I was asked by my potential future employer for a number they can use as a starting point in my offer, and I think I fu---d up and managed to lowball myself. I've been underpaid by Fiserv for so long that I stopped valuing my work properly. Does anybody have any ideas on how to rectify this? I need to get out of Fiserv for my sanity, and this is a great opportunity for me. I can't believe I did this to myself.
8 replies (most recent on top)
The interesting thing is that it is kind of a new world right now. The normal numbers even a year ago are inflated so you can ask for a lot more and get it. I was in the same situation but I was advised by a headhunter that I may be underselling myself. And it was true, I took an offer that I never would have dreamed of.
However, when times go back, one never knows if you are the first to be laid off. They tend to keep the cheaper staff for awhile longer. Just something to think about.
Anyone who reveals their current salary is an id--t. You provide what you want, not what you’re making now.
You said "a number they can use as a starting point in my offer" if it's a starting point what's the issue? If they give you an offer, just say you want more. Done.
Fiserv is famous for poor pay. I had a head-hunter openly laugh at me when I told her my hourly rate - that bad. But, if you put your numbers on the table and the bid is accepted, get out of Fis - eh, First Data as soon as you can and move on.
- Take the offer.
- Start working and the new employer.
- Keep looking for the next better offer.
- Start working at the even better offer company.
That is the risk the new employer makes by paying you less than market rate. You will get more money and less stress by switching companies twice rather than staying at Fiserv.
Tell them your boss is trying to keep you and you can get 15% by staying (make up your own number) but you’d really prefer this new opportunity. Then ask if there’s anyway they can improve their offer. It’s not something they could check and it’s not really a lie.
If you think you can get what you really want for a salary elsewhere, don't lock yourself into this one employer. Revise your offer and if they don't meet it, move on. Don't be underpaid! Perhaps tell them at the time of your original offer, you didn't really know what the market rates were for your position, but since then you've had a little more time to research that and need to change your expected salary.
If you have already given the potential new employer a salary requirement, it will be difficult to change it. You can ask for a revision but it will look like you don't pay attention to detail, which is bad. Also, do not fall into the temptation of fudging your current salary. 70-80% of employers use a salary validation database to verify. It is called The Work Number. The information is this report is extremely detailed and leaves no room for lying.