How to Negotiate a Job Offer When Still Employed

You will have to be discreet when searching for a new job.

Negotiating a job offer while you are still employed can be relatively difficult, especially if you work during regular business hours when a potential employer would likely call. After receiving a call on your cell phone at work, you will have to be polite to the potential employer while not giving it away to your current employer that you are searching for other work, because often he won't know. You will have to be courteous to your current employer with notice so that your future employer respects the way you treat your boss.

Instructions

1. Thank the potential employer and tell her that you will return her call when you are on a lunch break if you are at work. Phone the employer while you are on the break and away from your current employer. Listen to what the potential employer has to offer and ask her if you can get back to her the next day, after you have considered the offer.

2. Contemplate the offer and make any adjustments to it that you see fit. Pitch a counteroffer to the potential employer the next day when you are away from your desk.

3. Don't reveal your current wages and benefits. Only tell the potential employer what you hope to be receiving.

4. Avoid attempting to create a bidding war with your current employer. For example, don't approach your current employer and tell him you received an offer for a job at a rate of $40,000 per year, but you will stay if they can pay you $42,000. Attempting a bidding war could ruin your reputation with both employers.

5. Make sure you let the potential employer know that you are currently employed and will have to give your present employer at least two weeks' notice about leaving. Ask for any additional time that you might need.

References

• LeighThompson.com: Negotiating a Job Offer
• The Ladders; Searching While Employed, Play it Safe; Marc Cenedella; August 2011