Claremont Graduate Univeristy
Career
Development
Accepting/Negotiating
the Job Offer
FYI
Research salary information before the interview. Do not ask about
salary during the interview, but be prepared to answer a question the
interviewer may ask about your salary expectations.
After Receiving the Offer
Avoid accepting immediately. Even if it is the
perfect job, consider the entire offer before
responding. Once you accept the offer you will
not be able to negotiate.
If the offer is made by phone, ask them to email
the details so you can clearly see the terms.
Read the entire offer to make sure you
understand. If you have any questions, email
the person who sent the offer to ask for
clarification.
Before accepting, consider each element you
would like to negotiate.
If you are not ready to make the decision, ask
for more time to consider.
What's in an Offer?
An offer will contain sone of the additional following
elements: bonuses (quarterly/yearly), stock options,
H1B, etc. Most elements can be negotiated.
FAQ: How do I know if I should accept the offer?
Consider the following questions to determine
whether or not the offer meets your criteria:
Are the position and the company a good fit for
you?
Are there opportunities to grow and develop your
career?
Is the location where you want to live?
Are there additional perks you cannot get
elsewhere?
Is the work/life balance right for you?
Receiving Multiple Offers
Do:
Carefully compare the strengths and
weaknesses of each. Compare ALL
elements of the offer, not just salary.
Use the stronger offer to bargain for a
better offer from the other company.
Be careful how you approach the
negotiations and be prepared for your
preferred company to say they can't
match the other offer.
Don't:
Try to pit companies against each other
to start a bidding war. You want to start
your new job on a positive note; if the
negotiations are not handled correctly
that can sour the relationship and
potentially result in the company
withdrawing the offer.
Misrepresent the other offer since the
company may ask to see it before
responding to your request.
Ethical Considerations
Once you accept an offer STOP interviewing
at all companies. Reneging on an offer is
unprofessional and potentially career
damaging.
Negotiation
Do not begin negotiations until you ready to accept. Once you negotiate the
terms, the company will expect you to accept the offer. If you are waiting for an
offer from your top choice employer, it is okay to ask for more time to consider.
How to Negotiate
Plan your negotiation strategy.
View negotiations as a dialogue. It is okay to ask for what you want, but don't
make demands.
Consider which elements of the offer you'd like to modify and place them in
order of importance.
Consider the argument you can make to support your request. Focus on what
you offer: your experiences, your strengths, etc.
What value do you add to the company that makes you worth more?
Call! It is more efficient to negotiate an offer by phone than email.
Once you begin the negotiation, you can adjust your strategy as necessary. For
example, if the salary isn't negotiable, then move to the next item on your list.
Don't ask for too many things. If you get a higher salary and in increased
signing bonus, you may want to reconsider asking for additional considerations
Once satisfied with your offer, ask to have it in writing and make sure it
includes the modifications you agreed to.
Respond to the person and officially accept the offer.
How to Decline an Offer
Begin by thanking them for their time and their interest in you. You want to
maintain a positive relationship with the company in case you decide to work
for them in the future.
Give a brief explanation of why you are declining.
Avoid saying anything negative about the company as your reason for declining.
Final Advice
Attend Negotiating the Job Offer Workshop--see CDO calendar for time & place
http:www.cgu.edu/careerdevelopment
Visit the Career Development Office for more information.
Visit cgu-csm.symplicity.com/students/ to request an appointment
We are located in the Student Success Center:
131 E. 10th St. Claremont, CA 91711 (909) 621-8177