How to Negotiate Benefits With a Job Change
According to Bank Rate, many job seekers give up too soon during benefit negotiations. A lot of companies say they aren't willing to negotiate benefits. However, if you're in demand, negotiations backed with strategy and research can land you better medical coverage, alternative therapies and more vacation time.
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Instructions
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Create a case for negotiating higher benefits. Don't talk about how you need vision coverage for your children who wear glasses. Instead, focus on your value to the organization. For example, explain your accomplishments at your previous organization, such as increasing sales 60 percent over two months. Then, explain that your previous employer offered vision coverage, which you would need from a new employer. Creating an outline for this conversation will help.
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Back your negotiations with research. According to Bank Rate, benefit negotiations are 80 percent research and 20 percent negotiation. Negotiate your total worth using a salary calculator (see Resources). If the employer is offering a market salary lower than it should be, present the research. Tell the employer you're willing to cover the gap with an adjustment to benefits packages.
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Negotiate the specific benefits you need. According to Bank Rate, an employer that doesn't offer the specific benefits you need (such as vision or dental) might consider using an outside insurer to write up a policy. This will keep the expense under the "miscellaneous" item costs in the company's budget, to keep the costs low profile. This will work for other types of coverage as well (such as medical or alternative medical therapies). Ask your potential employer to consider this method of increasing benefits.
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Ask the employer to waive the 90-day requirement for receiving benefits. If an employer is reluctant to increase your benefits package, he might still be willing to waive the 90-day waiting period. This will give you access to benefits immediately.
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Tips & Warnings
When negotiating benefits, don't forget to ask about vacation. The employer might be willing to negotiate an extra week (or more) of vacation.
Don't talk about benefits until the employer has given you a formal job offer. If you attempt to negotiate benefits too soon, it might be premature and take you out of the running for the job.
