Things You Must Ask When Negotiating Salary for a New Job
I’ve changed jobs twice and had some regrets at the negotiation table, so I’m writing this down.
First, don’t look only at base salary—check the incentive structure. At my first job change, I went in looking only at base salary and ended up at a company with virtually no incentives, so I felt let down a year later.
Second, signing bonuses are also negotiable. At first I didn’t even know such a thing existed, but in experienced-hire recruiting, it’s a surprisingly common card to play.
Third, ask about the salary increase cycle and criteria. You need to know in advance whether 'salary negotiations happen once a year' and 'how bonuses are calculated,' so you won’t be disappointed later.
In the end, what matters is not the number you’re getting now but the picture three years from now. I’m curious what part everyone cares about most when negotiating.