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Negotiating a Job Offer

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When looking for a job, it can be intimidating to make demands about your salary, benefits, and anything else important to you about a job. However, it is crucial that you advocate for what you deserve when it comes to compensation. Negotiation is necessary!

Use industry standards to set expectations.

The first step to determining your “worth” as an employee is researching what those around you are being paid. You can use websites like those listed here to gather information about salaries in your area for positions with your education level and work experience. Use the average of your findings to create a range of what to reasonable to expect. Before going into an interview or negotiation situation, determine your goal compensation, the lowest you will go, and the highest you will ask for. This way, there is little to no need for you to do quick math on your toes during the conversation.

Weigh your benefits

Remember to take benefits (or lack thereof) into account when negotiating. Benefits have a monetary value as well, so make sure you are not overselling or shortchanging yourself! Are you looking to work from home or have flexible hours? Ask about these things—they have value too!

Shoot high

Typically, you should ask for a little above what you would like to be paid. Most employers will try to meet you somewhere between their offer and your counteroffer. Avoid suggesting an outlandishly high number—this will only result in laughs. Counteroffer with the high end of the salary range for your position and try to meet them in the middle at your goal rate.

Consider other options

If you have multiple job offers on the table, it doesn’t hurt to let them know! If another company offers you better compensation, ask the company you want to work at to match it! While it doesn’t hurt to ask, be careful how you do it—threatening to go to the other company instead can come off as insolent. A respectful suggestion could go like this, “{Company} offered me $000,000 for the same position. Is there any chance you could match that?” Asking lets them know that you have other options, but you are still serious about accepting the position at their company.

KEY TIP: Do not “threaten” to decline a job offer unless you are ACTUALLY willing to let it go. Otherwise, you may have significant regrets if the company does not budge on its offer.  

For some rules to follow when negotiating, check out this Harvard Business Review article. As always, go into these interviews and meetings with confidence and humility!

How To Decide If You Should Accept A Job Offer

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Congratulations, you received a job offer! Now, the power is in your hands. You must decide if you want to accept it. In some situations, it’s a no-brainer. Other times, it’s not exactly black and white. If you are in the midst of trying to decide if you should accept a job offer, follow these three steps.

Make A Pros/Cons List

This is the first recommendation we make to our candidates. If you are on the fence about a job offer, comparing multiple job offers, or just want to ensure you’re making the right decision, a pros and cons list is your best tool. Jot down everything, from the big things to even the littlest details. Is the salary better? That’s usually an obvious consideration. Does the prospective employer provide daily snacks? That sounds like a pro to me!

Talk To Your Family

Accepting a job offer is a huge life decision. In fact, it often affects your entire family! Whether it’s your parents, children, spouse, roommate (heck, even your dog – we don’t judge!), loop them in on your hiring process. Show them your pros and cons list and ask for their input. Cover all the ways it might change your lives. Discussing with family can really help put things into perspective.

Address Any Concerns Or Questions With The Hiring Manager

If it comes down to it and you just need one more thing (say, a slight bump in pay or an additional benefit), talk to the hiring manager! You will never get what you don’t ask for, and you don’t exactly know what the employer is willing to give. Let them know of your concerns and provide them with the opportunity to address them or overcome them.

Sometimes, we can forget that jobs are a two-way street. Yes, the employer is willing to pay you for your skills, but don’t let it slide that your needs should also be met. And don’t forget, you do have the opportunity to negotiate! 

How To Negotiate A Job Offer

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Amidst the “Great Resignation,” the time has never been better to get the salary you deserve. If you are in the throes of a job search and receive an offer that’s less than ideal, you can negotiate. Here are three steps to negotiate a job offer with confidence.

Know Your Worth

Before you start your job search, it’s essential to know your worth. Take a high-level view of your career thus far. Consider your past and current roles, skillsets, education, and future goals. Head to a site like salary.com to get an accurate idea of market value in your area. Be sure to browse job titles above and below yours and input all of your information to get the most accurate estimate of your value.

