There's no doubt that money is one of the most sensitive subjects in the working world -- and when the job market gets tough, the sensitivity meter goes especially haywire. These days, IT folks are happy to have a job. For some, asking for a raise seems out of the question. And those out hunting for a new position are equally wary of playing hardball when it comes to salary negotiation. After all, many times the cupboard is bare.
"Technology budgets have really gotten whacked in the past couple years," says Andy Zaleta, managing director for executive recruiter Korn/Ferry's advanced technology practice in New England. But getting more money is possible, according to recently interviewed experts. They offered their advice on several strategies.
Asking for a raise
This situation is more unusual than you might think, says Nikolas Doty, the editorial director of techies.com, a technology career Web site based in Minneapolis. In readership surveys, he says, "Only about 20 percent of respondents have even asked for raises. And only about half that ask get the raises."
Those requesting a raise can improve their chances for success by taking these tips to heart:
Negotiating salary at a new job
No doubt about it, times are tough for technology job hunters, says Myrna Hoover, associate director at The Career Center of Florida State University in
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Tallahassee, Fla. She says that her office has run across numerous alumni who've had to downgrade their salary expectations dramatically. Nonetheless, once an offer has been made, it may be worthwhile to try to negotiate the salary. "This is the time when you have the most power to negotiate salary until your next job offer comes along," Hoover says. Successful negotiators should take heed of these ideas:
Of course, discussing pay with the boss isn't fun, but that doesn't mean you should avoid it. As Zaleta puts it, "If you never ask, you'll never get the answer. You just have to know how to read the tea leaves first."
Show me the money
Need to find out more about money? The following Web sites can help:
JobStar Salary Surveys
One of the largest collections of salary surveys online.
Careerjournal.com
Salary guides as well as useful money-related articles.
Salary.com
A rundown of salaries by industry, job position and geography. Basic information is free; a salary report customized to local market, industry and career level will cost you.
www.techies.com, www.dice.com
Links and salary resources with the techie in mind.
For More Information:
>> Which IT jobs pay the most? Find out in SearchSecurity.com's salary survey
>> Which job titles demand the most money? Find out in SearchNetworking.com's salary survey
