Q: Thank you for your informative site on professional journalism.
I have a question for you regarding entry-level reporter salary. I recently applied for a GA reporter position at a weekly newspaper located in Northern California. The ad posting for the job opening listed the salary as $23,000.
While I am aware that as an entry-level reporter I should not expect to make a large salary starting out, it seems that 23k is quite low and almost impossible to live on in this area where cost-of-living is so high. I have done some research on entry-level salaries in journalism, but most of what I've found is about daily newspapers. Since this is a weekly publication I assume the salary would be slightly lower.
I haven't actually been offered the job yet. I have an interview coming up this week and I feel I have a good chance of being offered the position. My question here is, if I am offered the job when I go for my in-person interview or shortly thereafter, how should I go about negotiating my starting salary at the paper? I would like to believe that 23k is posted as their low offering because they know that their applicant will probably want to negotiate up to 25k. However, I am interested in the job first and foremost and would not want salary negotiations to hinder my chances of obtaining the position. What is a reasonable salary to request for this position, and how should I go about bringing up this during or after the interview?
Joy
A: From what I see, $23,000 at a weekly is not unusual.
Do some calculations -- cost of living, transportation, etc., and see what you need to live on to get your start. Make that your target. But don't ask for it out of your needs, ask for it out of what you bring to the job -- your education and experience.
Skinny latte: "I need $25,000 to be able to afford to live here and pay for my gas-guzzler car."
Espresso: "I'd be bringing a cumulative year of experience and graduated near the top of my class."
Do not be afraid to negotiate the pay offer -- once you get it. The worst the paper is likely to do is say no. It would be very unusual for them to take the offer of the table, so ask. Do not try to start negotiating salary until you have an offer.
While you're negotiating, don't forget to talk about who will pay for the move. If you don't have a lot to move, suggest that bump up your pay. Whenever possible, get the money into your salary base, rather than as a one-time entry bonus.
Good luck! I hope you get a good deal on a great job!
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