Do Your Research On The Company

The more you know about the company, the more negotiating power you will have. After the usual deep dive into their website and social media, it’s time to step it up a notch. Head to Glassdoor and check out the reviews and reported salaries. Keep in mind that this isn’t foolproof, and every company will pay differently depending on experience. However, this can give you a good idea of general ranges.

Be Firm But Polite

Now comes the hard part: asking for it. Head into a job offer negotiation knowing that this is just part of the process. Employers should be expecting it! Deliver your expectation in a firm yet polite manner. Be prepared to back it up with all of the knowledge you’ve gathered.

Finally, don’t be afraid to walk away from a job offer if it does not meet your expectations after negotiating. Sometimes, the opportunity just isn’t a great fit! And a market like today’s is no time to settle. Ready to set out on your job search? Join our Talent Network for emails straight to your inbox with jobs in your industry or area.

Is it Okay to Back Out of a Job Offer for Another?

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The Great Resignation is in full force and appears to be the theme throughout the year as the economy continues to recover. The Labor Department reported last week that the economy added nearly 1 million new jobs in July. Additionally, the latest JOLTS Report revealed that a record-setting 10.1 million jobs are currently available. As a result, people are quitting their jobs in waves as they gain more confidence and optimism in their prospects. As these job seekers start to go through the interviewing process with multiple employers, it’s not uncommon to receive more than one job offer. So, is it okay to back out of an offer to pursue another after accepting the offer?

It’s more common than you might think

A recent LinkedIn post from resume coach Robynn Storey went viral with a story about one of her candidates. Storey’s candidate received a job offer that she happily accepted. However, shortly afterward, she received another offer. This offer was more lucrative and offered more opportunities. This candidate was conflicted about backing out of the first offer but ultimately turned it down for the second one.

Almost every employer has had candidates back out of a job offer to pursue another opportunity. And with so many jobs available, this is happening more than you might think. So, this raises the question if it’s acceptable to back out of an offer for another. The short answer is yes, but you must do it professionally and timely.

How to back out of a job offer for another

If you decided to back out of a job offer, there are a few tips to ensure you do it professionally so it doesn’t burn any bridges and leave the employer hanging out to dry.

First of all, if you are backing out of an offer, you want to let the company know immediately. The longer you wait to rescind your offer, the harder it will be for both you and the employer. As soon as you accept your new offer and have a start day ironed out, write a formal letter to the hiring manager with your withdrawal. Keep the letter short and sweet. There is no need to go into great detail about why you are pulling out. Just simply explain that you, unfortunately, are pulling your candidacy because you accepted another position. In your letter, make sure you thank the hiring manager for their time and show your appreciation for the opportunity.

Before you fire of that letter, call the hiring manager and do it over the phone, if possible. It may be more challenging to do it in a one-on-one conversation, but it’s the professional and courteous thing to do. Once you break the news, you can send the letter to the hiring manager to officially pull yourself from the position.

What if they present a counteroffer?

If you contact the employer and try to back out of the offer, they may counter your other offer. In today’s competitive market, employers are resorting to clever tactics to attract new candidates, so a counteroffer is very well possible. Before you contact the hiring manager to withdraw from your offer, understand why you are backing out. Is it simply money? Or did the second offer that came in have more opportunities, better benefits, or other perks that pique your interest? If it’s merely just compensation, then have a bottom line in your mind that you would be willing to accept to move forward with the first offer. However, if it’s more than just the money, there may be no point in entertaining a counteroffer.

Keep in mind that this prospective employer may not be thrilled to negotiate with you after you accepted the offer, but it is possible in this unprecedented market.

Check out our other career advice

If you turn down a job offer professionally and timely, you can hopefully salvage your relationship with that employer. If you are interested in reviewing more job hunting or interviewing resources, take a look at our blog!

How to Evaluate A Job Offer in 2021

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Receiving a job offer is one of the most exciting feelings imaginable, especially if you have been unemployed for an extensive amount of time. However, before you sign your name on the dotted line, you must review the offer; this is a major decision, and you must understand if this is a good fit. Here are three aspects to consider when you evaluate a job offer in 2021.

