Job Offers, Salary Negotiation and Benefits
Congratulations! All of your research, interview preparation, and experiences paid off...you got the offer! Now what? Before jumping to accept an offer, there are multiple things to consider. Identifying your non-negotiables is a great place to start.
What to Do Before Accepting a Job Offer
- Get the offer in writing: the written offer should outline the important terms and obligations of the job
- Know what you’re getting into: be sure that you have a clear understanding of your job responsibilities. Try to get a sense of how the department you’ll be working for fits into the company as a whole. Will you work with people from other departments? Is there room for advancement? What if you start in publicity but become interested in doing something business-related? Does there seem to be much flexibility?
- Develop a list of questions and concerns that you are not able to find in your offer package.
- Be sure to like the people: get a sense not only of the individuals at the company but the office culture as a whole. Was there a buzz of energy when you walked in, or were you met with silence? Is it the type of environment you would be able to concentrate in? Was there personality to the office?
- Find out the hours: how many hours per week are considered standard? Is there an opportunity for a hybrid schedule?
- Consider the cost of living at the job’s location and your budget. Is it a realistic place to live?
- Find out the benefits and consider the perks (see below for greater detail).
- Can you see yourself in this new position? Imagine what your new life will look like at this new job – commute in the morning, neighborhood you’ll be working in, the clothes you’ll have to wear. Are you excited about the job or are you simply resigning yourself to it for the time being?
Salary Negotiation Do's and Don'ts
- Do make sure you've done your research on the salary you should expect for the position you're seeking. And do use sources such as salary.com and others.
- Don't bring up salary before the employer does. And do delay salary negotiation for as long as possible (until you know exactly what the position entails).
- Do be aware of your strengths and achievements. And do be sure to demonstrate the value you'll bring to the employer.
- Do let the employer make the first salary offer. And do, if asked, say you expect a salary that is competitive with the market -- or give a salary range that you find acceptable.
- Don't inflate your current earnings just to get a higher salary offer.
- Don't feel obligated to accept the first salary offer. And do negotiate salary if the offer made is inadequate.
- Do thank the employer for the offer when it is made, but don't try to negotiate right after the offer is made.
- Do take the time to consider all factors before making any job offer decisions.
- Don't get overly aggressive in negotiating the salary you want.
- Don't just focus on salary. Do look at the entire compensation package.
- Do try to obtain other concessions (shorter review time, better title, better workspace) or benefits (bonuses, vacation time) if you aren't successful at negotiating a salary you want.
- Don't accept the first acceptable salary offer you receive if you're not sure about the job or the company.