Job Discussion Forums

[GoldnSilver]

I am currently in Riyadh with my husband. Contemplating a few job offers which I am not too thrilled about. I am obviously considered as a "local hire" and that is why the salary is a bit lower than others of the same credentials and nationality.

The question is:
If a recruiter offers a salary, is it negotiable? Or if I express that I don't think it is fair, will they withdraw the offer?

[johnslat]

Dear GoldnSilver,

The answer to BOTH of your questions could be "Yes" - or it could be "No."

Unfortunately, it all depends on the recruiter and how needy they are for a "warm body."

You could try to negotiate, but no one can guarantee that that won't end the negotiation.

Sorry for such a useless - though real - answer.

Regards,
John

[Grendal]

If you are with your future employer at the time of discussion of base salary and experience increments on that base salary then negotiation is possible. This I've experienced. But, if this is now beyond that stage and a legal document is sitting in front of you with a CEOs signature then it may just be too late for negotiation.

Grendal

[GoldnSilver]

Thank you John and Grendal.
I also read in another post someone was in the process of getting hired but started negotiating and the employer disappeared! Just stopped answering mails. I guess those recruiters don't like negotiaters:)

[nomad soul]

Should you negotiate for higher pay? You've stated you want a better salary than what you've been presented so far. However, my question to you is: What have you offered them? What makes your qualifications special? How have you presented your desirable qualifications? Why should they offer you more money? (Remember, most direct-hire employers prefer teachers with MAs.)

Negotiations are not one-sided. It's about give and take---each side gives away something while taking something else from the other party in return. It's intended to be a win-win situation. But if you have nothing to offer except average teaching qualifications and experience, then your efforts for more pay may be futile. And as I mentioned before in one of your other threads, you're a local hire and are limited to Riyadh, so you don't want to put yourself into a position in which your "persistence" turns off local prospective employers to the extent that they won't give you a second look next month, next year, next whatever.