Negotiating a Job Offer

To negotiate or not to negotiate, that is the question. As much as you were excited to hear the words, "Congratulations, you got the job!" you wonder, is it safe to negotiate or should you just accept the offer? This can be a difficult question to answer. After all, the economy is pretty tough right now and you might not have the luxury of multiple offers from which to choose. However, you have nothing to lose by having the discussion. Although the job market might be tight, there are still job offers being made. So here are some of the basics to consider when negotiating an offer.

What's the Figure?

Once you've heard the magic words, "You're hired," you should have been given a salary figure. If the offer is given to you by phone, don't negotiate yet, just ask to get the quote in writing. Human Resources should send you a letter within a few days outlining the salary and benefits of the position (make sure the exact job title is listed on the letter as well), along with a start date.

Step One: Know Your Worth

In addition to gathering information, you need to strategize the upcoming negotiation process. Aside from being armed with salary statistics, you will need to justify why you deserve a higher salary. What do you have to offer an employer? What skills have you acquired from past experience from internships, co-ops, and school activities? Is your area of study (research) of particular interest to this company? Knowing your strengths and what you have to offer will be your major line of defense.

Step Two: Start the Negotiation Process

Once you have this information in hand, you are ready to start the process of ne gotiating. Never negotiate with a recruiter or Human Resources; it should always be done with your future boss. The number one rule in salary negotiation is you should not be giving the figure. Have your "magic figure" in your head based on your research, but don't give that number out. Consider starting with the statement, "Could you tell me what the salary figure is based upon?" If the response sounds similar to, "Well, all of our Engineer 1s start at this figure,"

Step Three: Consider Topics Other Than Salary

Salary is not the only bargaining point. If you can't budge your future employer on increasing your salary, perhaps there are other topics to consider. Gone are the days of huge signing bonuses but maybe this can be an option. However, keep in mind that with bonuses, 50% is usually taken by the U.S. government. Does the company require a lot of overtime with no monetary compensation? See if they will consider giving you an extra day off over and above what is offered for vacation. What is their relocation policy? If they give you a flat sum, possibly you can find the cheapest way to move and pocket the residual money

Dream Careers

Know who you are, and not just your name. What are your interests? What skills do you possess? Are you cheerful, bubbly, and a people-person? Maybe becoming a teacher is for you. Do you love to get out a saw and wood and create projects? Maybe an architect is the job you want. Spend an hour in a private place, or get together with a friend. Talk about the things you love. Write them down, and analyze them when you're done. See if you can put together an idea.

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   If you have an idea of what you want to do, read up on it! Head for the library, or surf the web. Read as much as you can about your career choice. If you decide you chose wrong, analyze your skills again. Talk with a parent, friend, or professor about what they think.
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   Utilize several different job search techniques and do each of them well. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
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   Keep in touch with people who can positively influence your job search and career. In your future career pursuit, simple reference letter can be of crucial importance.
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   Try to learn about why you don't get every job you apply for. Learn from your mistakes.
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   Before you start applying for jobs ensure you know what you're looking for. A good job search is a focused job search. Make sure to tailor you Resume or CV according to job position that you are applying for.
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   Don't apply for job you aren't qualified for. One of the worst things is lying on your Resume. You might ruin your chances with a company for a job you are qualified for in the future.
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   Manage your references. Don't assume there isn't such a thing as a bad reference. There is. And it can cost you jobs.
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   Plan your career with a long term focus. Short term gain can cause long term pain.
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   Make sure you don't over stress yourself, and don't get your hopes too high, you may jinx it.
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    Take command of your career. Don't rely on other people to get the job for you. Nobody knows you better than your self, just do it.