Tips for negotiating your employment package

Usually we will assist in negotiating the optimal package in accordance with your skills and experience. Consider this as well…

  1. Everyone is capable of negotiating. Once you are about to get an offer, bear in mind that you’ve been selected as the best candidate for the job & this gives you leverage as the employer’s main concern will not be negotiating a less expensive package.
  2. Never ignore job openings because of perceived salary shortcomings. Always approach an opportunity like it is the job of your dreams. Therefore never turn down interviews due to a salary range. Employers begin the negotiation process knowing what the budget is, yet allowing some flexibility due to the competitiveness in the market for someone with your abilities.
  3. Counter offers are generally 10-15% above the original offer. There may be some flexibility built into the initial offer, but employers generally don´t like to´ing and fro´ing with offers and counter-offers.
  4. Negotiation starts the moment you submit your resume and continues during the interview process. Think very carefully what salary you ask for when your CV is submitted. Don’t be unrealistic and request a salary more than 35% in excess of your current salary.
  5. Don’t sell yourself at one level and then expect an offer at a higher level. During the process start to build a relationship with the employer, exhibiting how much value you can add to the organisation. Once you’ve built maximum value, you’ll have the leverage to negotiate the best compensation package possible.
  6. It´s reasonable to request up to one week to make your decision. Never accept a position on the spot. You want the employer to view you as a prudent decision-maker, and you want them to understand that you don´t want to rush big decisions. Express your excitement regarding the offer, but allow yourself some time to think about the level of responsibility and the associated compensation.
  7. Always get an offer in writing. Because of the high frequency of mergers, acquisitions and downsizings it’s important to get the terms of employment in writing. Find out if the company routinely provides new employees with employment contracts. If this is not offered then request it, or use a confirmation letter to spell out the terms you have agreed to accept. During the negotiation process consider using a follow-up memo after each discussion. This gives you more control over the final agreement. Consider asking for a dummy payslip before signing acceptance.