How to Respond to a Job Offer With Negotiating Conditions

One way to respond to an offer is by writing a letter.

The best time to negotiate after getting a job offer is just after getting an offer and before accepting the job. The best approach is to enter negotiation with a solid explanation of why you are worth getting top dollar, not an emotional plea for why you want it. In addition to wage consideration, there may be bargaining room for additional training opportunities, vacation time, retirement benefits and other benefits.

Instructions

Instruction

1. Express sincere appreciation for the job offer and show enthusiasm for the job. Let the employer know that you need time to evaluate the entire compensation package. Indicate when there will be a final decision.

2. Identify and rank what you value in a job. Factors may include the precise duties of the job, benefits, location, low stress level, physical work environment and pay. Decide on the minimum amount of compensation that will be acceptable.

3. Conduct salary research to determine your worth. Find websites that offer salary calculators, salary surveys, and similar job listings with specified pay levels. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) website has an online salary calculator designed to save users time and money. The salary calculator determines the pay for persons at varying levels of experience for more than 1,000 occupations.

4. Write a counter proposal letter to respond to the job offer. State the preferred salary based on salary averages for your field and in your geographic area. Demonstrate your value with key selling points, such as how you will make a direct or long-term impact on the company. Continue to express interest and enthusiasm for the job and the company.

5. Ask the employer for a follow-up meeting to discuss a counter proposal, if you prefer not to write a counter letter. According to QuintCareers.com, job seekers should always negotiate base salary first before moving on to other elements of the job offer. The other negotiating elements may include moving expenses, paid vacation or personal days, professional training, bonuses, and more.

Tips & Warnings

• Never lie about your previous salaries. Falsifying employment or salary information may be grounds for termination in the future.

• Ask for a letter of employment, which states all the approved employment conditions, such as wages and benefits. This document is essential if the conditions of your employment differ from the original job offer.

References

• US Bureau of Labor Statistics: How Much Should I Be Earning?
• NACE: NACE Salary Calculator
• "QuintCareers.com"; Job Offer Too Low? Use These Key Salary Negotiation Techniques to Write... Letter; Randall Hansen

Resources

• "MSN Careers"; 5 Steps For Successful Salary Negotiation; Selena Dehne
• "Better Mondays"; Savvy Salary Negotiations In Hard Times; Barry Lawrence
• "Canadian Living"; Top 10 Tips For Salary Negotiations; Alan Kearns
• "QuintCareers.com"; Job Offer Too Low? Use These Key Salary Negotiation Techniques to Write... Letter; Randall Hansen