| Gather
Information During the Interview |
Who to Ask for the
Information |
| Normal
Performance/Pay Review Cycle. Under what circumstances do they give
off-cycle reviews for exceptional performers. |
Hiring Manager |
|
Bonus/Incentive Comp: Criteria, Date Eligible, Date Paid, Target %, Average
Actually paid for your job level in past 2-3 years, Maximums |
Hiring Manager |
| Benefits
eligibility, effective dates, provisions: Medical, Dental, Life, LTD,
STD(30-90 days) Any pre-existing condition clauses that are waived if you
present HIPPA Certificate. Your share of cost on insurance plans (know what
costs you paid at previous employer.) |
Human Resources |
| Retirement
plan/401(k) eligibility, actual participation entry date, date
contributions made/posted, average company contributions, vesting
schedule. |
Human Resources |
| Relocation
Expenses - vary widely. Ask for copy of their detailed policy. |
Info from HR and Hiring
Manager |
| Home office
setup expenses: desktop or laptop; palm pilot, internet hookup, dedicated
fax/internet line, wireless phone. |
Hiring Manager and maybe
HR |
| Company car,
auto or expense allowances |
Hiring Manager |
Generally NOT Negotiable
|
| Item/Issue to Negotiate |
Alternative Approach |
Who to Negotiate With |
| Medical Insurance
Effective Date |
Hiring Bonus to cover
COBRA until coverage is effective. |
Hiring Manager |
| Entry date for
Retirement/401(k) and receiving company contribution |
Guarantee 1st year bonus
to cover missed contribution |
Hiring Manager |
| Vesting date on
qualified plans (401(k), Profit Sharing, Pension, Stock Option Plan.) |
Paid equivalent amount
if terminated by company prior to vesting for reason other than gross
misconduct |
Hiring Manager |
Generally Negotiable
|
| Item/Issue to Negotiate |
Approach |
Who to Negotiate With |
| Vacation amount higher
than standard accrual rate |
For senior level
position - ask for what have had before or 4 weeks. ALTERNATIVE: Get #weeks
need for 1st year without pay (at time take will usually get paid for it) |
Hiring Manager |
| Bonus 1st year minimum
guarantee |
Average amount actually
paid out for your level position or amt you would receive at targeted
performance. If retirement plan eligibility a factor, include amount of
average contribution. |
Hiring Manager |
| Pay Review Early |
Ask for 6 month if
standard is year or more. Especially if they have not met your request for a
higher base pay. |
Hiring Manager |
| Severance - 6-12 months.
Outplacement Services -# months not $ cost. |
Corporate restructure
could find you being replaced regardless of your performance. |
Hiring Manager |
| Relocation Expenses |
Ask for specifically
what you will incur as part of the move - be reasonable. Packages vary
widely according to level of position up to covering all expenses and bridge
loans. |
Hiring Manager |
| "Hire" Bonus |
Amount to get 1st yr
comp close to amount wanted in base; to cover expenses such as COBRA medical
ins premium during waiting period; lump sum amount to cover items not
covered in the relocation package. |
Hiring Manager |
| Expense/Auto Allowance |
$175 - $250 month to
cover incidental expenses related to extensive travel or entertaining of
customers; up to $500+ for auto. |
Hiring Manager |
| Stock Options |
Your contribution to
bottom line results. Request cash equivalent if let go before vest. |
Hiring Manager |
| Home Office Expenses |
Desktop or laptop,
printer, scanner, palm pilot dedicated internet line, wireless phone. |
Hiring Manager |
| Professional Assoc Dues
Tuition Reimbursement |
Continual learning and
opportunity to keep skills sharp benefit the company. |
Hiring Manager |
| Country Club Dues |
If entertaining clients
is part of responsibility. |
Hiring Manager |
