Any job seeker who’s trudged through the hiring process would be thrilled to get a job offer. Candidates usually direct all their efforts toward securing the role.
Too often, there are reservations about negotiating the terms of a job offer and most forgo the thought altogether. You certainly wouldn’t want to compromise the chances of getting a job that’s already waiting for you.
In fact, most companies do provide some room for negotiation. If you’re looking to use this to your advantage, read through the points below to deftly navigate the negotiation process and get much closer to an offer you’d be more than happy to sign.
When to negotiate an offer
Once you get a job offer, let the hiring manager know that you’re grateful and very interested in accepting the offer. After which, ask for some time to fully evaluate it.
The best time to negotiate is after you’ve considered the offer in its entirety. Getting the full picture means considering all the aspects of the job offer. This is necessary if you want to come into the negotiation process armed with a good strategy.
Aside from salary, an offer has many other facets. It’s best to be cautious about evaluating an offer solely on compensation. Look at potential gains like network-building and experience.
Other important considerations such as professional development and work-life balance should factor into your decision-making as well. Once you have a clear picture of the job offer that’s on the table, you can then evaluate and decide if you have strong reasons to negotiate.
Know why you’re negotiating
It’s always ill-advised to make demands that can’t be justified. While hiring managers are focused on getting you the role, you need to establish why you’re worth what you’re asking for. It’s essential to be reasonable, clear and confident about your reasons for negotiating.
One compelling reason to negotiate salary is if your market research has shown that the compensation package is much lower than it should be for your level of seniority, skill set and the industry that you work in. On this point, make sure to do thorough research to know where you stand in the market. If possible, reach out to your network to gain more insights.
A few other reasons would be if the total job package is very different from what you expected or you would like to request revisions on the initial offer i.e. more flexible working hours, paid time-off, allowances, reimbursements etc.
How to negotiate
The right mindset is key. At the end of the day, candidates and hiring managers have the same end goal. The person on the other side of the negotiating table has their own concerns and worries about the process and its outcome. Negotiations can be a collaborative process. It doesn’t always need to be as tense as we perceive it to be.
Have a list of your negotiables and non-negotiables. This helps you identify any roadblocks that can be easily removed during the negotiation process. It will also provide a much clearer picture of what’s really important to you and how much you’re willing to compromise.
Try to get a sense of the constraints that the hiring manager is facing. These will have a significant impact on the outcome of the negotiation so it will be useful to know these limitations.
It’s always ideal to start from a place of agreement as this will definitely make the process much easier. You want the hiring manager to see that you’re actually part of the same team. Instead of coming off as adversarial or arrogant, communicate your message in a way that shows your willingness to work towards an ideal outcome.
As the negotiation progresses, keep in mind that the conversation should always reflect your intentions and that these intentions are clearly communicated and understood. You can always emphasize your value and advocate for yourself without sacrificing likability and professionalism.