Does anyone have any insight on how to approach civilian employment contract negotiations (e.g. bonuses, wages, etc.)?

I am not completely clear that if your asking about a regular hire as a civilian into a private company or hire as a independent 1099 contractor but I can address the first since I have no clue on the second but I hear the second can be lucrative in some cases.

1. There is a website called glass door that will give you a rough approximation of what insiders get and give you a general info on a company though you have to remember it is viewing the company through someone elses lens and is not always accurate. (see website link below)

2. Generally it is considered in bad taste to raise the topic in your first interview unless the interviewer raises it first. You should wait until at least your hiring interview to raise the topic of Salary and Bonus'.

3. Bonuses in my long experience are based on the company and unless your in the Executive ranks or in Sales your not going to have much influence on them as they are based solely on job performance and meeting targets and are set at the Executive level based on pay level. You can ask what the performance inputs are into your bonus if your future company offers them but I think your not going to have any influence on the size unless your an Executive. Not all companies offer a bonus, so you can ask if they offer a bonus program and what are the criteria. If the answer is no to a bonus ask if stock options are given out as some firms give those out to very high performers in lieu of a bonus then attempt to keep it secret from other employees (it usually leaks out at some point). I get a bonus based on a billable hours target but if Sales sucks and it is beyond my ability to get that said bonus the company has been generous to me and given me a token bonus (far less than I would get for hitting target but better than nothing)............it's something you should ask about as well.

4. Remember also that Vacation time is negotiable for some companies (2 weeks annual to start or 3 weeks annual to start). Most companies that have troubles finding employees are moving to 3 weeks paid vacation a year plus 4-5 personal days. Almost becomming equal to the one month paid leave of the Army. If you put in 20 years already in the Army or are over 45, you really should ask for 3 weeks of vacation instead of taking the 2 they offer. Asking doesn't cost you a thing in my experience most companies will make an exception and give you 3 without too much push back. You have to handle this on a case by case basis depending on company. In my opinion if your 45 or older and they stick to 2 weeks only of vacation they are cheap bastards.

5. Likewise ask about working at home programs or flex time. More and more employers are embracing those as well. I haven't worked outside of my home since May and I am making well over 6 digits.........I can't tell you how nice that is. No commute time or commute costs I can sleep in if I want if there are no meetings or conference calls. Usually they do conference calls by skype so you still have to dress business casual somedays AND they might require you to sign a waiver that you have a home office that meets Federal office ergonomic and safety standards. But if you can try for the work at home option if they offer it. It's worth easily $7-10k in Salary with the money you save personally. If they offer the work at home option, they should cover expenses for a cell phone (100%), home phone (optional if they cover cell phone) and Internet (100%).


https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm

Read the want ads & see what the going rate is for your knowledge & experience... that's your STARTING point

Hey SFC Springman, 1) They will ask how much are you looking for, don't answer this, ask them what does the job pay? 2) Tell them they need to be fair as in the first two weeks you find out how your salary and benefits align to similar personnel and if they short change you will be upset and most-likely leave which will be a lose lose to both. Try to align your capabilities and describe how you will help the company grow. Discuss upward mobility and your ability to bring positive change. In industry there is a lot of dog eat dog, there is a lot of sniping, teamwork and everyone working toward the leadership vision is only good for those who get the credit and others will try to take credit for your work. You will also have a retirement check coming in where others don't thus making them more insecure.