Negotiate an Offer

A hand selects and adjusts layered elements, representing evaluating and managing a job offer decision.

Preparation is key to a successful negotiation. The following suggestions and resources can help you negotiate an offer that is fair, realistic and the basis for a good working relationship between you and your employer.

While you should be prepared to discuss compensation at any time, your position will improve if you are able to delay the negotiation. If an interviewer brings up compensation early in the process, you might say "I'd like to get a better sense of my fit with the position and company before discussing finances." When it's time to talk, the offer should come from the hiring manager or your HR contact.

Prioritize

Remember that the negotiation is about more than money! Evaluate all aspects of an offer and prioritize those that are most important to you. These include:

  • Organizational culture and values

  • Paid vacation time

  • Parental leave

  • Growth opportunities

  • Career progression flexibility

  • Frequency of performance reviews, performance standards/goals

  • Geographic flexibility

  • Office space

  • Paid travel

  • Ownership options

  • Professional training

  • Flexible work scheduling

Negotiate

The following tactics can help you conduct productive negotiations:

  • Speak with the hiring manager, if possible

  • Express enthusiasm for job and company

  • Don't negotiate at the time the initial job offer is made

  • Know your bottom line in terms of salary, benefits, etc.

  • Negotiate base pay first, then other points the employer would likely agree to

  • Save other issues of conflict for last

  • Seek to understand (“Is there any flexibility in...?”)

  • Use a collaborative tone (“Can you think of anything else we can do to bring us closer together?”)

  • Share your professional and/or financial goals

  • Keep a calm, business-like tone

  • Avoid getting into a discussion of market rates with knowledgeable employers

  • Keep HR informed

Tools & Resources for Negotiating an Offer

Salary & Career Trends

Leverage the Career Trends Tool to get a richer picture of alumni salary and progress, including information on job responsibilities and compensation patterns across industries.

Salary.com

Discover a benchmark for salaries by industry and zip code, substantive advice on compensation and negotiation, current news affecting the labor market and more.

Moving.com

A comprehensive guide to relocation resources, including a salary calculator, moving calculator, mortgage information, lifestyle guides to many cities, and crime statistics.