How to Negotiate Your First Job Out of College
As a recent graduate, you can successfully negotiate health insurance, tuition reimbursement, professional development courses, vacation time, personal days, sick days, work hours, telecommuting, raises, stock options and equipment to obtain an attractive hiring package, according to New England Jobs, which is partnered with Nonprofit Jobs Cooperative. Using a few simple negotiation tools, you can negotiate the benefits and salary you want and deserve.
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Instructions
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Research the average salary for your profession through the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Search by city and state for local statistics. Match your experience to the pay scale, which can provide low, high and average salary information. Factor in advanced training programs and educational certificates (which can qualify you for higher pay) when searching for salary information.
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Start negotiations after the other person makes an initial offer. Acknowledge the offer and pause for a moment. Outline the salary information you’ve compiled during your research. Share the low- and high-end of the pay scale and explain where along the pay scale your education, training and experience place you. Be very specific about your individual value and how it translates into pay.
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Negotiate an attractive benefits plan. For example, negotiate an extra week of vacation or a salary increase for excellent performance reviews. If you have a private insurance provider, require a salary increase in lieu of a company-provided health insurance plan.
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Request a fully-paid severance package. Most recent graduates entering the workforce for the first time are hired under the condition of a probationary period. Ask that a severance package go into effect after this period expires. Include a provision that makes the severance package payable regardless of which party terminates your employment with the company.
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Complete the negotiation process. Now that your salary and benefit package are negotiated, seal the deal with smaller requests such as where your parking spot is located and if you have access to a company car.
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Tips & Warnings
Online salary calculators are also available.
References
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