So, your interview was superb and your recruiters have closed the offer with a big smile speaking out “Congratulations, you have got the job” and a good salary package. While you are all excited about the job offer and the salary also seems to be satisfying, you wish you could negotiate on the offer a little. Quite a tricky situation to deal with! With the economy being a little tough these days, offering expected salary is above expectations, but nevertheless, if you are willing to exploit your knowledge and resources for a position that pays better to other people working in other organizations, then this article would be worth a read. While negotiating on the job offer can be risky, it is never wrong to give the same a shot, lest you regret later. So, before you accept the offer and excitedly say “yes”, there are certain factors that you should bear in mind to avoid regretting at a later stage. Thus, do not be one of those applicants who are desperate for a job and snap the offer at the very first instance, without even thinking about negotiating it. Consider the following pointers while negotiating a job offer.
How To Negotiate A Job Offer
Do Not Accept Instantly
Agreed that you have been offered a handsome salary and several perks as your annual package; never accept the offer on the spot. Express your appreciation for offering such a package and enquire about how long you can take to make a decision. On the given time duration, think about the offer and plan your approach. Since your employers need you as much as you need the job, they will be waiting to hear from you and consider your negotiation.
Specify Your Priorities
Consider what is important and what is not important to you before you make the decision and accept the offer. Further, salary is not the only factor to be negotiated on. Think about the full compensation package rather than just the basic salary offered to you. You can negotiate on other pointers as well, such as extra days of vacations, types of expenses that the company is willing to take care of, flexible working hours, and location, depending upon what is more important to you.
Be Yourself
Do not adopt a negotiation style that is not your cup of tea. Do not exhibit a character that is not you by being very cooperative with your employers if you are aggressive and vice versa. Be tactful and considerate keeping rudeness aside, as it has no place in such discussions. Your negotiations should be based on the industry, position, and the person whom you are dealing with.
Know Your Worth
Before you go for negotiating a job offer, start doing your homework. Visit websites and research the job title and salary offered to you. Are you being paid according to your qualifications and experience? Is the salary that is offered to you at par with the average salary offered to other people in the related field? Also, consider the additional expenses that the new job is likely to involve, like relocation, commutation, etc. Instantly accepting the offer highlights low aspiration on part of the applicant, thereby reducing his/her image and value in the eyes of the employer. But if you negotiate for a better offer, it would emphasize your confidence in your abilities and value, thereby winning you a grudging admiration.
Begin The Negotiation Process
With all the information in your hand, you can start the negotiation process with your future boss. Never negotiate with a recruiter or human resources personnel. Also, never present a salary figure from your side, though you must always bear a “magic figure” in your head. You can begin with asking for a salary that is in line with such positions in the market. Always discuss the offer as a whole before coming to the salary specifics. State your current salary grossed up with all bonuses, commissions, and benefits you receive. Do not limit yourself to just pre-tax salary.
Be Flexible
The negotiation is a give and take process. You have to concede some points to gain something in return that can be valuable to you personally. This is what you call a “fair game”. Never exaggerate your qualifications, work experience, or salary, as you may risk your offer letter from being turned down or you may even be fired from your job if your employers discover the truth later on.
Close The Negotiation
After you have reached your salary goal or if you feel you have gone too far in negotiating for a salary hike, it is time to stop and accept the offer made by your employer. End the conversation on a positive note expressing your thanks for the offer and ensuring that you would fulfill your duties full-heartedly and dedicatedly. Let him know when you would call him with your final decision and never leave the employer hanging for days.
As long as the employer has accepted to offer you a higher salary, there is nothing wrong with negotiating the job offer. With so many options and alternatives laid before you, you can surely get a job of your choice. All the best!
