Job Offer Salary Negotiation

Well done! You have the offer letter for you dream job in your hands. But you see a small gap that salary doesn't meet your expectations entirely. This is when you have to be real smart. If you really want this job but a different salary, here are some negotiation tactics which you would do well to know.

• Ask for a little higher than what you will be happy with , you won't get what you ask for anyway.
• If the basic salary is 'strictly not negotiable', then try to get an increased amount of other bonuses in the non-salary category.
• Add a few extras in your wish list. You can ceremoniously drop these off during your discussion so as to seem flexible.
• Remember that salary is not the only thing. You can negotiate on the perquisites as well.
• Don't let them ever forget how good you will be for their company.
• If you've made up your mind about rejecting their offer, don't waste everyone's time negotiating unnecessarily.
• Don't bother telling one company about another offer that you have that's higher paying. They may just tell you to go there!
• The trick is to get as much of your wish list accepted and at the same time making them feel they got the best part of the deal.
• All employers don't negotiate. The sooner you recognize your kind the better.
• Don't try to bully them. It won't work. Ever!
• Expect the worst. If it happens, you'll be prepared. If anything else happens you'll be pleasantly surprised.
• Be realistic. If this is a job you badly need, your position is definitely weaker.
• Human nature being what it is, more demands may crop up in your mind after you've made the deal. Squelch them immediately or risk losing the job.
• Accept nothing less than a written agreement of the terms and conditions, clearly stating your pay package.
• Wait till the list of candidates has been narrowed down to the narrowest when the employer is convinced he has to hire you.
• Make full use of the time between receiving the offer and accepting it. Negotiations made after indicating acceptance will most likely be in the 'recycle bin'.
• Leave a decent amount of time before starting your negotiations.
• Be well informed of your true value (what you think you are worth is NOT information).
• Don't shy away from bargaining because you think it will be unpleasant. Most companies expect it.
• Use a mode of communication that you are most comfortable with.