Negotiations Outside the US

Negotiations Outside the US

Anon (guest) 25 Jan 2016 21:49

I was just offered a position in the UK (I am currently in the US) and I'm not sure what I can negotiate for, if anything. I was told the salary is very structured and pretty much non-negotiable. Someone even told me that attempting to negotiate salary could result in them rescinding their offer. Can I try to negotiate for start-up funds or travel support or would this be seen negatively? Any suggested negotiation strategies outside the US?

Anon (guest) 25 Jan 2016 21:50

P.S. The position is a Lecturer position if that matters

Re: Negotiations Outside the US

Happy in the UK 25 Jan 2016 22:24

Yes, the whole negotiation phase is different in the UK and caught me also by surprise. In most cases, you sign a standard contract and there is little room for salary negotiation. As you probably saw, the ad itself indicate the range and the little wiggle room you have there is mostly related to experience and seniority (for example, senior lecturers receive more money). I wouldn't bother trying to negotiate the salary and in many places there is no start-up money as well and it's dictated by the university policy. Each school has a policy for travel and relocation costs but larger department can add some money so I would ask for more money. The visa application and related fees are high so you can try and ask them to pay for them as well.

At least the whole process is much faster with less stress over negotiation. I don't think that asking anything will make them rescind the offer but because the offer is straightforward they usually want an answer quickly, otherwise they will move to the next candidate.

Anon (guest) 25 Jan 2016 22:55

Thanks so much! This was very helpful!