What's Negotiable in Your New Job Offer?

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In this blog we talk a lot about how to find a job.  So let's talk about something more fun.  Let's talk about when you actually receive that job offer.  Receiving an offer is the result of a lot of time, effort and stress on your part and is reason to celebrate.  But before you pop the cork, make sure you've successfully negotiated the terms and salary of your new job.  Any company that hires employees understands that negotiation of salary, paid time off, raises and bonuses is to be expected.  Most people understand this, too.  But how do you approach it and negotiate for what you want successfully?

For some, this is a bit of a new idea.  I'm looking at you, ladies.  Don't get offended.  I'm one, too.  Just hear me out.  Most women didn't realize they could negotiate pay and benefits until fairly recently, and many are still hesitant.   A number of the women I spoke with weren't even aware that it wasn't just acceptable, but expected that they'd negotiate.  If you're a woman and you just accepted what was offered at your last job, it's ok.  You're not alone.  But it's time to get in the game.  The guys have the advantage over us here.  And it's a large part of the reason for the disparity in pay between men and women.  Simply, men ask for more because they know they can.  

Related:  Questions You Should Ask in Your Interview

So the good news is things are negotiable in your new job offer.  The bad news is that not everything is open to negotiation.  You can ask for a higher rate of pay, more paid time off (vacation/sick), and determine your first raise and bonus.  Additionally, if you're relocating, you can ask for relocation costs to be covered as well as for the availability of corporate housing.  You might need a place to stay while finding something more permanent.  If you're being actively recruited from your current job, you can even ask for a sign on bonus.  

What you typically can't negotiate on is health insurance benefits, retirement benefits or observed holidays.  If your new company doesn't let everyone off for a particular holiday, they aren't letting you off, either.  Health insurance and retirement benefits (like a 401K) are group plans that apply the same to everyone and don't have the flexibility that would be needed to negotiate anything beyond what those plans offer.  


When you see the initial offer don't be afraid to counter with a higher salary request.  They may not accept your counter and respond with something less but it's most likely going to be more than what they originally offered.  One of our clients negotiated the salary at her new job for the first time a few months ago.  She rejected and countered their offers twice before agreeing to her new pay.  It was substantially more than the original offer and more than what even she thought she could get.  Don't worry about going back and forth a few times until you at least get close to what you want.  They aren't going to take back the offer and you won't lose the job before you start.  As long as you're asking for things within reason.  A pony is not within reason.  More vacation time, is.

Related: Use LinkedIn to Check Out Your Competition

When negotiating just remember that not only is ok, but it's expected.  You can ask for more than they're offering because they usually have more to offer.  But if they can get away with paying you less, they will.  So don't let them.  Remember, if you don't ask the answer is definitely no.  Besides, no is really the worst thing they could say.  

In the next post coming out on Monday, March 11 we'll talk about how to approach the negotiations.  Included will be what questions to ask, how to word your counter offer and what you can reasonably expect to gain.  Come on back!  Unless you don't care about making more money at your next job.  It's ok.  Not everyone's into that.