What is negotiable in an offer of employment? Everything. Yes you heard me right, everything, not just salary but benefits, time off, work lifestyle benefits, type of work, job title, etc.  So the first rule of negotiating an offer of employment is, “You won’t get it unless you ask for it”.   We see many job seekers who are reluctant to even ask for the job in the interview, let alone ask for more to make sure they are getting the best offer possible.

If you have done your research, and are being paid fair market value, and like everything else about the opportunity, by all means accept the offer!  No need to negotiate.

he second rule of negotiating an offer of employment is a counter balance to the first. It is, “be reasonable in what you are asking for or risk seeing your offer withdrawn”.  There is a delicate balance to be struck between asking for more from the employer and not alienating them in the process.  How you ask is just as important as what you ask for.  Do it in a professional and positive manner.  For example, “I am excited about the opportunity and a chance to work for ABC Company.  What would make this offer ideal would be if you could increase the base salary $5000 in recognition of my background and experience”.

Being realistic is critical! Asking for unrealistic compensation is going to make the employer question your judgment and potentially disqualify you as a candidate.  So, if you are not sure, do your research on compensation or ask a trusted advisor for their opinion before you ask the employer.  A good recruiter is also a great source of information.  Many times they can provide guidance on the market in general or a particular client company.

Understanding that companies have pay ranges and compensation polices to which they must adhere is also important.  Especially, large companies, and this often limits the amount of flexibility they have.  Smaller employers generally have more leeway to negotiate.  Then there are the “under payers”, companies that just pay below market wages.  Many times these are considered sweatshops with higher employee turnover.  No amount of negotiating will help here and you may be better off moving on to the next opportunity.
Word to the wise… If the offer is lacking, ask, ask nicely. All they can say is no!

Steve Sullivan, President

Jobwize.net