Before you say "I accept" make sure the terms of the job offer meet your expectations. If not, you may wish to negotiate and ask for a better deal.
Once you receive a job offer, you must decide whether the job is right for you. You will need to evaluate factors of the job itself that were not necessarily discussed during the interview process such as salary, title, benefits, vacation pay, and severance. Now is not the time to shy away. Even though you may not get all that you request in a negotiation, agreeing on the terms of the job offer beforehand will help avoid confusion and frustration later on. It may also contribute to your overall job satisfaction and work performance in your new position.
Below are tips and questions to consider as you negotiate the job offer.
First and foremost, get it in writing. Youll want to understand all the basic terms of the employment, including hours per week, salary, and benefits. Next, request clarification on any terms of the employment that are vague. Youll want to know as much as possible about the job itself so that you can make an informed decision. Finally, show your enthusiasm and ask for a short timeline for getting back to the employer. Companies will typically expect a few days before anticipating a response to a job offer (although you should respond immediately with an acknowledgement of the offer).
What is my Role and Responsibility?
It is a good idea to agree on your title, role, and primary job responsibilities. For instance, youll want to be sure the tile accurately reflects the nature of the work you would be doing. In addition, you should evaluate whether your job duties match your skills, interests, and capabilities. Since youll be spending a large portion of your time and energy in the new job, you should be interested in the type of work youll be engaged in. Finally, it may be wise to ask how your role fits within the larger team, company, and organization. It may be important to know how your role is perceived by others both within and outside of your organization.
What is my Salary and Benefits?
For many, the most important aspect of a job is the amount you will get paid. At a minimum, youll want to know your base salary and when it is payable, including holidays, vacations, and overtime. If youre not happy with the salary offered, or believe you would not be getting fair wages, consider negotiating a better salary that works for you. If so, do the research on other comparable jobs in similar fields knowing that job function, work hours, education level, prior salary history, and experience all play a key role.
In addition, determine whether bonus pay is included in your overall compensation. If so, ask how it is calculated and how it is paid. Youll want to avoid a discretionary bonus payout. Instead, get all bonus promises in writing and ask for a specific amount or percentage based on a verifiable formula.
Regarding vacation pay benefits, ask the employer 1) how much vacation time youll receive, 2) whether unused vacation days may be carried over to the next year, and 3) whether youll be paid for unused vacation days if you leave or are terminated.
Finally, ask about the employers company-sponsored benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and federally-mandated family and medical leave benefits, among others.
Read FindLaws "Wages and Benefits" section and "Employee Benefits Questions to Ask" for more information.
What Job Security or Career Advancement Opportunities Will I Have?
Determine the circumstances an employer may or may not terminate you. Youll want to know whether it is up to an employers discretion or based on cause, for example. You may also wish to ask for a fixed-term contract (e.g. one year) especially if the position is was hard to fill or requires specialized training (in which you might have). If a request for a fixed-term contract is refused, consider asking for a set minimum number of days (e.g. 90 days) before an employee may fire you. This will at least give you some stability in planning for misfortunate circumstances.
In addition, you may wish to ask whether the company offers any career advancement opportunities, such as mentoring, educational, or other training programs. The more career opportunities you take advantage or, the more secure you can be with the company.
What Should Happen if I am Separated From the Company for any reason?
Unfortunately, there are situations that my lead to a job termination or layoff. It would be wise to negotiate what would happen in the event you are terminated or leave the company. Ask the company about its severance policy and consider negotiating a severance package that works for both you and the employer. Additionally, ask about the conditions of a severance package, such as when they are paid and whether they apply to resignations. You may also wish to inquire about the duration and percentage amount of a typical severance package and whether paid in a fixed sum or over time?
What Other Job Factors Should I Consider?
You may wish to inquire about the following:
Lastly, it is not necessary to negotiate all terms of a job offer, yet just those terms you qualify for, or believe would make the job more ideal. Regardless of the type of job you seek, make sure to use the job offer to your advantage and seek the best possible job situation for you and the potential employer.
