How to Negotiate Job Benefits
If you compiled a list of things people feel uncomfortable dealing with, negotiating job benefits would rank quite high. Whether it's out of a fear of losing out on the offer or of merely losing face, many first-time employees often meekly accept whatever comes their way. This, over a period, can lead to a sense of resentment, especially when you see others demanding and receiving better offers. But rest assured, in today's times, every employer is prepared for a certain amount of negotiation. So, all you need to do is be prepared with your expectations and, quite simply, ask.
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Instructions
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Collect information. Read the salary information provided on websites like JobCircle and InfoWorld, read job sections of newspapers, and study surveys by recruitment agencies. Find out what your value is -- this will help you make the right pitch. Find out about your prospective employer's rules regarding job benefits by checking out the company website. If you know people working there, speak to them and find out how the company views applicants negotiating job benefits.
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Plan your approach. Focus on the value you'll add to the employer, not your need to pay your student loans or mortgage. Prepare what you're going to say to prove your value. Most companies offer a package that comprises both salary and benefits. Be prepared with ideas of non-salary benefits to negotiate on -- paid holidays, signing bonus, pre-tax benefit plans, and health insurance.
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Get details of the package. When an offer is made, listen carefully. Ask questions to clarify what each aspect of the benefits package implies. Ask for time to think it over. Consider if there are other candidates competing for the same job. Assess how dire is the company's need to hire.
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Communicate clearly. If the offer doesn't match your expectations, but you're really interested in working with the company, make a counteroffer. Remember that you can't have everything your way -- offer proposals for one or two key elements of the package. Show a willingness to understand the employer's constraints. Don't get browbeaten into accepting something that makes you uncomfortable.
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Tips & Warnings
Be cautious in answering questions regarding what salary you expect or what you were receiving in your earlier job. Once you put forth a figure, you'll have almost no chance at negotiating later.
Study the company profile to know what to ask for -- smaller companies are generally more flexible in their benefits packages.
Once the package is finalized, ask for it to be given in writing to avoid any confusion later.
