NEGOTIATING SALARY AND OTHER BENEFITS It is important to know the salary you can reasonably expect and what you are willing to accept, based on your experience and education and on industry wage standards. Some sources, such as mn.gov/deed/data/ data-tools/oes , can help you determine salaries in jobs and fields based on location. Knowing the average salary in your field and at the company where you’re applying will assist you in the negotiation process. Other sites such as glassdoor.com can give you additional salary information submitted by employees of the companies you may be interested in. Express your appreciation and strong interest in the job. Request at least 24 hours to consider it, even when you plan on saying “yes.” Ask any questions you need clarified. Assess the job offer in terms of your needs, benefits and long-term career and life goals. Talk it over with someone you respect. Make a list of the pros and cons of the job offer. Make sure the job description is clear. Note your reporting relationships, authority and advancement potential. Keep asking questions until you clearly understand. Careful thought and consideration will only gain you respect.
If you want the job, make it clear to the employer. If you’re uncertain, state there are some items you’d like to discuss before you can accept the job.
Focus your negotiations on a couple of items that are priorities for you. Items that could be negotiable include salary, benefits, tuition reimbursement, vacation time, as well as a flexible or remote schedule. Some additional considerations may be stock options, access to a company car, onsite day care and parking privileges. A compensation package is not just a salary. It includes health care insurance coverage and many other benefits that may be of greater value to you than a higher salary, so consider the entire offer.
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