Compensation and Perks

Reviewing the salary of the position will always be crucial. However, there are other compensation offerings and perks to consider while you evaluate a job offer in 2021. It’s essential to review the salary, commission structure, bonuses, and other items that affect your income. You must also take a look at the benefits package to ensure this is a position that can support your retirement goals and medical needs. Don’t jump to signing the offer letter before you review the entire compensation package. If the numbers are not precisely where they should be, prepare to negotiate. Do some research on the compensation of other professionals with similar experience in your location. Working from home may impact salaries in the future, so be sure you are satisfied with the compensation before accepting the position.

Flexibility

If the pandemic has taught us anything is that flexibility is vital for both employers and workers. It is essential to understand what kind of flexibility the employer offers while you evaluate a job offer. After the virus is in the rearview mirror, will this employer return to its old, rigid ways? Or are they committing to being innovative, open-minded, and adaptable? For example, are you going to have the option to work remotely periodically or have a hybrid schedule where you work both from the office and home? These are questions that you will want to answer before signing your offer letter. It is important for your future employer to offer flexibility when needed to take care of you and your family.

DEI Initiatives

When we were in a candidate-driven market a couple of years ago, many job seekers were searching for a job with the right “culture fit.” However, finding a company with a good culture isn’t everything. When evaluating a job offer this year, take a good look at the company’s diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives. But how can you analyze a company’s DEI initiatives without being part of the team yet?

First of all, the best way to understand an employer’s DEI programs is to ask about them in your interview. Ask the hiring manager to elaborate on them and provide examples of how the company supports them. Additionally, you can do some research online to understand them better. Review the company’s core values, mission statement, and online reviews from past and current employees. You can also see what people are saying about them on social media. DEI will be an essential item to consider with any future company, and you want to ensure it’s a priority for your prospective employer.

Need more job search advice?

If you are searching for more job-search advice, you’ve come to the right place! Review our candidate resources for more helpful advice on how to secure the job you deserve.

Three Simple Reasons You Didn’t Receive A Job Offer

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Have you ever walked into an interview, thought you nailed it, only to be stunned a few days later when you didn’t receive a job offer? That is one of the most gut-wrenching feelings, especially in this economic climate. Not receiving that job offer can fill you with self-doubt and throw your entire job search off. It can leave you asking questions like, “what’s wrong with me?”

The good news is that you are receiving job interviews, which is one of the most challenging steps in any job search! In other words, there is nothing wrong with you or your qualifications. However, it means there is something during the interviewing process that can be improved upon to secure that elusive job offer! Here are three simple reasons you didn’t receive a job offer after a solid interview.

You didn’t do your homework before your interview

No matter how qualified you are for a job, you have to do your homework before your interview. You must do some research on the employer’s website, social media, or a quick Google search. Hiring managers will ask you a variety of interview questions to test your knowledge of the company or to assess your fit with the team. These questions are challenging to answer if you don’t do your due diligence. You could be the most qualified applicant for the role but fail to receive an offer because you didn’t connect the dots between you and the company.

You didn’t portray confidence throughout the process

It is crucial to portray confidence throughout the hiring process. From your first interaction to your last, you have to prove that you can succeed in the role. If you are uncertain about your fit with the position, hiring managers will notice. Illustrating confidence in your background and abilities is even more crucial if you switch industries or career paths altogether. If you can’t trust yourself, how is your new employer supposed to trust that you are the right applicant for the job?

Doing your research will help you confidently answer interview questions. Body language and appearance also play a significant role in how your confidence is illustrated. If you are slouching in your chair, not making eye contact, or underdressed, these will all show a lack of focus and confidence. It is even more challenging to show off your confidence over a video interview, so be sure that you are prepared if you haven’t had one in a while.

Here are a few tips to help you ace your next video interview.

You didn’t follow up with a thank-you note

Many candidates believe a thank you note is an outdated or unnecessary step in the interviewing process. Unfortunately, these job seekers could not be more mistaken. A thoughtful, personal thank note is like a big red ribbon on a present. It will help you stand out in a sea of applicants in today’s competitive job market. A thank-you note is your final elevator pitch; it gives you the ability to concisely thank your interviews while reminding them of your skills, background, and culture fit. Too many candidates fail to send a genuine thank you note. By spending a few minutes after your interview to thank each of your interviewers, you could separate yourself from the competition.

