Evaluating Offers & Salary Negotiation
Congratulations, you’ve receive a job offer! Now you get to choose whether or not to accept it. This decision isn’t always easy and there is rarely a “right” or “wrong” answer, but you want to assess whether or not the job, the company, the salary, and the overall compensation package are a good fit for you.
STEP 1: Decide whether or not to accept
- Do you really want this particular job or are you just excited to have an offer?
- Do you believe this position will allow you to grow and expand your talents and skills?
- Will this role help you get the next job you want?
- Are the salary, benefits, and work environment a fit with your values, lifestyle, and needs?
In some cases, you may be weighing multiple job offers or waiting to hear back from a more desired employer. If that’s the case, consider:
- Calling your first choice and inquire about the status of the hiring process. You can mention that you have another offer, but would really prefer to work for their company.
- Asking the company that offered you the position if they can give you a few days or weeks to consider the offer.
STEP 2: Assess the salary offer
- How does the offer compare to other offers you’ve received?
- Are there additional benefits being offered (medical and dental insurance, transportation costs, life insurance, number of paid holidays, vacation time, sick leave, gym memberships, etc.)?
- How does the offer compare to industry standards in the area?
- Do you have special experience or skills that make you worth more?
STEP 3: Salary Negotiation Tips (optional, but highly encouraged)
Employer are ALMOST ALWAYS willing to negotiate because they want top candidates to accept their offers. However, knowing how to negotiate in a professional manner is critical. Here are some tips:
- Maintain a professional attitude. (The way you negotiate sets the stage for future interactions with your colleagues)
- Focus on what you are worth (based on your skills and experience), not what you need.
- Enter negotiations with a target salary range based on your research of the organization or position.
- Be aware of monetary and cultural cues in the organization.
Things to remember:
- Generally, the first person to mention a specific number loses the negotiation.
- If you don’t ask, you will never know if you could have gotten a raise!
- Negotiating in a professional manner indicates that you know what you want and can stand up for yourself, but can also compromise and collaborate.
STEP 4: What to do after you’ve accepted the job (and salary)
- Ask for the revised offer in writing
- Once you accept a job, do not back out. Stop looking for other jobs. Have no regrets. (Remember, you can always find another job later!)
- Inform other companies that they should no longer be considering your application.
- Thank those who helped you during your job search and provide them with an update.
