Do you need to negotiate? Does their offer match your “Best Case Scenario”?

After receiving a job offer, it is now up to you to decide if you need to negotiate. Remember, you may choose not to negotiate if you feel your needs are being met.

Consider negotiation as a way for both parties to express their value to one another and a way for both parties to get what they want. Determine what value you bring to the organization and how that value may be increased by having some of your additional needs met. By expressing what value you would bring to the organization, both parties will be able to gain something through your negotiation. It would therefore be a win-win situation for you and the organization.

Remember there is nothing personal about negotiation. The person whom you’ll speak with during a negotiation is only a representative of the organization and may be limited by the organizations finances and policies.

If you decided you want to negotiate, contact the employer and determine if there is a time when you may speak about your job offer. The hiring manager is the person you are most likely to negotiate with; as in most cases they possess the authority to alter the offer.

The recruiter can be an advocate and a resource to you in this process. They can provide you with an understanding of corporate process and policy as well as provide you insight into the hiring manager’s negotiating style.

The meeting should be done over the phone or face-to-face and never via email. You want the opportunity to talk with the employer to convey your position, perspective, and value as well as hear and understand their position. This is a dynamic conversation and not one that can affectively take place through email.

During your conversation, let the employer know how much you are interested in their job offer. Express your desires by letting the employer know what value would be added to their organization by meeting your needs. Utilize the data you gathered about your market value.

Know that the most commonly negotiated aspects of the offer are the salary, sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, vacation, stock incentives, and the start date.

If the employer is unable to negotiate, you must then determine if you are still willing to accept their offer. You may need to ask for time to continue to make your decision. Are enough of your needs being met?

Accepting the Offer

If you have been able to successfully negotiate to have your additional needs met, review them with the employer to make sure both parties understand the verbal commitment. Ask for the agreement to be put into writing.

An Offer In Which Your Needs Are Not Met

If you feel that after your negotiation, the employer was unable to meet your needs, you may need to ask for time in order to reconsider their original offer.