When to Ask About Compensation? Forum

[Raima]

I interviewed with a mid-sized firm that I really, really liked. I spoke with one partner there today with whom I had connected a while back (pre-interview) and who has been amazingly kind and open throughout my interview process. He said to expect an offer this week. I would like to work there, as work really ends by 5-6PM every evening. Every other firm I have had the opportunity to interview with and/or receive an offer from seems to run its associates ragged, with an 8AM-to-8PM-or-later mentality. This mid-size is like a dream.

I did as much research as I could on this, and the internet and word-of-mouth have indicated that an associate starting there will get paid $105K. But, I don't know how much stock to put into these sources - Glass Door type of sites, and other people working at different firms in the market who are only familiar with this firm from the outside. I don't want to ask the partner who has been helping me, because although our relationship is friendly, I think bringing money up would potentially turn him off (I think we get along so well because we've never really talked serious business, and always kept conversations light and fun).

Long story short - although I may have an idea of the possible salary I would get at this firm, can I ask right when I get the offer? It will either be this, or a job with longer hours that pays $135K, and I would give up $30K for the really great hours, but no more than $30K (i.e., if salary is $90K, I would likely turn it down)...

When is an appropriate time to bring up money in this process? I would appreciate any and all advice. Thank you!

[aces]

At the very least, I would certainly not broach it until you get an offer. There is a pretty good chance that an offer would be accompanied by salary information. Even if it isn't, I think once you have an offer, it is certainly appropriate to reach out to HR and inquire about salary and benefits. I would reach out to the recruiting staff or HR and not ask the partner you connected with.

[IAFG]

It may be in your offer letter.

[Anonymous User]

I was thinking that they would tell me at some point, but will their offer work like other offers? I feel pretty ignorant asking this, I just haven't dealt with any mid-sized firms before. Is the process going to be the same as with bigger firms? It was such a friendly office, I'm just unsure of what its "business face" looks like. Like all others?

[anon168]

It may be in your offer letter.

What she said.

[IAFG]

I was thinking that they would tell me at some point, but will their offer work like other offers? I feel pretty ignorant asking this, I just haven't dealt with any mid-sized firms before. Is the process going to be the same as with bigger firms? It was such a friendly office, I'm just unsure of what its "business face" looks like. Like all others?

Maybe the same, maybe not. I'd wait for the letter though and see if it has the info you need. If it doesn't, just ask.

[Anonymous User]

somewhat related,but any idea what the yearly salary increases would be for a firm paying in the 100-105k range?

[los blancos]

I was thinking that they would tell me at some point, but will their offer work like other offers? I feel pretty ignorant asking this, I just haven't dealt with any mid-sized firms before. Is the process going to be the same as with bigger firms? It was such a friendly office, I'm just unsure of what its "business face" looks like. Like all others?

Take this for what it's worth, but I worked in a similar kind of firm, and the offer letter had info about salary and benefits.