compounded from a higher starting point. Win-win.

Congrats!

Yeah, if you got, say, $52k instead of $50k, and you have 3% raises for the following four years, you'll have earned $10,600 more than you would have. But someone who negotiates a higher salary will probably also do well at annual review negotiations, so you might even earn more.

Congrats!! I know that it can be so so hard to speak up, you should definitely be proud!

Congratulations! I am so proud of you for asking for what is fair.

Hooray!

Salary negotiations are very important, because of what Andrea was pointing out. Your 401(k) match, future raises and cost of living adjustments, and a lot of other things are based on your salary.

Nice work....negotiating a salary is a difficult thing to do but sometimes it will work! Gotta love that signing bonus.