Step Five Interview: Negotiations

Why

Here are some reasons to negotiate:

• You'll feel better about your job.
  
  
• Your supervisor may respect you for it.
  
  
• You'll demonstrate how you'll negotiate future assignments and other issues at work.

What

For entry-level jobs, wages may be fixed but you can negotiate other benefits. Consider:

• Hours (number, shifts, flexibility of, overtime)
  
  
• Leave (number of days off)
  
  
• Tools, supplies and equipment
  
  
• Work space / office
  
  
• Insurance (when eligible for...)
  
  
• Ongoing education / training (type, frequency)
  
  
• Tuition reimbursement
  
  
• Job title
  
  
• Parking
  
  
• Dependent care
  
  
• Stock options
  
  
• Earlier performance review (and therefore earlier opportunity for wage increase)

How

To negotiate effectively, follow these guidelines:

• Focus on the employer's needs, not yours!
  
  
• Research beforehand so you know what the position is worth for that industry and size of company and how the company is doing financially (see Research, Research, Research).
  
  
• Decide your bottom line — the minimum you can accept — before you begin.
  
  
• Have a positive attitude.
  
  
• Be ready to show why you're worth what you want.
  
  
• Let the employer make the first offer.
  
  
• Don't accept the first offer or show that you think it's good (even if you do).
  
  
• Counter-offer, asking for 10-20 percent more, then BE QUIET.
  
  
• Don't make another offer until the employer responds to your first request!
  
  
• If you don't get what you want in one area, don't give up. Your new boss might want to make up for it by letting you have your way in another area.
  
  
• Get the final offer in writing and signed.