15 Rules for Negotiating a Job Offer: Get Your Best Deal

This post details out the top 15 tips on how to negotiate a job offer and land yourself the best deal.

1. Do Your Research

Step 4: Start with data before entering any negotiation. Look at what industry standards are for your role and location in terms of salary and benefits. Many tools like Glassdoor, Payscale, LinkedIn Salary with which you can obtain similar data. Understanding what is appropriate for your role as a startup founder gives you the base work in making a case.

2. Understand the Entire Package

Compensation is not just your salary Think about the big picture — salary, yes, but also bonuses and stock options; health care benefits and retirement plans; how much time you get off throughout the year; whether or not you can work remotely which, at least in times of self-isolating pandemics like this one that have since end come to an end (hopefully), is like comparing apples with oranges. In fact, there are times where benefits can mean as much if not more to your day-to-day life than the bit of extra $$$ you may take home in your paycheck.

3. Know Your Value

Know your value and prepare to express it in negotiaitons That also includes qualifications, skills, certifications, and previous wins. The more secure you are with your value, the less difficult it will be to convince somebody that you deserve what you believe.

4. Wait for the Right Moment

Try to delay the negotiation process if possible. Wait until you have the job (or are at least VERY close to it). Too early takes the risk of coming across as being presumptuous. When the employer is ready to hire you, they are more likely to accept your requests and changes.

5. Do Not Accept The First Bid Right away

No matter what the first offer is, never take it on the spot. Spend time reviewing that and make this an opportunity to negotiate. Unfortunately a big number of employers reserve some space for negotiation in their budget and expect that candidate will be eager to ask more.

6. Be Clear and Professional

Be succinct yet formal in discussions Do not use innuendo Be transparent in what you are requesting and why it is warranted Instead of “I wish it would be more”, say, “According to my research and observation I am inclined to discuss a salary in the… dollars”.

7. Support Your Argument with Evidence

Justifying bigger salary increases or enhancements in benefits, when asking for them. Rate them based on industry averages, the levels of success you have seen before, or any unique circumstances within the marketplace. The more specific you are with the logic you apply, the more compelling that argument becomes.

8. Be Ready to Compromise

Like any relationship, negotiation is a two-way street. If you focus on getting what you want, you lose sight of remaining flexible. If the employer really cannot go any higher with pay, then talk to your recruiter about trying for some other perks instead (extra vacation days, a day of remote work per week, a signing bonus …).

9. Prioritize Your Needs

Know your key priorities before entering negotiations. What is most important: the paycheck, or finding that perfect work/life balance? Staying focused on what is important to you will ensure that, once the deal is done, you are happy.

10. Practice Active Listening

Pay attention to what the employer says during the negotiation. They may also disclose non-monetary benefits they are willing to provide, or examples of what is not negotiable. Anyone can end up at the negotiating table, and so long as you listen well, you can suggest solutions in an out of the box manner to form a give-and-take proposition that works for both of you.

11. Consider Long-Term Growth

And while it is important to negotiate the offer you have at that time, remember long-term growth of the role as well. Find out about promotions, raises and where you can grow in your job. It maybe worthwhile to consider a lower initial pay if the position is likely to provide significant room for advancement in the future.

12. Remain Positive and Gracious

Naturally, the tone of the negotiation must remain upbeat and respectful. If you accept the job, then thank the position and definitely express in a lot of detail how excited you are for it. Showing gratitude will convey that you value them enough to give, and they are more likely to make exceptions for your needs.

13. Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away

At times, even with the best of efforts, an employer will not live up to your hopes. If the offer is not in alignment with your goals or needs, it is ok to walk away. Rejecting it politely may open up other opportunities in the future, but taking a below-average offer could potentially lead to future unhappiness.

14. Put Everything in Writing

After you have negotiated an offer, ensure that the final offer is in writing. This prepares the ground for the terms of negotiation already and avoid any confusion in future. If you have any questions or are unsure, do not sign.

15. Continue to Build Rapport

When it comes to negotiating, it is about not only the dollars and cents but also building a relationship with your future employer. A dialogue that is respectful and friendly can keep you in good stead because you are already starting to build a level of trust with the person.

Final Thoughts

Although negotiating a job offer might feel like a daunting task, it is a skill that will serve you well and one that can likely lead to higher career and financial rewards. With these 15 rules in mind, you should be ready to go into a negotiation with confidence and make sure that you are getting the best possible deal as well as starting off at your new job on the right foot.

Let us not forget — most employers anticipate negotiation, but what you do during this first test of your ability to advance or advocate for yourself will not only help protect and grow in your position with the organization. So, be patient and ready for them and also do not hesitate to ask what you deserve.