Topic: Salary & Negotiation Tips

I am one of the many engineers in the Detroit area that is unemployed. I recently had an interview for an engineering position on the west side of MI that I feel went pretty well, and the job seems mildly interesting. I expect to hear back from them by the end of the week with an answer. Nowhere in the job description that I applied to, or during the interview process, was salary range mentioned. That's ok, as I expect to get that info if they make me an offer.

However, I have been trying to find reliable data that shows what the standard of living is in this city vs. the Detroit area to understand how they're offer might stack up to something similar near home . . . . . I want to use this to figure out for myself whether it's worth the move or not (financially), depending on their offer. Does anyone have some good sources for this type of comparison that is good (I've found some websites myself, but everyone of them seems to give a different number)?

Also, I've started to have a bit of an internal debate as to whether I would really want to move or not. As many know, jobs in the Detroit area are hard to get, as there are a LOT of people out of work. So, I'm trying to grapple with the fact that if their offer is mediocre, or even low, do I take the job simply because it's a job, or do I gamble and hope to get something local?? I also have to take into account that selling my home will be an issue if I move, along with leaving friends/family behind . . . not something anyone wants to do, but maybe HAS to do. Any thoughts here are appreciated, especially if you've made a decision like this before.

Re: Salary & Negotiation Tips

The key word in what your wrote is "unemployed."  Before we get too far into this, how far away are we actually talking from Detroit?  Is it a commutable distance, or do you really  have to move?  More importantly, however, you need to figure out what level of income you really need to pay the bills, make ends meet, and at least maintain your present standard of living.  Take out your checkbook and figure out over the last 6 months or so what if actually costs on a monthly basis to keep your financial ship afloat.  Take that number times 12 and you should have a pretty decent idea of what level of annual income you need to maintain your present position.  If you receive a salary offer that's any where near that amount, I'd be inclined to take the job.  Normally, people divide their disposable income into 3 categories - fixed expenses, variable expenses, and discretionary expenses - discretionary expenses are the easiest ones to cut, unlike a mortgage payment, for example.  Do you gamble on something turning up in Detroit?  I don't think so, unless you're willing to risk your savings and the prospect that a lower paying job will be the only option you have - while your expenses remain the same.  We need to talk more about what sort of offer you receive before rushing to judgement.  I'll be glad to help you think through it.  But I can tell you this: An acceptable salary offer is better than no salary offer at all, but you could need to do some homework before you know what "acceptable" really means in terms of paying your bills in the near-term.  Hope this helps.

Re: Salary & Negotiation Tips

I think you should think first before selling your home..if accepted with the job..why not test the water first and then decide after living in Detroit for at least one or two months..