Here are some of our favorite templates for post-interview thank-you notes that will leave a lasting impression.

Need more job search tips?

These are just a few simple reasons why you may not have received a job offer, even if you are a strong candidate. If you are looking for more helpful job search resources, we have you covered. Johnson Service Group has hundreds of useful tips and tricks to help your job search excel. Check out our candidate resources today and rise above the competition!

Review Our Job Search Resources

3 Ways To Ensure You Get The Salary You Deserve

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It may seem like an odd time to talk about salary with everything else going on. However, we believe that there is no wrong time to broach this subject and pursue your true value. That doesn’t mean that salary conversations are all smooth-sailing, though! You need to prepare ahead of time, and these three steps will give you the confidence to ask for the salary you deserve.

1. Know Your Worth

Whenever you’re searching for a new job, you should first and foremost know your worth. This is based on a variety of metrics, including your past salaries and experiences. Additionally, you need to do your research. Estimate and compare your salaries on sites such as Payscale, LinkedIn, and salary.com. Once you have collected a few different numbers, choose a range in which you’re comfortable. What is your preferred number? What is the absolute lowest you will accept?

Also, you should have a big picture view of your desired benefits. Sometimes, you may accept a lower salary for full health insurance, additional vacation time, or a matching 401k. Understanding what’s most important to you will allow you to make an informed decision when the time comes.

2. Be Prepared To Negotiate

There are few times that salary will be offered without room for negotiation. If the offer comes in a little less than you expected, don’t be afraid to ask for the salary you deserve. As mentioned above, make sure you have a solid list of non-negotiables and minimum requirements. If the employer is unwilling to budge or meet you halfway, and you feel that you have accurately estimated your worth, you can turn the offer down. Even in today’s tumultuous market, your work is still valuable!

3. Partner With A Recruiter

One of the best ways to ensure that you’re getting the pay you deserve is to partner with a recruiter. We have been trained to go to bat for you. We understand market trends and have built relationships with hiring managers. A recruiter literally lifts these burdens off your shoulders.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career and get the salary you deserve? Explore our open positions or collect more job search tips here.

Juggling Multiple Job Offers? Here’s How To Decide

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Job Offers

Today’s job market is prime for making a career change. However, after putting your resume out there, you may find yourself juggling multiple job offers. And while this may not be perceived as a bad problem to have, it can make for an extremely difficult decision. It’s essential that you make the right choice, but how? Here are a few things we recommend to our candidates:

Discuss it with your family

First and foremost, discuss any serious career decisions with your loved ones. You should do this early and often throughout the process! Your significant other may not be the one applying for the job, but chances are, they’ll be affected by such a major decision. If you have kids, involve them by showing them the area and exploring different schools and activities. The last thing you want is to fall in love with a position and have to overcome monumental roadblocks with those most important to you when it comes down to committing.

Make a t-chart

You know the ones – pros on the left, cons on the right. Make a t-chart for every possible outcome of each job offer. What are the pros and cons of job A? How about the pros and cons of job B? If I stay at my current position, what will the pros and cons be? Oftentimes, when you’re able to see everything laid out in front of you, it’s easy to find your non-negotiables or significant hurdles. This also makes it easy for you to weigh the options with your recruiter.

Think long-term

A job that looks great on the surface can certainly be tempting. However, what’s most important is your happiness and sustainability long-term. With each offer, consider things such as the growth opportunities, the team environment, and your work-life balance. This is where partnering with a recruiting firm comes in handy. We’ve been working with many of our clients for years and we can give you the inside scoop into what our opportunities really consist of! Reach out to one of our recruiters and we will help you make the right career move.

How to Get a Candidate to Accept Your Job Offer in This Tight Market

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Accept Job Offer

With this year being at an all-time low for unemployment rates, companies, like you, are being pushed to give higher wages, be more willing to relocate, and overall do a lot more to get and have great candidates take their job offer. And since the market is so great for candidates, companies are seeing a huge increase in ghosting from candidates when given an offer letter and even after accepting it.

