How to Negotiate Benefits in a Job Interview

Negotiate to win, but only when the time is right. You must first prove your strengths in a highly competitive job market. A top job-performance record and a costly college education can allow you to negotiate benefits in a job interview. Follow these steps to improve your negotiating skills.

Instructions

Assemble Your Tools

1. Ready your assets for presentation. Bring a detailed resume to outline your accomplishments professionally and academically.

2. Spend 2 to 3 hours in preparation for your interview. Practice speaking about yourself with upright posture and conviction.

3. Wear your best suit. If you don't have one you think is presentable enough, rent one. When you've got what it takes to negotiate benefits, present yourself as though you don't need them.

Present Your Best

1. Be rested and alert on the day of the interview. Write a list of the specific benefits you'd like to be compensated with. Memorize the list so you can confidently present it.

2. Feel assured that your qualifications and demeanor can help you claim all that you desire in the job interview, but use caution. Overconfidence can work against you if it veers closer to cockiness.

3. Get there early and keep your chin raised for a smile and welcoming eye contact. Research company information online so you can energize your presence with enthusiasm and credibility. Know who their competitors are and what they provide that's different. Show how you can do it better.

Snare Your Claim

1. Develop momentum in your job interview so that you feel in control. Ask specific questions throughout, and when the opportunity arises, offer your educated view as deferentially as possible.

2. Seize your opening near the end when the interviewer runs out of steam ahead of you and you feel confident they want you. Secure your pay rate and negotiate benefits to close the deal. Do this before they have the opportunity to tell you what they offer.

Tips & Warnings

• Know how the company compensates other employees, especially the person interviewing you.

• Use caution in your first interview. A situation like this requires tact; therefore, you must be patient and state your expectations at just the right time.

• Don't be so determined that you fall into the trap of discussing illegal information like marital status, gender preferences or religion.