The idea of negotiating your salary and benefits might be a foreign concept.
... especially when you’re transitioning to the civilian workforce. After all, the military predetermines your compensation throughout your military career, and negotiation isn't typically a part of the process.
But negotiation is common in the civilian world.
If you don't want to leave money on the table, you’ll need to advocate for yourself. You can negotiate your salary and benefits package, and most organizations completely expect you to do so.
Here are 7 tips to help you navigate the negotiation process and get what you deserve:
- Do your research.
What’s the market value for your role? You’ll need to figure this out before you go into salary negotiations. Look at job boards to find out what other companies pay for similar roles in your local area. Most importantly, lean on the wisdom of mentors - people already working in the field you want to go into. Mentors can help you zero in on a fair salary range.
- Don’t immediately accept the first offer.
You’re probably excited to have a job offer, but don't feel pressured to accept it right away. Take some time to evaluate whether the offer meets your needs and expectations. Ask for 48 hours to respond to the offer and use this time to formulate your response. A reputable employer will be willing to wait a little longer to secure a good candidate.
- Consider your benefits.
Salary is only one piece of the compensation package. You can also negotiate for other benefits - things like vacation days, flexible working arrangements, a sign-on bonus, education/training, or relocation assistance. Knowing what benefits are important to you and being able to articulate why they’re important can help you negotiate a package that meets your needs.
- Leave your emotions at the door.
Emotional language can derail the negotiation process. Instead of saying “I won’t accept anything less than X salary,” try saying “Based on my research, the market rate for this position is higher than the initial offer. Can we discuss a more competitive salary?” When countering an offer, use language that’s appreciative of the opportunity yet direct, clear, and objective.
- Be prepared to compromise.
Remember that negotiations are a two-way street. If the employer can't increase your salary, they might be willing to offer more paid time off, for example. Focus on what matters most to you and be willing to give up some benefits in exchange for others. This can help you get a package that meets your needs without putting the company in a difficult position.
- Understand that there may be non-negotiables.
The initial offer might be the company’s best and final offer, and they may say “no” to your requests. But how the company responds to your counteroffer is still valuable information. If they handle the situation professionally and respectfully, it can be a positive sign of their company culture and how they treat their employees.
- Get everything in writing.
Once you’ve negotiated the job offer, make sure everything is put in writing. This will minimize the risk of future misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page. A written offer letter or contract should include all the details of the job offer, compensation, and benefits package. Review it carefully before signing and accepting it.
UPDATE: Here is a message that I got from the company yesterday
Good morning, Kelly-
I hope this email reaches you well. Thank you for being flexible with us getting back to you. I’ve circled back to the Hiring Manager and we are open to offering $50,000.00 annually. Please let me know if this is a more agreeable number.
Thank you and take care
I was currently offered a position and it has benefits and is a union position in a city role. However, they offered me $45,000 annually when I had told them my previous position I made $55,000 and in my interview I told them that's the salary range where I would be comfortable with. I understand I may not go into a new job and make the same. However, the high end of the salary they showed on the application site was $55,392. I have over 13 years with my previous employer doing the same work. Is it ok to negotiate salary and what is the best approach to do this? They gave me 4 days to respond to the offer letter and to start on October 31st. Thanks in advance! #joboffer #hiringnews #jobsearch #application #interview #help
You might receive this advise too late for this particular job, however answer to ur question is during the interview it's negotiation time! You expressed your experience, you have to be realistic with what your seeking. I've agreed to position in the past that paid me close to 10,000 less than my previous job, and as u said doing the same thing. The catch was we would sit down again after 90 days and talk again. Once I was able to prove I can do what they asked they not only matched what I previously made I got a few hundred bucks more a year. U gotta understand they don't know what ur capable of and mo employer is going to pay what ur asking with out knowing if ur worth that, however as I mentioned have a agreement that y'all will sit again and talk $ after 90 days. They sure will act like they forgot, however if u proved ur worth it will be rare if they don't give u what u want. Especially after they seen what u can do they not gonna let u walk away period. A lot of employees make the mistake of going into a interview "hoping" to get the job no! You gotta go in there expecting to get the job, with the mindset of they don't hire u, that will be their loss. Believe me a positive attitude does make a difference while in the interview. I noticed myself feeling way more comfortable not on edge when I changed my mindset. Ii surprised myself on how I am able to sell myself for the wage I'm seeking. Also believe it or not the interviewer can tell if u on edge or confident. It makes the difference between not just getting the job, getting the job on ur terms.. I hope this message helps you now or in the future. That goes to anyone else who reads this message.
I was just sent a job offer&was so excited at the prospect of working at this company. Originally I spoke to the recruiter& he had given me their price range &I had relayed that was not where I wanted to start considering my education & experience. He told me that he was going to pass my resume on & explain because he thought I would be a fit for the job. Honestly the interviews went amazing & I really liked the office and the people.On the interview, I explained that I was surprised they had contacted me because as the hiring manager said I was out of their price range.The job offer was higher than their range as stated by the recruiter but still not where I wanted to be. I have been lucky to have multiple offers which has also made my decision tough.HR sent the final offer but when I sent the negoation email.To reference, my email was full of excitement with just concerns about the wage & looking for the opportunity to speak further. The hiring manager calls me and tells me their price is firm & I say I understand. I ask what the deadline for a decision &all of sudden he says I’m not committed and their rescinding the offer. Mind you my counter offer was $4 more. I was actually tying to really weigh my options since this job was promising so much growth, would it be worth it to take the pay cut.
