How to Negotiate a Job Offer
If your CV is up to the job and you’ve had a successful set of interviews, you are ready to tackle the minefield of negotiating job offers. The initial reaction is to accept anything offered, but the job search is not over until all is signed and sealed. The CV is the beginning and the signature is the end. 21st Century CVs guide on how to negotiate job offers provides some useful free advice.
If you are in the enviable position of having multiple job offers on or coming to the table; then what is your best course of action? Some employers will be flexible when an offer has been made, others will not.
When dealing with large operations, they are able to afford you more time when considering an offer. Small and medium sized enterprises are not in the same position and will require an answer in a couple of days. It is important to find out exactly when you will need to inform the potential employer of your decision. If you have a job offer on the table in which you are interested, but you are waiting for another interview before a decision is made, then you should try to get interviews brought forward. If you are waiting on an offer, then contact the relevant HR department and ask them about the progress of any offer.
If you are pressured by an employer to make a quick decision, the most important factor to consider is your instincts. Go with them. Do you want to work for a company that will not wait a reasonable time for such an important decision? Remember what you want to do with your career. Does this role fit in with your plan? You should continue your research in the job market to establish the trade conditions and pay structures.
Get as much information as possible before you make a final decision. If a job offer is received but you are unsure whether to take the job, acknowledge receipt of the job offer and inform them when your decision will be made. It is important not to burn any bridges, you may want to work for or with the company in the future.
During interview you will almost certainly be asked about the level of remuneration you will be looking for. Remember that salary is one of many considerations. Is there a pension, a joining bonus, investment in training, a company car, travel, subsidised food, mentoring or unpaid leave? You should always go for the higher level of remuneration in the salary range.
Research is essential in order to strengthen your negotiation. You can find out market rates for the similar roles through recruitment advertising in newspapers and on the web. Check out the salary guide for your industry at http://www.hays.com/salary-guides.aspx.
Remember that you are engaging in a negotiation. They want you and you want the job. It is a mutually beneficial arrangement and both parties have to be happy in order for the engagement to be a success. Let them know that you are worth the money!
If you are relocating in order to take the job, find out if the company is able to help. Some companies offer in excess of £1500 to relocate. Always ask an employers’ policy, around 15% of employers offer such packages. This is has obvious benefits to the candidate but also to the company. Provision of capital will take much of the personal stress out of moving, allowing you to give 100% to your new employers. Remember that remuneration doesn’t always translate into salary. See what else the company can offer.
To get into the position of negotiating, you will need a good CV. Without a successful CV you will limit your prospects of getting the job you deserve. A great CV is the gateway to getting that job. If you want to make the most of your working life then come to 21st Century CVs for that perfect CV.
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