How to Negotiate a Job Offer With a Small Company
Many job seekers will come across a small business during their job search process. As of 2008, 99 percent of the nearly 30 million companies in the United States were considered small businesses employing fewer than 500 workers, reports the U.S. Small Business Administration. Negotiating a job offer with a small business is similar to the process with a big company; however, small firms have fewer resources and may have different objectives from their big counterparts. Adjusting your strategy to fit the small company's needs can improve your chances of getting the terms you really want.
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Instructions
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Research the company to learn exactly what the company is looking for with the position. If you were referred by someone in the company, ask him what the company wants. Even if you have been offered the job after an interview, the company could have some other viable applicants to turn to if you don't accept the job. If you know how valuable you are to the small business, it can help determine how much you should ask.
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Present your skills and abilities by creating a counter-offer letter. Once the company provides you with the offer, your counter-offer should be more than you would be willing to ultimately accept. Besides asking for more money, also focus on what makes you the most qualified applicant for the job.
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Justify your request for more money by mentioning another employer's job offer or by using data that you have researched. In some cases, small companies may not be able to pay the going rate for talent to compete with large businesses. Make it clear what the average person with your qualifications is being paid and include this data in the letter.
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Wait for word from the company. If the company really wants to bring you on board, it will accept your offer or make another counter offer. If a counter offer is provided, review it to see if it meets your standards. Accept the offer if it meets your standards. If the company does not want you that badly, it may rescind the offer and move on to another candidate.
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