How to Negotiate Job Offers

Negotiation begins after you have been offered the job. Preparation is key when you reach this stage. Don’t accept an offer without negotiating as least one aspect of the position; it will show that you have confidence and respect in your new position.

Do's and don'ts

  • When completing a job application, do not give a specific figure for “desired salary." Instead, you can use one of the following: open, competitive or negotiable.

  • Do your research on the job market and the cost of living in the community where the job is located. Try the Internet resources listed below.

  • Be aware of your strengths and achievements and know how they bring value to this position and this employer.

  • Prepare your rationale for your negotiation: cost of moving, purchase of a vehicle, etc. Have a goal in mind when you begin your negotiations.

  • Don’t inflate your current earnings just to get a higher salary offer. It is not worth lying.

  • Look at the entire compensation package. Don’t focus just on salary; consider other benefits and how they add to the quality of your life.

  • Try to negotiate things you value: another vacation day, a gym membership, flexible work hours, etc.

  • Don’t enter salary negotiations as part of an ego trip or part of a game.

  • Get the job and salary offer in writing or email to confirm a phone or face to face discussion.

  • Don’t continue to interview after accepting a job. Likewise, do not accept multiple job offers thinking you can accept the one with the highest salary and just withdraw from the others. This behavior is not ethical and will eventually catch up with you.

Internet salary and cost of living calculators