Career Success Guide

Offers & Negotiation - Know When to Negotiate

KNOW WHEN TO NEGOTIATE

Salary Discussion vs. Salary Negotiation At times, you will be required to talk about salary prior to receiving a job offer. This hiring tactic is known as salary discussion. Employers may request salary requirements during the application or interview process. This helps the employer understand your expectations which can be used later if you are selected as the top candidate. When engaging in salary discussion it is ok to be vague and speak in ranges. If possible, avoid throwing out a firm number that could hinder future negotiations.

Negotiating will occur between the time an offer is made and the job is accepted. Many students want to hurry and accept the job then deal with issues regarding wages, leave time or other benefits. Once you accept the job offer your opportunity to negotiate has passed; you have lost all of your negotiating power. You should strongly consider negotiating your job offer when the salary you are offered is lower than your worth/value or the benefits do not align with your personal expectations. Things to Negotiate Believe it or not, salary is not the only item up for negotiation. When the salary is non-negotiable, or you personally have different needs than presented in the job offer, it’s important to understand that you have other options to negotiate. These may include: • Start date • Work from home • Salary review timeline • Insurance (health, dental, vision) • Pension • Retirement savings • Personal time off (vacation/sick) • Professional development

Example Responses

Based on industry average and my level of experience, I am seeking between $35,000 to $45,000.

1

I hope to be paid fairly based on my education and experience.

2

What is an acceptable salary range for this position?

3

• Relocation benefits • Flextime/schedule • Bonuses (signing or performances) • Employee discounts/perks

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