Haggling Over Salary
By recent_graduate •
Is it expected to haggle over the base salary or do employers tend to place rates at the level they will pay? I am an American currently looking at a sales position in Qatar and I have just graduated from an American University. They have said i am scheduled to only be in Qatar for a couple months for training purposes and then sent to a new location. I have previously worked with the company temporarily. I have been offered a Base Salary set at $1,500 with accommodations and car covered along with insurance and travel. This was the initial offer, what should I bargain for and how high should I go?
I guess the major factor that i am looking at is the opportunity to work abroad. The employer has stated that I would only be staying there for 3 months then i would be coming back to the US to work here. Thanks for the insight about the American companies views on overseas work experience. I had no idea about this. I really thought it would be a big resume builder.
Hmmm, I just don't know if I would move half-way around the world for the same salary unless it were to open up a whole new career opportunity. Or if you really love the Middle East and the culture and want to have a grand adventure for a few years. I'm a big fan of Americans living abroad for a while. There's an enormous gain in perspective. But be a bit aware that sometimes American companies do not know how to evaluate overseas experience. It can be harder getting a job back home sometimes.
Mandi
I guess the thing i am really looking at is how much i am bringing home. My accommodations cover food, housing, car, and insurance. Form my calculations of my current expenses i figure with the lifestyle i have, this salary looks to match a $55,000 salary in the US. With me bringing home $1500 a month i see this as comparable to the US salaries i have been offered due to the costs of living. From the current exchange rate, that number is $5,465 Qatari Rial a month. They are offering me a good deal when i complete training as well.
Despite my rebuttal for the looking into this option, all this i just wanted to really thank you for the insight. I am looking at making a life changing decision on my life and i really appreciate the responses no matter how they are blunt they are. Please keep them coming because it will really help me to look at all my options and questions as to what i should do in my situation.
Does this still look like a potentially good career choice? Any insight will be much appreciated.
Wow, to go from $55,000 in the US to $18,000 here in Qatar. Doesn't sound like a really good deal on the face of it. I presume they are promising much more in the future?
Mandi
The offer was in the US dollar. I was a little confused thanks again for all the help. I really appreciated it.
You're right, it is a "lowball" offer. Go with your gut on what that tells you about the company and state your minumum acceptance salary pleasantly but firmly. See how they react to that. Can't blame 'em for lowballing but they need to acquiesce pretty promptly to your counter-offer.
Mandi
I am 100% with you guys on the "if i don't get what i want, i wont take it." I am however wondering if it is worth the time to haggle since the initial offer is this low. I guess my question is, when an initial offer is this low is it because the company is not sure if they want the individual or is it because they expect to haggle for salary?
It is 'common' that you know what you want. If you don't get it, don't come!
It would all depend on the employer. Many have a fixed salary scale, others do not. It's not custom necessarily, it's individual. You must be satisfied with what you negotiate.
Mandi
Is it common for a business in Qatar to start with a basic salary this low? Is it a custom to haggle a basic salary over 50% more than the initial offer?
I apologize about the time. I am actually still in the US and looking to come over. I have been offered $55,000usd a year in the United States. That is for positions without a commission. For sales positions i have been looking around in the US at a wage of $45,000usd plus a generous commission. This time period is actually a probationary period and i am expected to stay in Qatar for a total of 3 months then move back to the and become a sales manager the US. After the probation period they told me that i will then be given a new contract. Is this common. The employer also mentioned contracts are not allowed to be signed before i come over and are withholding the final contract. Is this true?
No, don't include your housing. Just up your best cash/base salary in the US by 25%. Salaries in Qatar are stated in QR and by month, not year. I don't know about contracts, we signed our before coming.
Mandi
How should i up the salary requirements by 25%? Is that based on the USD or QAR? When i up that salary by that percentage do i take the accommodations into consideration. Any help on these issues will be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.
Dude 4000 is the negotiable price......No less than 3000, cost of living is outrageous in Qatar and they have a tendency to change contracts once you arrive.
Westerners will do a mental count of Hadji's inside any aircraft, at any airport, before take off...
Peter Russel
I'm in the US right now where it's 7:30 pm, just sunset.
Mandi
yes dear....mandi is right..just add 25% on what you expect in US and demand them for that muc money...coz its way too low as compared to the rising prices in Qatar...
hi wats up??? Y R U SIT UP HUH!!!!!!!!!!
$1,500 USD sounds very low even with housing and car thrown in. What would you expect in the US? Then add 25% to get your base pay. I think most folks are in bed, look at the time!
Mandi
Anybody?