Ten Rules for Negotiating a Job Offer:
Conceptualizing the Negotiation Process:
- Get everything in writing: Document all details, even non-monetary ones.
- Always keep the door open: Don't commit prematurely, maintain negotiating power.
- Information is power: Protect your information, don't reveal too much too soon.
- Always be positive: Remain enthusiastic about the company throughout the process.
- Don't be the decision maker: Involve others in the decision to reduce pressure.
Additional Tips:
- Understand what "getting a job" means: You're selling your labor, not receiving a favor.
- The role of negotiation: It's expected and signals competence. Always negotiate.
- Getting other offers: Use leverage, create urgency, and understand why companies care.
- Timing: Strategically time your offers for maximum negotiation window.
- Exploding offers: Treat them as non-offers unless the expiration is extended.
- Negotiating mindset: Value companies multi-dimensionally, be curious about them.