Moving from school into the world of employment is exciting, but sometimes things don’t work out according to plan. You have worked hard to get a good education, and now you hope to land the career of your dreams. You found the perfect job, the perfect company to work for, but unfortunately, the salary is not at all what you expected. Should you give up and look elsewhere? Not necessarily.
First, ask the employer in a respectful way if it is possible to negotiate or if the offer is firm. If he or she is not willing to negotiate, do not attempt to argue. Thank the hiring officer for his or her time, reiterate your interest in the opportunity, and politely ask for some time to consider the offer before making a decision. It is always best to make your final decision after the stress of the interview process has subsided and you have had a chance to think things over with a clear head.
While there are many companies that refuse to negotiate with graduating students, others are willing to do so if you present a well thought out, persuasive argument. If you believe you have valid points, which could be convincing to the prospective employer, prepare written documentation of the relevant issues.
The first step is doing your homework. Did you think homework would end once you graduated? You probably hoped it would, but doing the research so you can present an effective argument is imperative to convincing a prospective employer to negotiate salary or benefits.
You will want to start by studying cost of living and detailing how the salary offer compares to others. Research the average annual salaries and benefits offered for similar positions in your field of choice.
Remember that benefits may be in direct correlation with salary. Don’t immediately discount an offer because the salary appears low. The benefits may be outstanding, while another offer may propose a higher rate of pay but offer a seriously inferior benefits package. Carefully weigh these issues before making a choice, and remember that everyone has to start somewhere. You may be able to negotiate for a six month evaluation, instead of waiting for a full year. This may mean getting a raise sooner, commensurate with your performance to this point. In other words, ask for an opportunity to show them what you’ve got and why you’re worth more money.
*Check back tomorrow for more tips.