Negotiating Job Offers

Negotiating provides an opportunity to advocate for your worth and potentially secure better compensation or benefits. It is important to approach the process with confidence and professionalism as well as respect. Following are tips and strategies for the process.

When

Salary requests typically occur three times in the search process.

  • First – applications often include a question on salary negotiation which is best to list as a salary range. If that is not an option, list a salary based on your research. 
  • Second – during an interview an employer may ask about your salary expectations. If possible, turn the question back to the employer with a phrase like “I am open to negotiate; can you give me an estimation of the budgeted salary for this position?”
  • Third – most common option is for the negotiation to come at the time of the job offer when a salary and benefits package will be presented by the employer for your consideration.

Negotiation Options

When an offer is presented you have four options: accept, decline, delay, or negotiate. 

  • Accept or Decline – you may have strong enough opinion to immediately accept or decline, but requesting time to consider (delay) is often the best course of action to provide time to consider the offer and your interest.
  • Delay – this request allows you time to consult with others and develop a plan for your next step. If you want to request a delay, respond to the offer by sharing your enthusiasm for the offer and then inquire if you can have time to consider the offer; 3-5 days is generally a realistic amount of time to request.
  • Negotiate – a negotiation can occur immediately upon receiving the offer, or after you have taken time to consider. 

Approach

  • The approach to negotiation should be positive, professional, and polite.
  • Begin the conversation with enthusiasm and gratitude for both the interview and the offer.
  • Prepare sample phrases in advance and always focus on your strengths, not needs.

Sample Phrases

  • I am excited about the offer. My research suggests a salary range of $65,000 to $70,000 for this position, is that possible?
  • I want to restate my interest in the offer and the position. I also wanted to inquire if there is room for negotiation. I have researched salaries with positions of this level and responsibility and would like to inquire if you would consider 5% more than the original offer.
  • Thank you for this job offer. I am very interested in joining the team, but I have some concern regarding the starting salary. Based on my research and my skills set I was hoping the compensation for this position would be in the range of $X – $Y. Is that possible?

What Else Can Be Negotiated?

Remember, salary is not the only thing that can be offered. What else can be negotiated? Depending on the organization, here are some other possible points of negotiation.

Health Insurance 
Relocation Costs
Life Insurance
Expense Accounts 
Sick Leave
Vacation
Personal Days
Educational Support
Bonus System 
Profit Sharing
Insurance for Dependents
Certifications/Licensure
Travel Reimbursement
Organizational Memberships
Family Leave Automobile Allowance
Sabbaticals
Fitness Membership
Hybrid Work
Flextime Work Schedule
Professional Conferences
Cell phone Reimbursement 
Parking
Time to Volunteer