Top 10 Evaluation Tips
- Never mention a salary number or range without doing the research.
- Never make the first offer unless absolutely necessary.
- Never respond to an offer immediately on the spot.
- Don’t immediately think there is no room for negotiation.
- Be enthusiastic, courteous, and
professional during negotiation.
- Never stop selling yourself.
- Get the offer and all of the details in writing.
- Prioritize what is important to you, and negotiate accordingly.
- Be sure you want to negotiate.
- Consider the negotiation process a win-win opportunity.
Resource: COBA, Office Employer Relations. coba.usf.edu/services/career
Negotiating
Evaluate benefits. They are often one-third of the total compensation value and may be negotiable. Good ones to look for and understand are the following:
- Cafeteria plans or medical/dependent reimbursement plans
- Pension or 401k
- Medical, dental, vision insurance
- Profit sharing, employee stock plan
- Signing bonus
- Stock options or performance bonuses
- Life, disability insurance
- Promotion and raise schedule
- Vacation, sick, personal time off
- Flex hours, telecommuting
- Tuition reimbursement
- Company assets–car, computer/laptop, cell phone
- Health club membership
- Relocation expenses
- In a group evaluation, use those you connected with during the interviews to help negotiate for you internally
Make sure to negotiate based on the cost of living in the city you will be living and working in. You can check this at www.betterplaces.net
Study salaries of comparable jobs with similar companies. Knowing your market value will strengthen your negotiating
position.
- In evaluating offers, consider title, opportunity for advancement, company reputation, culture, and ability to work with potential manager.
Don’t accept any offer on the spot. Show interest but ask for time to think it over. Refrain from disclosing your need to discuss the job offer with your spouse. Get the offer in writing.
- Contact companies with whom you’re interviewed. Give them a chance to match the competing offer or top it.
Resource: Rapid Guide to Job Hunting. Illinois State University Career Center Copyright 2005 by Rapid Guide
