You got a job offer. Congratulations! Does the job offer fit your needs? To help you decide this, check out this post with tips on how to negotiate job offers.

Research Salaries

  • First, check online resources or connect with colleagues for information regarding a realistic salary range.
  • Next, make an ideal salary range based on your research and relevant experience.
  • While employers typically do not discuss salaries during interviews, be prepared.

Get an Offer

  • Avoid giving a specific salary number until the company gives you one.
  • You don’t want to undersell yourself.

Negotiate Salaries

  • Only negotiate with companies you genuinely consider accepting. You don’t want to lead a company on.
  • Discuss salary only over the phone. Information can be misunderstood via email.
  • Prove your worth by highlighting your skills & experiences.
  • Be confident, calm and flexible. It is a conversation, not confrontation.
  • Leverage any other offers if you have them.

Negotiate Benefits

  • If you are not completely satisfied with the salary amount, try to negotiate other benefits that interest you. Examples of these are sign on bonus, PTO hours, etc.
  • Say things like: “I accomplished ____ using my ___ which benefited our company by ___.”

Juggling Multiple Offers

  • Ask for extensions. Do not make the company wait too long. To better evaluate, make Pros and Cons list for each company.
  • You should also consider the company’s culture, people and the responsibilities you will directly have.
  • Ask yourself “Which projects and positions align more with your future career goals?”
  • Once you have chosen a company, make sure to send a courteous declining offer letter to the other employer.

For more information on negotiating job offers, Check out this Article or see this PowerPoint.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, drop by Viterbi Career Connections during our Drop In hours (Monday – Friday: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm) at Ronald Tutor Hall (RTH) 218.

Published on November 5th, 2019Last updated on November 5th, 2019