I had the great pleasure of being a special guest (along with @CornOnTheJob) on #u30pro last night. The topic? How to negotiate a job offer. If you weren’t able to make it, here’s a recap:
Q1: At what point are you in the position to negotiate a job offer?
@heatherhuhman: An offer of a job *is* a negotiation. It’s like buying a car — don’t always accept the sticker price.
@CornOnTheJob: Simply put. Salary should not be brought up until an offer is made. At that point, you can start a negotiation.
@mattchevy: You really need to prove results (w/ numbers to back it up) – Salary negotiation is pointless without proof of performance.
@CornOnTheJob: Never seem greedy, and know your opportunity. Keep in mind that pay is JUST 1 part of your job.
@heatherhuhman: My first disagreement with @shanemacsays of the evening. 
Don’t use Salary.com — it’s incredibly inaccurate.
@CornOnTheJob: Know that each company has their own grading system. Salary.com is not always valid. Good tool, but beware.
@heatherhuhman: @shanemacsays Glassdoor.com is a much better resource — filled out by real people within actual organizations.
@heatherhuhman: @shanemacsays Mentors and industry professionals are even better resources of what you should be making to start out.
@CornOnTheJob: If it is your first job, don’t negotiate yourself out of a job. It’s important to get the experience.
Q2: What are different things you look for when negotiating?
@heatherhuhman: People often forget that there’s more to a job than just salary. Sick days, vacation days, 401k, remote work possibilities…
@heatherhuhman: Agree with @CubanaLAF. 20-somethings def have negotiating power! Age doesn’t matter if you have the qual to back up request.
@heatherhuhman: Go into negotiations knowing yourself. What do you need out of a work environment? I love working from home, for example.
@heatherhuhman: And remember, negotiations are 2-sided. Don’t just ask, ask, ask. Be ready to give, too. Start high, accept something lower.
@CornOnTheJob: You can negotiate flex schedule, and telecommuting, but the environment/culture won’t be changed
@heatherhuhman: Disagree with @JHof. Salary is definitely negotiable! I would say actual responsibilities are less negotiable.
@mattchevy: You can ALWAYS negotiate, regardless of your age/experience. Just be smart, confident, and know your value.
@heatherhuhman: Remember that negotiations can break down, and just because you receive an offer doesn’t mean you should take it.
@heatherhuhman: Agree with @RecruitWhiz. Negotiations are NOT demands. Open communication, give and take & transparency are important.
@CornOnTheJob: Keep in mind that some companies have set ranges and salary grades. Sometimes they just can not budge.
Q3: How should negotiations take place – over the phone, email, in person?
@CornOnTheJob: Depends on that company. Corporate, phone. Never email, unless it is small details. My answer is PHONE all the way.
@heatherhuhman: Start negotiations in-person or via phone, but *always* follow-up conversations in writing so there is a record.
@heatherhuhman: While e-mail may be “impersonal,” it’s important to keep a record at every stage. Don’t start there, end there.
Q4: How do you know what to ask for when negotiating?
@heatherhuhman: If we’re talking salary, always request a range — not a specific number. Makes for easier negotiations. Get range from mentors.
@heatherhuhman: I think someone said this, but make a list of what’s negotiable & what’s not for you. Go into convo knowing where you’ll give.
@heatherhuhman: Another thing to remember is that every job is temporary. Seriously, every one. Think about what you can live with for that time.
@CornOnTheJob: Go in there with the attitude that you will earn the money you want. You’ll do it. Believe it!
@heatherhuhman: Determine your value by looking at the previous experience you have & what you can genuinely bring to the table.
Q4b: Are there any tools that can help you?
@heatherhuhman: I already mentioned a great one earlier — Glassdoor.com. It’s free – check it out!
To review the entire transcript, click here.
