Career Services in Coda! [Katie Rivard]

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Career Services in Coda! [Katie Rivard]

Job Offers & Negotiations

Salary Negotiation

5 minute read

If you've received a job offer, you may be wondering if you should negotiate your salary, and if so, how to go about doing so.

The process of negotiating your salary doesn't have to be gut-wrenching. You should approach it with a positive attitude, which can result in a lasting, beneficial impact on your career.

By this point of the interview process, you've likely done your research about fair market rates — and if not, you should as soon as possible. This is based on your location, experience level, and the type of company you've received an offer from. All of these factors can help you determine a realistic and reasonable expectation for the salary you hope to make.

Factors to Help You Decide

Before determining a finite range, consider your salary history. Ideally, you don't want to go lower than what you've made in the past. However, you may consider whether the benefits and perks make up for a lower base salary. And other aspects of the new job may also be worth weighing in your decision making, such as culture, work-life balance, and vacation time.

Once you receive a job offer, you have greater leverage before accepting and the opportunity to potentially negotiate your salary. That said, it's always possible that the employer can't go any higher in which case, you should stay open to dialogue and compromise.

Do's for Negotiating Salary

Do your research to determine what you're worth and base a salary request on data about the value you bring

Determine what you need to succeed and ask for it

Consider the option of negotiating benefits and perks

Request for negotiated terms for salary and benefits in writing before you accept the position

If you decide to decline a job opportunity, do so professionally.

Don'ts for Negotiating Salary

Don't undervalue yourself and your skills

Don't ask for too much, refuse to negotiate, or ask before an offer is made since an employer could perceive you as difficult and rethink their offer.

Don't rush to accept the offer until you've had the chance to really reflect on its details.

Don't accept an offer solely because you're afraid to say no.

If you find yourself in a situation where you don't know what to do, consult your Career Coach for their advice. They can help lead you in the right direction, or at least provide guidance in determining if you have leverage.

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