To Negotiate Or Not To Negotiate?
(And if so, how?)
You
get the call and the offer for the job. It is tempting to say “I’ll take it!”
immediately, but with a gracious thank you and an, “I am excited about this
opportunity,” step back and think, “Is this the right offer for me?”
Let the
employer know that as it is an important decision, you want to make the right
one for both yourself and the organization. It is not inappropriate to request
the details of the offer in writing With further information, you will be able
to make a better decision so you do in fact find a fit and an offer that will
work for you. To determine if you want to negotiate the offer, and if so, how, here
are a few guidelines:
Evaluate
Determine
your own financial needs as well as the typical salary range for the position,
all relative to the cost of living for the area in which you will be living and
working. Housing, transportation, and student loan payments are only a few of
your expenses to calculate. To research salaries, tools such as the UNL
Career Service Salary Report, NACE salary calculator
and Glassdoor can
help.
Evaluate
too, the complete offer. Keep in mind that your annual compensation is more than
just your salary. It can include other benefits, such as health, vision, and
dental insurance and retirement plan contributions.
Consider
also your employer. Non-profit and government organizations are often not able
to negotiate beyond the original offer. Your research will help you determine
if negotiating is typically not an option with the offering employer.
If you
determine you want to negotiate salary or other aspects of the offer, know what
you will accept and not accept. You can pitch a reasonable ideal, but be
prepared for a counter proposal and ready to respond.
At
this point, you need to develop your proposal. While online tools can be
useful, you must also consider your unique qualifications for the position. You
may want to seek advice from faculty, career counselors, or alumni for insight
beyond online resources. Keep in mind also, that salary may just be one
negotiable part of an offer. For example, you could request an early review
with the possibility of an increase at that point if your performance indicates
such would be appropriate.
Present
In
beginning the negotiation, again thank the employer for the offer and reiterate
your interest in the position. You may want to introduce the question of
negotiation by introducing your research, “Based on my research of similar
positions in this location an offer closer to (your identified proposed figure)
seems appropriate to me. Is there any room for negotiation in your offer?”
Approach negotiating a job offer as a professional conversation en route to a
win-win situation. When you decide the offer is acceptable, whether it has
changed or not, you may at that point verbally accept it, but request
for the details in writing again.
For assistance on evaluating and preparing to present a
negotiation, contact Career Services:
Career
Services
230 Nebraska Union
20 Minute Walk-Ins M-F, 10 AM-4PM
By appointment, M-F, 8 AM-4 PM
402.472.3145 or through MyPlan
Career Services at
CBA
402.472.7272
138 CBA
Career Services East
402.472.8273
303
Nebraska East Union
