Hello everyone.
I need an advice regarding the job offer I have just received for a position of IT Solution Architect in large multinational in the field of manufacturing based in easter Switzerland. I am 42 years old, hold Master's Degree in Computer science and have 3 years of experience as a Solution Architect.
In my cover letter I have stated that my expected salary range for this position is CHF 125K-140K but did not specificly state that this refers to base compensation. When asked on the first HR interview I have stated that this amount refers to base salary.
The offer I received amounts to CHF 138 K total cash, with CHF 98 K being base salary and remaining CHF 40 K being personal and company performance bonuses.
I was very disappointed since this is 20 percent higher base salary than what I earn in Germany right now, and with three kids and a stay at home wife I am pretty sure my standard of living (since one lives on a month to month base salary) will be worse than it is in Munich. I like the job and the company and would be very happy to take the offer in that regard.
The questions I have for you:
1. Do you think that this is fair compensation in terms of total cash? I have done my resarch and in my mind this would be the case, though being slightly on the lower end of the spectrum (maybe lower 25%)?
2. Is this unusual high split between base compensation and cash bonus and do you think that there is a room for negotiation to increase the base salary and decrease the cash bonus?
3. The compensation that I would be satisfied with would be: CHF 130 K base + 15 K bonus. Do you think that this is reasonable expecration?
Thank you very much for your help!
I think that offer, specifically the base salary of 98k, is low for your age, education and experienced solution architect, similar to what people a couple of levels more junior in many established companies get. Remember, a performance-related bonus is never guaranteed, that's why it is important that your base salary starts as high as possible, as that is your guaranteed income.
They are trying to lowball you here and if I were you I would do my best to adjust that salary to bonus ratio or stay in Munich. 120k base and 20k (or more) bonus would be far preferable to 98k base and 40k bonus.
Stick to your guns and explain that with a family to provide for you want your guaranteed income to be as high as possible and you will not accept a base salary so low. If they really do want you then they should be willing to be reasonable.
I agree with Chuff, too low for your age, education, and experience.
In a EU country of course that would be phenomenal but not here with the high fixed costs.
Thanks Chuff and Sky.
What should I ask for then? (having in mind that I would really like to get the job, but will not accet less than CHF 125 K base salary.)
My gut tells me that they want to hire me as interviews went through very smoothly and quickly.
One additional important point is that I am Croatian citizen (EU, but until end of 2023 still under quotas for B permit, which employer needs to apply for).
Well I think you just answered your own question... ask for a base salary that is no less than you are willing to accept and then negotiate the bonus on top. I assume you have been doing a ton of research on glassdoor etc to build a good idea of a salary range of what experienced solution architects in CH earn.
Yes, I have done the research and the offered total cash is in line with my expectiations, again a bit on the low side. One particularly good source for salary research that I found is Salarium:
https://www.gate.bfs.admin.ch/salari...ex.html#/start
Sound low, should be closer to and above 200k...
I'm speaking from experience (also an Architect in IT and just a little older than you).
What kind of Solutions Architect role is that?
Generally you can find 2 types:
1. Sales/pre-sales with quota attached
2. No quota, more like Enterprise/IT Architect, without having to sell anything
It sounds like no1 from compensations structure, pretty common 70/30-ish split.
If it's indeed no1, then salary is not that good, I know Solution Architects in their mid 30 earning double that (in Zurich, but still), so I would expect 180-200k OTE.
For 2nd options is sounds kind of okay-ish for Ostschweiz.