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Q: How negotiable is salary in China?
Hello,
I have a question about salary. I was offered a job I had applied for, however, the salary they offered is about half of what was advertised. Is it polite (or expected) to try to negotiate a higher salary? I just don't want to piss anyone off or lose the opportunity. They don't need to give them an answer until next week because of national week so I have some time to think about it.
Thanks!
10 years 29 weeks ago in Business & Jobs - China
It depends on how qualified you are and if there are other positions out there. If you know it's well under market value then you need to make the point with them and tell them why you are worth that salary.
Always negotiate the salary!
Also if you take lower then you are reducing the value of not just yourself but other expats, it's kind of similar to price-fixing in regards that if the Chinese get wind that they can pay less then they will, regardless. We keep the price the same they either pay or don't have.
foodandmorefood:
So in that case, do you think it's effective to point out the salary listed in the job listing, or would it be better to not even mention that, and just point out my qualifications?
hiddenjelly:
I'd probably not mention it, they could then just tell you it was a typo. Better to tell them how much you expect and why you deserve that amount. They will maybe offer you something higher but below your asking amount so add a few extra thousand to what you want.
My advice is double the offered salary, then add on three thousand. Whatever they offer you back is probably going to be close to their limit. But don't be worried about offending them, they don't give a sh*t about that, it's an expected part of the business.
foodandmorefood:
Ok that's similar to the strategy I use while shopping, except I offer like 1/5 of the asking price. Thank you!!
How bad do you think they want/need you? and how bad do you want/need that particular job? No question that you should negotiate, but just how much is the question.
I agree with most posters here although not sure I would push it to the point they tell you they don't want you.
The advertised salary is a good starting point and if my quals matched what they asked for I would not even consider working for less than the advertised price.
You will obviously know the ball park salary that is being offered and it is up to you to try and
improve on this. Things that will improve your negotiation will be any special skills that you can demonstrate or special experience that you have that is ideally suited to the job you are applying for.
Chinese people are used to talking things over and I am sure they will be happy if you try to improve on the salary they are offering. Most things in China are open to negotiation and you won't get anything unless you ask for it!!
If you do get a verbal offer of an increase in salary then make sure this is confirmed in writing and taken to be the figure on your contract of employment.
Have to say, in Shenzhen, negotiation seems to be a bad word.
I don't see why the OP should be negotiating to get the salary stated in the advert..
If they say the stated salary was a typo then say your interest in the position was a typo!
By the sounds of it you are qualified, there are plenty of other opportunities out there!