Am I crazy or is that not normal? I thanked him & hung up. The conversation was going great until I asked for when they wanted my final answer.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated. I have never dealt with this situation before.
I was offered a job about four weeks ago now, which I was quite excited about! It pays very well, in an industry that I would love to be a part of. I think I can do the job itself very well with my qualifications.
The problem is, it's been four weeks since the offer! I understand the procedures as far as background checks go in this industry are INCREDIBLY thorough. but I have just about run through my savings in order to pay for living expenses. I don't have ANY criminal history or negative work experience. All of my references were called and they all gave good reviews of who I am. I just don't know how much longer I can reasonably wait and keep on the surface as far as finances go. I really don't want to pursue other jobs, and I've turned down about four other opportunities as it is after I got the offer. But if this goes on for much longer I just don't know if I'll be able to hold out and survive! I've reached out, and they assured me the process just took some time. That they were just waiting on references and one more thing that I turned in promptly after. I'm worried about contacting them again. Would it appear unprofessional to reach out again? I'm not sure what else to do... #advice #joboffer #jobsearch #followup
It’s hard to ask for a reference, let alone trying to figure out who could best position you to get the job, right? I have friends that have had bad experiences when they have a family member or a friend step in to vouch for them. I have always told them it can get risky very fast, so it’s not something I would recommend.
But who does that leave you with, if you haven’t worked with someone long enough, or if you are looking for a job while still employed?
If you want to find out who makes for great references, check out the following article about Who should I ask to be my reference?. It’s a great resource for anyone who might not know who to ask. #references #jobreference #jobs #application #joboffer
An old coworker-turned-good-friend was recently looking for a job. She’d been at her job for a few years, but it had turned very toxic. To the point she would feel despair every morning before going in. None of her coworkers were happy either, it was that type of environment. She applied to hundreds of places for about 6 months. She applied to different industries too, some places she had direct experience, other places she would be doing completely different things. She got two offers, one in her industry and the other one at a place she didn’t have much experience in but was very interested in. There was a $10K difference between offers, amongst other things:
- Offer 1: 5K more than she earned
- Offer 2: 5K less than she earned
- Offer 1: current industry, lots of experience.
- Offer 2: new industry, build her way up.
- Offer 1: wearing many hats, really stressful
- Offer 2: clarified focus and direction
- Offer 1: current employee told her it was a toxic environment
- Offer 2: She liked everyone she met through her interviews
Want to guess which offer she took? Offer 2 was the winner.
This got me thinking about what people really care about when comparing jobs, pay rates and benefits. My friend clearly sees a healthy work environment as a top priority in her case, which is why she was happy with offer 2.
What would you do in this case? #paycut #earnings #joboffer #advice #jobsearch #whatwouldyoudo
I need a good job
I dont mind a pay cut if I dont have to drive more than 20 miles in very busy high ways and in traffics. That was another stress for me. I had a stressful job in a toxic environment that every morning I feel nauseated just thinking of going to work. Before I entered the work area I need to meditate to give me strength and peace.
I was offered a job at a company and had been working there for about a month. Being only a month in, I was still in my training period. Then I received a voicemail from the same person who initially offered me a job with another job offer for the same position. Then the following week, I was let go (I wasn't given any specifics other than under performance which was never brought to my attention once by any of the floor managers). So it seems like the hiring manager didn't realize I had already been working at the company and, if I took the new job offer, I would essentially be replacing myself. So the question is, should I take up the new job offer as if I were a completely new candidate? If so, how should I go about doing so? #jobsearch #advice #termination #management #hired #followup #confusion #joboffer
So, i am a little confused myself, you were doing the job that they hired you for. Then they offered you the job that you already were doing. Then they let you go, and you are asking should you take the job that they are offering you for the same position? I do not know the details of what transpired, have you asked them about the new offer? Do you know that this is job is still on the table for you now? I would contact HR and see what they have to say, no harm no fowl and it will answer your question. Goodluck!!!
Today I was offered a job, however the Glassdoor and Indeed estimated salary is approximately $15,000 less than what was offered to me. It's a remote position in California, I live in Georgia. When I googled the salary for the position it's also below what they offered. I really want this job, do I request more money? Do you think they'll withdraw the offer if I request more money? #joboffer #advice #workfromhome #remote #offerletter
A job seeker asked, A job seeker asked, 'Will an employer hold a job offer while waiting for a background check to clear?' Read more... https://nnamtique.com/four-reasons-why-an-employer-might-rescind-a-job-offer-to-a-candidate/ #jobsearch #backgroundcheck #application #joboffer #preadverseaction
Looking for package delivery drivers in Hertford NC. Pay $13.00/hr. To be eligible to join the FedEx ISP team you must be:
- Able to show at least one year's commercial driving experience within the last three years;
- Availability Monday-Sunday;
- Willing to take and pass a drug screening;
- At least 18 years of age;
- Legally able to work in the United States;
- Have a clean driving record.
NO CDL REQUIRED
Team Members:
- Organize your trucks;
- Attempt every assigned delivery every day with integrity and positive attitudes;
- Support other drivers within reason when asked;
- Perform customer service related tasks such as investigations and follow-ups when asked. #joboffer #nowhiring #NC #packagedelivery
@Kelly Bertera congrats on the updated offer!