salary negotiations pre contract

I have been offered a freelance telecommuting proofreading job with a US web company. I applied, they interviewed me and offered me the job, but so far I haven't responded to their offer (today).

They have offered me $US20/hr which is well below the industry standard for proofreaders, and in fact the job is more copyediting than proofreading. I'm actually not going to know exactly what will be required of me until I get my first assignment. However, they told me they believe each assignment will be about 1 - 1.5 hours work (I suspect more, but will have to see).

With the exchange rates the way they are, $20US is less in $AU so I will be making even less again. I don't believe the rate they have offered is appropriate for my experience and education. I earned $40/hr in my last job as a technical writer, which was not even freelance.

I believe the industry standard is $35/hr MINIMUM (can be much higher, but I would be prepared to accept $35). I also believe I am uniquely qualified for this job, as far as they're concerned because they are a US company who needs an Australian proofreader, I was referred to them through a friend so they didn't need to advertise, and I doubt they had anyone else lined up.

Can I negotiate? How would I do so. I am absolutely terrible at negotiating and I'm worried that they'd say "$20 or nothing, we'll find someone else." I just don't know what I should do.

Of course you can negotiate but yes, they could walk away. Depends on what your bottom line is. I agree that $20 per hour is too low. So you could tell them what you told us about industry rates and what you've earned in the past.

In your situation, I'd probably ask for $35 and offer to do the first assignment prior to signing a contract for free to show them you're worth it.

It could well be that you'll cost more per hour but be quicker than they're used to?

I agree. $20 an hour is ridiculously low. I personally wouldn't accept it (even $35 an hour is too low).

It depends on how badly you need the work and if you would be bothered if they walk away.

Good luck!!!

That's a very low rate for the role. A friend of mine proofs & edits reports for AU$150 p/hr. Do you need the work? What do you think it's worth? You need to work out what you need to earn, to include provision for super, workcover etc in addition to taxes.

I personally wouldnt do it for that rate. Work out what you want, double it and negotiate from there. If you pretend it's a game or you're negotiating for someone else, it makes it easier. But do the maths first. Also, do you need to register an ABN and a business name?

I would start by saying that the work sounds interesting but that you were looking for a higher hourly rate than what they are offering. Outline what you have been getting previously and let them know what industry standard is here. They may have no idea they are offering too low or they may be deliberately trying to get you cheaply.

If you know what your minimum is then keep that in mind. They can either negotiate or say that is what they are paying. Then you can decide what to do.

Thanks, I'll pluck up some courage and see what I can do.



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