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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 Ask For A Pay Raise

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MONEY! Do I have your attention now? Great. We all wouldn’t mind making a little more, right? It can be difficult to know when and how to ask for a pay raise. Asking for a pay raise in a respectful and timely manner is key to getting the wage you want. Here’s how to do it the right way!

When to Ask for a Raise

Knowing what time is appropriate to ask for a pay raise is key to having a successful conversation about your wage. Consider your anniversary date. It is generally appropriate to ask for a raise yearly. A few more things to consider:

  • Have you taken on more responsibility lately?
  • Have you recently reached a milestone in your job? (e.g., a certain number of sales made)
  • Do you have a performance review coming up?

The above reasons (and more) can be GREAT reasons to request a raise from your employer.

How Much to Ask for

Do your research! Websites like Glassdoor can help you get a reasonable idea of what someone can expect to make in your position, sometimes even at your specific company! Be sure to research your particular experience level, location, and job title. Use this information to create reasonable expectations for what you can ask your employer. Don’t undersell yourself, but also don’t ask for too high of a pay raise. A too high request will be shot down immediately, but one within reason will be considered, especially if you advocate for yourself well.

How to Ask for a Pay Raise

You know what Aretha Franklin said: R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Enter the meeting with your manager/boss with humility. While it is important to advocate for yourself when you deserve a raise, it is also crucial to recognize that you are not guaranteed this raise. Give your employer concrete reasons why you think you deserve the raise you are asking for. Give tangible numbers of goals you have met and work you have completed.

Asking for a pay raise is intimidating. Go forth with confidence and be humble and flexible in your meeting. Your employer will appreciate your boldness in asking and your humanity in humility. You got this!

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.