OK, so you have been sending dozens of job applications hoping that one of them will get you a Job Interview! And then what happened? Not only that you succeeded in all rounds of Interviews, you also got the job offer!
You got the offer! – Now what?
First you need to make sure that this is the job you are really looking for; that it is the place where you can achieve success and where you can build a career path. If you can’t find yourself in it– then there is no need to even think about the negotiation! Leave it and move forward. Because no matter how good or appealing this offer would sound, eventually you will end up being miserable and your employer as well. And you definitely don’t want that!
This is THE JOB – and you are THE MAN — Negotiate!
If you are sure that this is a good or a pretty good offer for you, and your capabilities and expertise can add value to this employer, then you might want to start considering whether or not to negotiate. You can actually negotiate two or three things – as maximum!
Often, these negotiations are about compensation, but many times they may also include a title or other benefits.
What you need to do is to be very clear on what you actually want before you think about negotiation. You have to decide and work on two things:
#1 “non-negotiable package” – here you can include the stuff that are your priorities and you won’t be able to get the job if they are not part of the agreement. This package differs from one to another. For some it might be the working hours, for others would be providing a car or maybe a three week summer vacation. It is important to become aware of your priorities before getting into the negotiation process.
#2 “give some – lose some package” – this package will get you to win all these things from “non-negotiable package”.Here you need to be smart, and include things that will benefit your future employer enough to agree on terms of Package No1. It can be flexible working hours, working from home, lower salary during holidays, additional projects….etc.
After you have everything clear in your head, you are ready for the negotiations:
The approach is:
1. THANK the hiring manager for the offer
2. REMIND him/her why you are interested
3. STATE what your concerns are and what you are looking for
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But certainly in any negotiation you need to have a backup plan. Not only what you are going to do if they said “NO”, because some companies don’t negotiate at all, but also alternatives, because some negotiate only within certain parameters.
Have your negotiation thought out in advance. Be ready to demonstrate the business reasons and the value you bring to that employer.
Keep it positive and you can actually end up with win-win for both, you and the employer! Good Luck!