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SMP Solutions Guide to Negotiating a Job Offer
You have battled your way through the rounds of interviews and received the call you have been waiting for to advise that you have been successful in winning the job. Congratulations!
The next burning question you have on your mind is likely to be regarding salary. How much will they pay you?
This may have been discussed at the final interview but it is likely that, unless there is an absolutely specific salary set in tablets of stone, that this is negotiable to some extent.
So how should you approach this delicate subject?
This is where understanding yourself as a ‘product, your true marketability and your research and knowledge of the market and market rates, will put you in good stead.
You would expect the employer to advise what salary they propose to offer you either in an initial phone call or in an email or letter. It is now down to you and your influencing and negotiation skills to maximise the opportunity.
Be courageous and follow the simple 6 step approach to increase your chances of securing the best deal:
1/ Firstly, is the salary a fair rate i.e. is it at least the market rate for the type of job you will be doing? If not, you clearly have scope for negotiation.
2/ Is your skill set and achievement record such that you will definitely add value to the role and company? If so, then you are in a strong position to up the stakes.
3/ Know what you want to achieve and aim higher, as it is easier to come down and compromise, than to negotiate further up, so you have an excellent chance of getting what you want.
4/ If there is no possibility to negotiate on base salary then see if you can negotiate an improvement in benefits e.g. healthcare, holidays, bonus potential.
5/ Remember if they really want you then it is highly likely that you can negotiate a better salary and / or benefits package.
6/ If all else fails and there appears to be no scope for manoeuvre on the salary or benefits package, negotiate to bring forward the first review date.
Good luck and remember the old adage ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get’!
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