But there are a few things you can do from your companies perspective that will keep those great candidates from leaving and going to another “better” opportunity.

Move Quickly

Moving quickly is a huge way to keep candidates on the hook and not looking for other positions. This way you can decrease the likelihood of them having counter offers, that will take them away from your position.

The killer of all deals is time. If you don’t move quickly, you will almost always lose the candidates you want to another company that is moving quicker. Even though the job market is great, candidates are still wanting to move quickly, and will not just wait for your company if they have another job offer on the table.

Be Unique

Make sure to juice up your company. Do you have a great company culture? Do you help employee’s support charities? There are tons of different things that make your company special. So, showcasing your best attributes will only keep candidates interested in your company and hopefully pass on other interviews and job offers. When you have a candidate that is excited about your company and morally loves what you do, almost nothing will keep them from accepting your offer.

Make Personal Connections

Making your company and people they will be working with accessible, is pertinent to keeping candidates on the hook. When they are in contact constantly with people they will be working with, they will want to stay on board with your company. It helps make them feel important and every person enjoys that feeling. So, instead of backing off after giving an offer, make sure to check in and have those personal connections with your candidates.

Opportunities for Growth

This is an important one to make sure you hammer into candidates you want to hire. Everyone wants to grow and well, earn more money. So, if you can explain to them how climbing the ladder works, it will help them realize how they can grow in their career. Explaining how promotions work and what they can expect helps them not be blindsided when they want to ask for promotions. And in turn, makes them more excited to work with a company that is so upfront. Being honest with growth potential and promotions will help you, in the long run, find great employees who want to stay. And keep your retention numbers even higher.

Overall, these tips can and will help you retain talent that you are dying to have. In today’s job market a lot of companies are hurting because there are not enough people to fill their open positions. And when you find a good candidate you do not want to lose them over small mistakes. If you keep in mind these tip’s you’ll be on the road to success with hiring great employee’s, who accept your job offer and you’ll have fewer candidates ghosting your company.

Y is for Yes: What to Do Before Accepting a Job Offer

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accepting a job offer

Congratulations! You nailed the interview, you wowed the hiring manager, and you have officially been offered the job. Before you start celebrating, you must take some time to evaluate this job opportunity to ensure it’s a good fit for you.

Here are four important things you should consider before you accept the job offer.

Ask employer when they need a response by

Before you do anything, take a moment to thank the employer for the job offer. Let them know how excited you are about the opportunity. But before you do anything else, you need to ask how long you have to make a decision.

This will provide a timeframe of when your decision needs to be made. After you know when your decision must be made, you will have a better idea of how to proceed. The worst thing you can do is rush into a job offer and sign right away before knowing all of the details!

Knowing when you start

Another important thing you must ask is when the employer wants you to start? Is it in two weeks? A month? Two months? Every employer is different, and thus, you must know when you will be starting if you accept the job offer.

This will give you a timeline of when you need to give your notice to your current employer. The standard is a two-week notice, but if you are in a managerial role of some sort, you’ll want to give your employer as much of a notice as possible so you don’t just leave them high and dry.

Understand the benefits and perks

While you are making a decision, you must understand all the benefits and perks that come with the job. Does the employer have a matching 401k? How many vacation/sick days do you get each year? Is there dental, health, and vision insurance? The list goes on and on.

Benefits aren’t everything, but they’ll play a huge role in your decision! It’s best to know all the details so you know what you’re getting before you even walk in the door on your first day of work.

Negotiate your salary

As you evaluate a job offer, one of the most important aspects you’re reviewing is the salary and compensation package. Obviously, money isn’t everything, but you need to earn enough income to support yourself and your family.

If the offer comes in with a lower salary than you expected, now is the time to negotiate. The first step is asking if the salary for the position is negotiable. Most salaries aren’t set in stone and you’ll never know until you ask. If you are a solid fit for the role and the hiring manager likes you, the employer will more than likely be willing to negotiate a little bit.

And if they won’t budge on the salary, now is the time to reflect on whether or not the salary is worth reasonable enough for you to accept.