Career Tools: Interviews: Negotiating the Offer
When they call you back, it's a good thing. OK, so that was obvious. What is a little tougher is figuring out exactly how to seal the deal with the best possible job offer you can get. There is much more to a job offer than a salary, although that is certainly the biggest and best place to start. Know beforehand what a comparable applicant for your position is paid. Sometimes an employer may even ask what you think your salary should be. Other times a company may have a pay scale. If an employer makes you an offer that you think is a little low for your field, don't be afraid to ask for a little more. Remember, the employer picked you for the job because they want you. That gives you some leverage. But be careful not to come across as greedy. That is a sure-fire way to get your offer reneged. If applicants in your position usually make between $27,000-$32,000, don't ask for $38,000.
It is OK to talk about signing bonuses, which many companies do offer. Raises? You can negotiate a time frame for when your salary is increased and by what percentage. The same deal goes for title promotions. If you are in a financial world you may be open to a year-end bonus. Don't make too many demands about the bonus since it will be based on the work you'll do over the year and not the credentials you come into the job with.
There are many non-financial items up for discussion as well. Does your firm offer health and dental insurance? Help with student loans? Use of a company car? Reimbursement for gas and mileage if you use your own car to travel? Moving expenses? These can be very important since you are likely moving out of your dorm or apartment and possibly even your school's city when you take a new job. Does your job have other perks such as a 401 K, stock options, a health club membership or an expense account? Find out what all these “options” are beforehand so you can ask if they are all available to you. Finally, vacation days may be on the table for discussion. Two weeks is pretty standard for a first job, but perhaps you could ask for a couple extra “personal” days that can be used at anytime. Find out the company's policy on sick days. You don't want to take a job that doesn't pay you if you take one or two days off when you are ill.
