Negotiating Job Offers

Negotiating Job Offers

Do homework on industry & company (web, career office, network – and their contacts)

  • What salary should you expect?​
  • What do you BRING to the table?​
  • Where do you fit with the existing people and capabilities?​

Check out the video below for some tips from Indeed about how to negotiate once a job offer has been made!

Based on the video above, you can see a few takeaways:

  1. Do your homework! Research the lowest average salary and highest salary for this position, and remember to account for things like location, experience, certifications, and education.
  2. Negotiation is about give and take: you have to know what you want while also knowing where the other person is coming from.
  3. Know your range: Understand that if you have a range, the employer will likely lean towards the lower number, so the bottom of your range should still be something you're comfortable accepting. A fair way to start negotiation is asking for slightly more than your goal but stay flexible.
  4. Keep calm: If the recruiter calls, you'll be eager, but stay calm for what they say. If you recognize the number, you can give yourself a moment to let the phone ring a couple of times take a breath and to collect yourself.
  5. Know what you have: If they ask why you're worth the salary you're asking for, be ready to explain your strengths. Try to keep a list ready with: Successes from past roles, Awards or honors you've received, Years of experience, Work that you're proud of
  6. Know your alternatives! Maybe an employer can't or won't meet the salary you want outright, but that's not always a reason to walk away. Consider what's most meaningful to you and what else they have to offer. Do you value any of the following? If so, you can ask if they'll offer that as an alternative for more money.
  • Increased vacation time
  • Health care benefits
  • Signing bonuses

Before we move on:

Please take a moment to write down 2-3 things you would highlight about yourself if you were advocating for a better salary offer. It doesn't matter if they're perfect right now, but it's important to practice and be ready for when it matters.

If a recruiter asks "why do you think you deserve a better offer," what might you say?

Complete and Continue