4.7: Negotiating for Yourself
This section takes us through the phases of negotiation to explain how we can use these phases to optimize our negotiated outcomes. You may not want to accept the first offer extended to you. This article offers tips for negotiation success.
Read this section. Your past salary signals to employers your level, title, and responsibilities. To obtain a higher salary, you need to position yourself so employers do not question your abilities because you have not received a high salary in the past. However, sometimes it makes sense to take a lower salary. The article responds to similar questions: What is the best way to approach a recruiter about a salary negotiation? How does someone new to the workforce approach negotiation? How does that approach change after you have had a few years of experience? There may be other benefits worth negotiating besides salary. This section will help you consider several approaches to formulate your initial position.
In addition to salary and other cash components, non-cash components (stock options, stock grants, retirement accounts, benefits, start date, employee perks, paid versus unpaid leave, lifestyle and flexibility, outplacement service, and severance pay) can play a major role in whether or not to accept a job offer.