Salary Negotiation

If the topic of salary comes up before the job offer, you have options. Redirect the question back to the interviewer with something like, “I’m sure you have a salary range for the position, could you tell me about the pay structure?” or “I’m confident that we can find a salary that works for both of us; right now I would like to focus on making sure I am the best fit for the position.”

Know Your Value 

Once you receive an offer, it’s completely reasonable—and recommended—to take some time to consider the terms and formulate your negotiation strategy. Some talking points are below on how best to navigate this conversation:

• "I’m delighted to receive the offer and by the prospect of joining the team! I’d like to take a couple of days to review the details. Does X (3-4 days from today) work for a response timeline? 
• “I was thrilled to be asked to join the team at X. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss some of the details you shared. I’m wondering first, what flexibility do you have with the offer?”
• If you’re not sure what to do, ask your contact. “I’d appreciate the opportunity to discuss the offer terms in greater detail. Would a phone call or virtual meeting be possible, or would you prefer we connect via email?”

Negotiating Benefits Beyond Salary

Beyond salary negotiations, sometimes other benefits are an option, such as an extra week of vacation, flexible work schedule, reduced hours, remote work options, waived healthcare benefits instead of greater annual compensation, stipends for parking, education/professional development, and even the opportunity to select your own computer equipment and office set-up (desk, chair, etc.). It’s important to consider the whole offer package.

Managing Multiple Offers

If you receive an offer but are waiting to hear from another, ask for time to consider the offer (several days to a week). Contact the second organization, explain you’ve received an offer, and ask if they can notify you of their decision more quickly. Many organizations will speed up the interview process and/or their decision to hire a competitive candidate.

Sample Scripts: 

• Speeding Up a Decision - "Thank you again for interviewing me for this position. I'm excited by the potential to join this team, as this is my first choice. I just received another offer and am wondering if there's any way you can share where I stand in the interview process?"
• Leveraging a Higher Offer - "Thank you again for offering me this position. I'm excited by the potential to work at this company and can see myself joining the team. I just received another offer and am wondering if you can match their salary?"

Negotiating is challenging. Meet with your career consultant to prepare.

Make Appointment