Negotiation Tips & Calculating Your Value

Negotiation Tips

1. Don’t underestimate the importance of likability a. Employers are going to fight for you if they like you and what you have to offer. When negotiating an offer, use persistence but do not come off as a nuisance. 2. Help the company understand why you deserve what you are requesting a. Explain exactly why an adjusted offer is justified. b. Research comparable salaries in the geographic area using websites like Payscale.com and Glassdoor.com to justify any pay increases based on market demand 3. Make it clear you will accept the offer if these requests are granted. a. No company wants to push for approval and then have you turn it down. 4. Understand the company’s constraints a. Most companies have salary caps and no amount of negotiation can loosen. It is your job to figure out beforehand if this company is flexible or not. Do your research on the organization and find previous salaries or adjustments offered. 5. Be prepared for tough questions. a. Many job candidates have been hit with difficult questions: Do you have any other offers? Will you say yes? Are we your top choice? Never lie in a negotiation. Prepare for these questions, and do not get uncomfortable or defensive. 6. Consider the whole deal. a. Negotiating an offer is not synonymous to negotiating a salary. Oftentimes salaries are the hardest to budge, but there are other easier factors to negotiate. Focus on the value of the entire deal: responsibilities, location, hours, growth, perks, etc. 7. Don’t negotiate just to negotiate a. Resist the temptation to prove you are a good negotiator. Fighting to get just a little bit more can rub people the wrong way, and can limit your ability to negotiate in the future when it matters more.

Calculate Your Value

1. Geographic Location – Does cost of living change? Rent? Gas? 2. Years of Experience – Do you have more experience than required? 3. Leadership Experience – Do you have exceptional leadership experience? 4. Education Level – Do you have more education than required? 5. Career Level – Do you have ample experience in similar career(s)? 6. Skills – What additional skills do you have? 7. License and Certifications