Got an offer to join Duo Security business unit of Cisco. Team is based out of Ann Arbor Michigan. The position is remote though. Looking for insights about the offer if and how can I negotiate better. Currently based out of Seattle. Offer details: Yoe: 3 years Level: grade 8 Base: 155k Bonus: 7 percent Signing bonus: 15k No RSUs. Location: Remote (Seattle) Edit1: offer update Stocks: 20k split over 3 years I tried to ask for more but recruiter said this is the best that they can do. The salary range is MRR Zone 2. #tech #cisco
What level and YOE?
How come no RSUs?
I’m kinda surprised too. Not sure.
Cisco doesn’t have much of a standard for these things. You should ask for more money. They don’t have any schedule or clarity on refreshers. So, you may want to maximize both the base and get as much on hire as you can.
u wont get much diff after nego.. its a solid offer from cisco perspective
How do you know?
Because it’s remote, there’s no rsu
Is that their policy? Can you explain more why is that?
You can get higher base and sign-on bonus
Great base offer and it certainly can’t hurt to ask for RSUs but those are typically offered and given to higher grade levels. Signing bonus is also a good thing to ask for. At $155 in Grade 8, you’ll probably be in Zone 3, which means your base salary will be capped out if not already. That means that in the Aug/Sep Focal (pay raise) period, you won’t get an increase or at best, something minimal. Make sure you ask the recruiter what your Market Reference Range (MRR) will be at that base salary. If they say Zone 3, you’ll know that raises will be tight until you get a promotion. Also, if your hiring manager doesn’t have higher grade levels they oversee, he/she won’t get RSU budget, which means you won’t get RSUs either. Depending on your aspirations, and how long you want to stick around at Cisco, you can try to ask for grade 10 (I don’t think we have a 9 but could be wrong) and take a lower base initially. The 12% bonus (instead of 7%) will offset your loss on base salary and since your base will likely be in Zone 1 or 2, the door will be open for a nice increase in the fall (assuming company and individual performance). Not to mention the likelihood for RSUs will increase. Having said all of that, I totally understand the need for a higher base salary. You should feel good knowing that $155K is a great starting base. I would start a grade 10 with decent experience at $155K to give you perspective. Good luck!
One more thing. Being remote or in person does not impact RSUs. Anyone can ask for sign-on RSUs, and may receive them but annual RSU budget is typically given when a manager has higher grade levels like grade 10, 11 12. The general rule of thumb is to give lower grade levels, base salary raises and reserve the RSUs for the higher grades.
Thank you all for your suggestions and help. I have accepted the offer and looking forward to join.
Yoe?
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