Question:
Hi Marie. I have an offer for a position, but the salary is a bit low, they offer only 2 weeks of vacation/personal time and the start date is a little inconvenient for me. How do I negotiate to get a more suitable outcome?Â
Sincerely,
Needing more
Marie’s Answer:
Negotiating a compensation package is always tricky, and many job seekers are reluctant to even attempt it. Here are a few tips, in general, and some specific to your particular case.
1 – Arrange your points of negotiation in order of importance to you. Focus on the most important one, and maybe the second, no more. It’s better to achieve your main objective, then none at all.
2 – Go through the offer letter and create a list of questions to ask, in addition to the ones surrounding compensation, start date and vacation.
3 – List any questions or points of clarification/confirmation in order of “sensitivity,” salary being the last on your list. Put every point into writing so that you’re totally prepared.
4 – KNOW in advance the exact amount that you want salary wise, desired vacation days and start date.
5 – Look on your offer letter and see who signed it and what phone number is provided for questions about the offer. CALL that number and ask for the person signing the letter, unless instructed otherwise. This is best not handled by email, unless asked to do so by phone.
6 – When you call, ask if it’s a good time to ask a few questions about the offer. If it is, start with telling the person how incredibly glad you are to have the offer and say really nice things about the company and people. Then, start with your easiest questions/clarifications first.
7 – Toward the end, ask if there is any “Flexibility” around the compensation package, start date or vacation time, in the order of importance to you. This way you force them to respond to you, and you let them know there’s room for improvement on all three. However, you’re not asking for or demanding anything.
8 – Feel out their responses and go from there. Be ready to give a range of fair salaries, given the responsibilities of the role, your experience and the market for this type of talent.
Good Luck!
As a former Human Resources professional engaged in recruiting, selection and employee development, I have encountered numerous situations in which the offered candidate inquires about the compensation and benefits package offered. The reasonableness, tact and preparedness demonstrated by the candidate can impact not only the negotiation but can also color the relationship with the employer. A number of employees got their relationship with their employer “off on the wrong foot” with attempts at negotiation that revealed a lack of those three aforementioned qualities.
So I encourage you to think through your reasons for engaging in negotiations, do the homework on current market practices and practice tact and graciousness.
Good luck.
It makes perfect sense, Marie. Thank you for answering my question and giving me your insightful perspective.
Hi Peter Han – thank you for your tips and advice too. I appreciate it.