The big question is, where do you go from there? It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of getting an offer after a tedious search that we forget the most important aspect; advocating for yourself and shaping the terms of employment. Signing off agreements or contracts before negotiating the terms is a lapse in judgment that could lead to an unfulfilling job or career due to unsatisfactory terms.
Negotiating salary is very important but it is not the only thing you should be focused on when negotiating a job offer. There are non-monetary terms to a job offer that are equally important. They include flexible work hours, benefits, responsibilities, professional development, vacation and leave, and accommodation or relocation. Note that terms of negotiation vary depending on several factors such as industry, nature of work, or company policies.
This article gives practical advice on how to take charge of the negotiation process to get fair and satisfactory terms of employment as well as reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
It is okay to take time to consider the offer tabled to you. Most employers understand the value of evaluating the offer and accord a few days to consider it. Use this time to carefully go through the offer and formulate a negotiation strategy. Draft questions or notes on areas that may not be clear and present them during your negotiation.
While most employers are kind enough to give you time to consider their offer, do not take too long to give feedback. It gives the impression that you are not interested or you got a better job offer. When drafting your response, stipulate a reasonable duration that you will need for consideration and when you will be open to negotiation. For example, " Thank you for the job offer. I kindly request three days to consider the offer and explore potential areas for negotiation. I will provide my response and any negotiation points by [date)" This response is date specific implying that you are open to negotiation. Employers/recruiters are more likely to give you the time requested and close the chapter of looking for other potential candidates.
A job negotiation is similar to a job interview in that one should never go unprepared. Doing market research helps you negotiate from a point of strength. Not only does it help you set realistic expectations but also demonstrates your knowledge and credibility. When you are armed with market research during your negotiation, it demonstrates to the employer that you have done your homework and are well-informed about industry standards. This helps you to avoid undervaluing or overestimating your value. Market research also comes in handy when negotiating your salary. It gives you insight on what the average salary for that role is effectively determining whether the offer was competitive or low. Lucky are you if you received several offers. You can do a comparison and determine the best offer for you. It is acceptable to accept, negotiate or turn down an offer. The secret lies in the manner in which you do it. You never know when your paths will cross again.
When reviewing a job offer, reflect on what you hope to achieve. For example, if your goal is to maintain a work-life balance, that would make you negotiate for flexible working hours or arrangements such as remote work. If you have several responsibilities and you feel the salary is not enough, you could negotiate for perks, benefits, or a higher salary. Consider your goals and needs when negotiating for terms of your employment contract.
Your case in this case are reasons as to why you need better terms. Your reasons should entail relevant skills, experience, and achievements. Be prepared to discuss the contributions you can make to the company rather than your personal needs. Consider most angles of your negotiation outcomes. Anticipate questions that may arise and prepare your responses carefully. This will put you one step ahead in the negotiations.
Instead of directly requesting an increase in salary without any specific basis, it is advisable to present a salary range supported by thorough research. By doing so, you demonstrate that you have invested time and effort into understanding the market value of your skills and experience. Providing a specific salary range based on your research not only shows that you are well-informed but also indicates that your request is grounded in reason and fairness.
The significance of employing tact cannot be overestimated. Consider the following statements:
In a bid to communicate the value you have to offer, be careful not to seem rude or corky. It reflects poorly on your professionalism and may have your employer rethinking their offer.
Do not shy away from negotiations. Look at it this way; when you go to the market, you assess the value of certain goods before making a purchase. If the seller's price is higher than the value of the goods, you haggle and come to a mutually benefitting price. Most sellers set a higher price so that when you are haggling the final price is accommodating to them. In the same case, employers expect negotiations. The salary stipulated in job offers mostly aligns with the company's budget. If they have room for making favorable adjustments, why wouldn't you negotiate? Be confident when negotiating. Do not get the short end of the stick simply because you were afraid of negotiating.
Negotiating for better terms requires a strategic approach. Understanding your value helps you negotiate better. Recognize the value you have to offer and prioritize your needs based on that. The terms could be salary, benefits, or working hours. Initiate the negotiations in a confident, professional, and respectful manner. It is not enough to say that you do not agree with specific terms. Clearly articulate your reasons for seeking better terms, focusing on the value you bring to the company and how improved terms would benefit both parties. Back up your requests with relevant evidence, such as market research, industry benchmarks, or specific accomplishments that demonstrate your worth. Present your case logically and persuasively. Most importantly, maintain a collaborative approach. Avoid issuing ultimatums. Be flexible and open to compromise. If certain terms are not able to be met at that particular point, you could negotiate for them to be improved based on performance or after working with them for a while.
A written document is legally binding. In case of any challenges that arise, you could use the contract or agreement as a point of reference. You could take notes during the negotiations of the terms and have them included in the contract. Review the terms and conditions carefully before signing the document. Ensure that the final contract is a reflection of all the negotiated terms. Once the formalities are complete, ensure that you have a copy of your employment contract.
Negotiating a job offer can be an empowering and rewarding experience, allowing you to shape your employment terms and secure a position that aligns with your aspirations. Embrace the concept of job negotiation and approach it with a collaborative approach. With these strategies in mind, you can confidently negotiate a job offer that reflects your value, contributes to your professional growth, and sets you up for success in your new role. All the best!
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