Going for a new job involves a lot of steps. Applying, interviewing, and waiting for an official offer. But it doesn’t end there.
You’ve prepared, interviewed, and got the job! Now’s the time to negotiate.
Negotiating may be intimidating, but it’s important. According to a Fidelity study, 87% of young professionals who negotiated a job offer got at least some of what they wanted.
“People think that salaries drop on their laps and that’s now how it works,” said Constance Nelson, lead therapist and founder of Constantly Healthy Counseling Coaching.
There are some rules to follow to make the most of the moment.
First, don’t start salary negotiations until the company has made a firm job offer. Second, make sure you have a salary range in mind and do research to back up that number.
“Look at LinkedIn. Has this job been open long? Who was in that job?” explained Nelson.
Finally, be confident and strong, especially if there’s a counteroffer.
“Knowing your worth is going to be very, very important in how you carry yourself,” said Nelson.
And salary isn’t the only thing to negotiate. According to the Harvard Business Review, things such as vacation time, bonuses, work schedules, tuition assistance, and retirement planning can be just as important.
“If it’s not a fit, you’re not going to be happy. And the money won’t matter,” explained Nelson.
Job sites such as Glassdoor, PayScale and LinkedIn are good resources for researching salary ranges for different jobs. And if you don’t get the salary you want, create a plan to renegotiate in three to six months.