You got the job! The hard part is over. Now it’s time to decide, will you accept the job offer or not? Due to the weak economic climate we are experiencing, candidates are left with fewer options in some industries. Unfortunately, these fewer options are usually presented alongside less salary and benefits. Those seeking a job or whose current job is no longer for them may find their bargaining power limited to their necessities. But there’s always a way to create opportunities for people to negotiate the terms and conditions of employment.
Job negotiation can be complex, and it matters most when there is a broad range of possible outcomes. How you negotiate a job offer and present yourself to your future employer says a lot about yourself. This article will review how to make the most of a job offer through negotiation or examination.
3 Things to consider before taking a job offer
Examine if the company is the right fit for you
When receiving a job offer, how often do you ask yourself, “Is this a place where I will be happy?” There’s a lot to consider when receiving a job offer, but your well-being should always be crucial. When reviewing your options, look for a company that will challenge you towards growth, have a positive environment, help you thrive, and have a work-life balance.
When browsing thru the options, you might find some that are not quite what you expected due to the lack of opportunities. However, you can always make a lot off a small offer. Try seeing the big picture, the starting position might not be excellent, but it could be a pivotal gateway to an extensive career and new learning opportunities.
Ask yourself what career you want? Would this start-up job help you accomplish that? Don´t be afraid to ask about the company’s culture and growth opportunities during your job interview. Ask questions, “How often do your employees grow?” “How long do people stay?” It is helpful to know beforehand what you’re getting into. By asking questions, you will better understand the work and the opportunities you might find.
Negotiate your salary
According to LinkedIn, 49% of candidates accept a position because of payment and compensation, 33% take it to achieve professional development, and 29% sign new contracts to improve their work-life balance. What should you do next when the monetary offer drives you towards applying to a new job and doesn’t fill your expectations? Being methodical about the benefits of the job offer is always a smart move. Assess the request and consider professional, private, and personal life.
Although money is only one component of career satisfaction, sometimes the decision comes down to the salary. Before negotiating the salary offer, you will need to determine whether the amount is worthy of your knowledge and skills and whether it’s in line with the current line of business. What are the salary expectations for entry-level employees?
Now, the negotiation, when starting the negotiation, you will want to demonstrate a thoughtful evaluation. Present yourself as a valuable asset to the company, how willing you are to work in that role, and the responsibilities it might have.
Help them understand why you deserve what you’re requesting. Believe in yourself and how much you are worth, and they will also believe it. It matters most how you ask for it than what you are asking for. Explain precisely why it’s justified another salary. Be respectful and prepared to have a constructive response. Staying humble when at work will help you achieve more. You want to present yourself as someone they want to work with.
A good argument will help you raise your salary from 10-15% since usually there is only so much wiggle room. Also, you must have a backup plan if there is no flexibility on money in terms of what other areas you want to push back on. Probably schedule flexibility, vacations, home office, health care, and other perks.
Devise your plan carefully without losing the sense of perspective. Even if you master negotiation, you can still lose out if you are in the wrong. Ultimately, it would be best to always go after the offer you deserve and follow your path to career success. Remember that there’s always a way to get a positive takeaway from a lousy job offer, whether through negotiation or acknowledging that you deserve more.
How to reject a job offer
It is always valid to say no if it´s not the right fit for you. When the company can´t meet you at the value of what you are worth, you should reject the offer. If, after negotiation, you come against inflexibility, then the next best thing will be going on to another job application. As a possible company employee, always pay attention to their management style and internal flexibility. If, at the time of the job interview, you encounter potential issues, it will be more likely that once you accept it, you will continue to experience negative approaches.
There is no shame in declining a job offer if it is not the right fit as long as you turn it down respectfully. Don´t get discouraged if a job offer isn´t what you expected. There will always be more options.
Conclusion
Think about how you want to be treated at work and how this possible position will affect your lifestyle and mental health. Negotiating your salary and perks will only take you so far. The correct takeaway should be understanding if a work opportunity matches your experience and skills. Finally, understand that it is absolutely valid to reject a job offer if the role is not a good fit, the salary is not suitable, or the company´s culture doesn’t resonate with you. There will always be more opportunities, and you will always find the perfect fit for yourself.
Support Services Group challenges its employees to learn and develop the career type they seek. We care for our employee’s well-being, growth, and progress while providing fair salaries and opportunities.
Visit our Careers page and be part of SSG!