Lesson 1: Negotiate the offer

• Prepare: Be prepared to receive a job offer and on what conditions you’ll accept it or what you may want to negotiate. Do you have a specific salary range? Do you have a specific benefits package in mind?

• Know your worth: Do your research on the salary range for the role, the company, and the industry, as well as your experience and skills. What is the market paying for your talent, your role? What salary range would be acceptable?

• Look at the whole picture: What is the benefits package, the bonus structure, work arrangements, and growth opportunities, including, how does it fit into your career development plan? What does the whole picture look like? When I was graduating, I had three offers from large corporations and the one that I decided to commit to was the lowest salary offer, but the most growth potential. I stayed at that company for 22 years.

• Decide if you want to negotiate.

• Negotiate: If you want to negotiate terms, build your case. What’s the market paying? What’s your ask? Either put your counteroffer in writing (preferred) or practice presenting your case, your value proposition, with a colleague, friend, or coach. Build your confidence and believe in your value and contributions. Stay professional with a positive and respectful attitude; this is a collaborative process. Be patient and don’t rush the process. Take the time to consider your priorities and allow time for the offer to be considered. Know your bottom line and be prepared to respectfully decline the offer, leaving the door open for future opportunities.

Be professional, show appreciation, and keep the door open for either a great onboarding experience or future employment opportunities.

Here is a sample email, you may use for salary negotiation:

Subject: Re: Job Offer for [Position Title] - Salary Negotiation

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I appreciate the opportunity to join [Company Name] as a [Position Title]. After careful consideration, I would like to discuss the salary component of the offer.

While I am excited about the role and the team, I was hoping to propose a slight adjustment to the salary. Based on my research and industry standards, I believe a salary of $[Your Desired Salary] would better align with my qualifications and the value I can bring to the organization.

I am confident that my skills in [specific skills or experiences] will contribute significantly to [Company Name]'s success. I am committed to making a positive impact and exceeding expectations.

Would it be possible to revisit the salary offer? I propose a base salary of $[Your Desired Salary], which is $XXXX higher than the initial offer. I am open to discussing this further and finding a mutually beneficial solution.

Thank you for your understanding, and I look forward to your response. If you need any additional information or would like to discuss this further, please feel free to reach out.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name] [LinkedIn Profile (optional)] [Phone Number]