How to Negotiate Salary During a Job Offer

Learn when and how to negotiate salary during a job offer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Most companies give their prospects 2-3 interviews. Generally the job offer is given at the end of the final interview. This is the most crucial time to negotiate. At this point you have the "power" because they are waiting for your response. Here you show your appreciation for the offer, but do not accept on the spot. If possible, give the employer a date by which you will make your decision.

2. The offered salary may or may not be negotiable and it may not be fair. To determine these issues, you need to research like jobs and find the salary range.
   
   Here are some resources:
   http://ww.salary.com
   http:///www.careerfsu.edu
   http://www.bls.gov/oco/

3. After doing some research and you decide to accept the offer, you must then decide on your conditions. For example, if they cannot offer a higher salary, would you be happy with a company car instead?

4. Please note that if you make your decision earlier than you anticipated, then by all means, go ahead and contact the employer. This will give them less time to find another likable candidate.
   
   Now go back to the employer with your research (step 2) and your conditions (step 3). Or, if possible have a higher competing offer for the same type of position.
   
   Maintain your professionalism. Make sure not to become too comfortable just because they have given you an offer.
   
   Give them your counter offer. Be prepared with you data and your conditions to state your case. Once they give you a final offer, it is not appropriate for you to ask for more time to decide. You must accept or decline at this time.

[kayt9]

on 10/12/2009 Another aspect of finding the right job fit is to determine if the compensation being offered is a match for you skills. This can be difficult to ascertain initially, but a new site called SalaryFor.com http://www.salaryfor.com/ helps to make this challenge much easier by offering free salary records from an incredible number of companies and positions.

[xtraordinary]

on 8/21/2009 Good article on salary negotiations. 5 stars!