15 RULES FOR NEGOTIATING A JOB OFFER

Welcome back to the STRUGZ platform where we educate you on various life principles, career and business.

On today’s edition, we touched briefly on 15 rules to increase your chances of landing that job offer. Many job hunters consciously or unconsciously neglect these rules when interviewing for a job. They feel the need to accept whatever the employer offers in terms of salaries and benefits.

Always Negotiate?

Negotiation is a discussion aimed at reaching an agreement. It is a collaboration, not a confrontation.

Potential employees are denied employment due to unskilled negotiating approach. The tone you use when negotiating conveys that you are either a professional or an aggressive, ego-driven person. Bear in mind that, you need to determine the relative worth of the position in the labor market before negotiating.

The ability to skillfully navigate your way through a job offer is vital. Every step is unique, but here are 15 rules to guide you during your negotiation.

Perform a background check: This will require some homework, take the time to acquire information and knowledge that will give you the advantage to know what a good deal is.
Be likeable: During or after an interview, the way you are perceived will determine if interviewers will like you or not, and your negotiation skills will add to the likability.
Avoid discussing your personal issues: Personal issues should be kept out of the discussion, although issues like debts may drive the need to get a higher salary; but employers are interested in the values, not information designed to appeal to their emotions.
Clarification: During your negotiation for a better package, make it clear that you are serious about working for the organization. Never talk about other options, but if you must discuss them as leverage, ensure that you balance that with some reasons why you can forgo those options to join their team.
Justify your request: You need to let the employers understand why you deserve what you are requesting for because they need to believe that you are worth the offer. Employers want to hear facts.
Be confident: If you can’t convince yourself of your worth, it is almost impossible to convince an employer. The goal is to be confident and trust yourself.
Never say yes too quickly: To hold back a yes can communicate to the employers that they need to concede more, and also prepares them for a counter offer.
Present value: Discuss your knowledge and skills that you intend to contribute to the organization. Employers accept negotiations based on the values an employee can add to their position.
Play it cool: Avoid asking the employers if the offer is negotiable immediately after an offer, play cool and be excited before you strategically negotiate. Job search coach Dana Manciagli advises, “When you receive the offer, do not give any indication that you will negotiate”
Understand their constraints and stay at the table.
Be prepared for tough questions and maintain a sense of perspective.
Don’t get fixated on salary. Consider the whole deal and focus on the values; such as job satisfaction, opportunities for growth, location, perks, promotions, flexibility in work hours etc.
Don’t forget the importance of learning.
Always have a Plan B.
And Think through the timing of offers.