Should You Negotiate Your Best Job Offer in a "Buyer’s Market"?
Keep in mind your worksheet is a flexible "wish list" of talking points. You can ask for anything, but demand nothing. If possible, your conversation should be with the person to whom you will report. This is the person who has the greatest sense of urgency to bring you onboard. Once again, express your excitement about joining the team, but ask for "help" in first resolving or clarifying several points.
Give the employer room for suggesting solutions agreeable to both parties. Be mentally prepared to be flexible on all matters. Avoid any appearance of confrontation…after all, you’ve got to "live" with these folks come Monday morning!
The following outlines just a few points that others have successfully negotiated in the past. They are provided for reference purposes only. Every employment situation is unique, and only you should determine the elements you wish to incorporate into a strategy that blends your immediate employment needs with your longer-term career development goals within the company.
Since your request for help is an open forum for discussion, not an ultimatum, be willing to consider alternative solutions. For example, a requested increase in base pay may be declined but substituted with a performance bonus, additional company stock, a more comprehensive relocation package or other perk.
Even in the leanest negotiation, the company may agree to cover Cobra payments or grant immediate vacation days based on your industry seniority.
Suggestions that your requests be revisited at a (typically undefined) later date are quite common. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss your immediate company priorities, performance expectations and timeframes for achievement. In this case, tie your compensation review to mutually agreed upon goals, and set a firm date (once again, get it in writing) that you feel will present you as a "hero."
One final thought, if the employer refuses to accommodate any of the above requests (including a willingness to put the offer in writing), you might still choose to accept the position, but don’t count on it being a career move!
Keep in perspective that in the best of negotiations, no one gets everything. You are embarking on a relationship with Win-Win as your goal. Also keep in mind that any negotiation carries with it some element of risk…a risk you must be willing to accept. I encourage you to get a second opinion (from preferably an experienced source), and that you feel comfortable with your plan. If at all possible, avoid the use of fax and email at this final juncture. Schedule a personal conversation with the employer to discuss your specific situation, remain open-minded, negotiate your best offer and join the company with confidence and enthusiasm.
Dan Puleio is President of Your Life-Your Career, a Web-based company that gets job seekers in the game quickly and cost effectively. He has extensive employment negotiations coaching experience, assisting new graduates through the highest compensated executives in the nation.
Give the employer room for suggesting solutions agreeable to both parties. Be mentally prepared to be flexible on all matters. Avoid any appearance of confrontation…after all, you’ve got to "live" with these folks come Monday morning!
The following outlines just a few points that others have successfully negotiated in the past. They are provided for reference purposes only. Every employment situation is unique, and only you should determine the elements you wish to incorporate into a strategy that blends your immediate employment needs with your longer-term career development goals within the company.
- Base Pay
- Bonus Structure
- Equity Offering
- Benefits Package
- Vacation/ Personal Days
- Relocation Package
- Scheduled Performance Review
- Perks & Company Funded Business Tools
- Separation Agreement
Since your request for help is an open forum for discussion, not an ultimatum, be willing to consider alternative solutions. For example, a requested increase in base pay may be declined but substituted with a performance bonus, additional company stock, a more comprehensive relocation package or other perk.
Even in the leanest negotiation, the company may agree to cover Cobra payments or grant immediate vacation days based on your industry seniority.
Suggestions that your requests be revisited at a (typically undefined) later date are quite common. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss your immediate company priorities, performance expectations and timeframes for achievement. In this case, tie your compensation review to mutually agreed upon goals, and set a firm date (once again, get it in writing) that you feel will present you as a "hero."
One final thought, if the employer refuses to accommodate any of the above requests (including a willingness to put the offer in writing), you might still choose to accept the position, but don’t count on it being a career move!
Keep in perspective that in the best of negotiations, no one gets everything. You are embarking on a relationship with Win-Win as your goal. Also keep in mind that any negotiation carries with it some element of risk…a risk you must be willing to accept. I encourage you to get a second opinion (from preferably an experienced source), and that you feel comfortable with your plan. If at all possible, avoid the use of fax and email at this final juncture. Schedule a personal conversation with the employer to discuss your specific situation, remain open-minded, negotiate your best offer and join the company with confidence and enthusiasm.
Dan Puleio is President of Your Life-Your Career, a Web-based company that gets job seekers in the game quickly and cost effectively. He has extensive employment negotiations coaching experience, assisting new graduates through the highest compensated executives in the nation.
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