More IT Pros Stand Firm During Salary Negotiations

By Dennis McCafferty | Posted 2014-07-10

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Holding Steady

70% of hiring managers plan to hire more tech pros in the next six months, slightly down from 73% six months ago.
Outbound Traffic

34% said more IT pros are leaving their jobs this year than last, down from 42% of firms that experienced increased turnover in 2013.
No, Thanks!

32% of employers surveyed said more IT candidates are rejecting offers, compared with the situation six months ago.
Bargaining Power

61% said potential tech hires are asking for more money, compared with six months ago.
Point-Counterpoint

33% of employers are seeing more counteroffers compared with six months ago. That's down from 39% last year.
Vacancy Factor

59% of employers said that at least some IT positions are going unfilled because of salary issues.
Secure Positions

79% of companies surveyed said layoffs are unlikely over the next six months.
Experience Level Sought by Hirers

6 to 10 years: 71%, 2 to 5 years: 59%, 10 or more years: 37%, Entry level: 20%
Negotiating Salary: Time's on Your Side

If you've gone through multiple interview rounds and have an offer, conduct negotiations as if you're in the driver's seat.
Negotiating Salary: Homework

Research what a fair salary is in your field and location. Then ask for a bit more to leave room for compromise.
Negotiating Salary: Silent Treatment

Don't be the first to toss out a figure. When the employer does, stay quiet for a moment to send the message that you may not accept the offer.
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While hiring plans for IT workers are in a slight decline, tech professionals are increasingly leveraging the existing demand for their skills to obtain better compensation packages, according to a recent survey from Dice.com. Findings also show that a significant number of IT pros are rejecting job offers outright. As a result, managers are struggling with the large number of tech positions that remain unfilled, presenting IT employees with a potential opportunity to stand firm during salary negotiations. After all, time may be fleeting for organizations to land needed talent. "Employers have been dealing with a tight technology job market for four years," says Shravan Goli, president of Dice.com, an online jobs and career community for technology professionals. "That said, [on a recent day] more than 7,500 U.S. technology professionals updated their résumés on Dice, signaling that they are open for a change. [Companies] should be as efficient as possible in putting the slate of candidates together." More than 700 hiring managers took part in the research. As a bonus, we're including tips on negotiating for a higher salary, compiled by Lifehacker.com.

Dennis McCafferty is a freelance writer for Baseline Magazine.