“So, what are your expectations in terms of salary ?” asks the interviewer.
What you ask for during a salary negotiation doesn’t just influence how much you earn, it also tells your future employer whether you’re good at negotiating, which is a skill you can put to work for the employer once you’re hired.
Perfect Phrases explains how to negotiate salary. But DeLuca’s tips also apply to contract and project-based pay negotiations. In both cases, the people on the other side of the salary negotiations are trying to get you for the most cost-effective price.
To win your best salary, continue talking until you get everything you want, whether that’s a higher base, an early salary review or company-paid childcare, DeLuca says;
“There’s always a risk involved with any questions you raise when the offer is made, but it’s better to ask questions then, because if [the company is] uncompromising, that’s not a healthy situation,” he says. “If they have no tolerance for questions, you need to know that upfront.”
Think of a salary negotiation as your chance to shine. “The person on the other side of the desk is evaluating you,” DeLuca says. “This is going to show you’re astute in dealing with the outside world. When you get the offer, don’t let your guard down you’re still on the firing line. Feel confident, because they’ve come to you with an offer.”
To make sure you get all you deserve, DeLuca recommends asking these 10 questions while negotiating:
1. “Thanks Is This A Firm Job Offer?”
Demonstrate that you’re professional, polished and polite by saying thank you, and immediately follow to make sure that you really have just been offered a job.
2. “Is This Negotiable?”
Once the salary offer is revealed, it never hurts to ask if they’ll put more money on the table. If they say no, you can move on to negotiate other items.
Other things you can negotiate for, apart from salary are extra benefits like - a day off, flexible working hours, paid leave, health insurance, company transportation, etc.
3. “Is This Base Only?”
Asking if the figure you’re offered is total compensation or base compensation lets the interviewer know you’re interested in the details of bonuses and stock options, and it opens up other questions about bonus opportunities.
4. “When Would You Like An Answer?”
Never accept a job offer on the spot. In our society, you’re perceived as more effective if you’re thoughtful. Plus, stalling gives you time to consider your negotiation strategy.
You can say, “This is a great job, and I really want it, but in my experience, I’m better off thinking about it and coming back to you.” Never say you need to discuss it with your spouse -- you want to appear confident and capable of making a decision on your own".
5. “Will I Get The Offer In Writing?"
Don’t accept an offer that isn’t in writing. Not everyone is honest.
If you quit a job based on the verbal promise of a new job that then falls through, you’ll have no job and no recourse.
6. “Will There Be A Relocation Bonus?"
You can ask this question in case you need to relocate for the job. If they say no, your response is, “OK, I’m just asking.” Just because the pay isn’t negotiable doesn’t mean other aspects of the job aren’t.
Ask for flextime, telecommuting or anything else that’s important to you.
7. “What Is The Start Date?"
This is a way to reaffirm that the offer is serious. Most people want you to start immediately but will be disappointed if you agree to do so.
If you leave your current employer in the lurch, the concern is that you might do the same to this company someday. If you’re switching jobs rather than coming off unemployment, build in tim to close out your existing job and take a vacation.
8. “May I Please Have A Job Description?”
This question verifies the job you’re being hired to do is the job described during the interview process -- and is a job you’re capable of doing.
9. “How And When Will I Be Evaluated, And Will There Be An Increase On The Basis Of That Evaluation?"
These questions separates out when you’ll be evaluated and when you’ll be eligible for a raise. Those two events are often, but not always, linked.
10. “Regarding Benefits, Please Provide The Details, When Do They Start?"
If the interviewer has promised that the salary or job offered to you comes with benefits, it will do you well to get the exact time when the benefits will begin.
In the case of salary increament, how many months do you have to work, before they increase your salary? What are the terms surrounding the increase?
How do the days off work? What of leave and vacation? Make sure all these questions are sorted out and put in writing during your negotiation.
As you ask these 10 questions, keep in mind that in addition to gathering necessary information, you’re showing your new boss that you’re a good negotiator. You want them to know they’re smart to offer you the job, but you’re not going to come cheap.
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