Almost all job seekers have been in situations where they realize after they accept a position that they could have asked for more. Yet many people are not comfortable negotiating their employment package because they fear they will be perceived as aggressive and will damage the relationship they have tried so hard to build during the interview process.
But once there is an ofer on the table, you generally have some leverage to negotiate. Remember, the employer picked you over many other candidates. They want the negotiation to be successful as well. Below are tips for how to get the most out of the negotiation process while creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.
- Determine your priorities before you negotiate. Knowling what you are not willing to give up makes it easier to decide what you will give up.
- Don’t ignore job openings because of salary concerns; an initially undesirable position can become exceptionally desirable quite quickly.
- The negotiation process begins the moment you submit your resume and continues until the offer is finalized. Value=Earning power. Always.
- Ask for what you want in terms of what is reasonable and fair; never give ultimatums.
- Anything is negotiable if you can prove why it is important to the job.
- When negotiating, don’t be the first one to name a salary; if you request less than they were planning to offer they won’t offer you more.
- Past salary is irrelevant to future salary; past salary only relates to what someone was willing to pay you at another time for a different job.
- When negotiating salary, don’t base your salary expectation on a previous salary; instead base it on what the market will bear.
- If asked your salary requirements, ask if you can learn more about the job first, or ask for the salary range before divulging your salary.up.
- Uncover your competition if you can; knowing how many peope you are up against for a job can help you decide how hard to push in the negotiation stage.
- Most hiring managers do not make their best offer first.
- If your new job entails negotiating on behalf of the company, the employer will expect you to be able to negotiate on behalf of yourself.
- Don’t feel compelled to take an offer on the spot; it is reasonable to ask for up to a week to make your decision.
- Get the offer in writing; it’s pretty hard to prove something was agreed upon over a handshake.
