Employers want to be sure they are hiring the right applicant and you want to be sure the job is all that you hoped it will be. Learn what you should ask of your potential employer before you accept the job.
Now that you’ve been offered a job, it’s the right time to look at the details of that offer. Negotiating salary and determining your total compensation package (salary plus benefits) is just a start. We’ve highlighted key things to consider:
Salary Negotiation: In most cases, salary negotiations do not begin until a job offer has been made. It is possible, however, for salary negotiation to occur in the initial interview. Regardless, it’s smart to be prepared to discuss salary. Be prepared to discuss your past earnings, your desired salary for the new position, and a bit of give and take on the actual salary amount.
Benefits and Perks: When you are in the process of deciding if the salary a company is offering you is acceptable, you also need to decide what to negotiate for besides your pay. The following are benefits you should consider.
Insurance: Find out what types of insurance packages the company offers. Do they include health, dental and vision coverage? Determine if you have any special needs that the company doesn't currently have a provision to handle. Ask if it has any leeway to negotiate in this area before you spend your valuable time and energy trying to get additional insurance benefits.
Vacation and Sick Days: Ask about how much vacation and sick time you would be eligible to receive. Make sure you understand exactly how the company's policies work on things like personal days. Ask if there is a schedule for increasing the number of these days you will receive based on the amount of time you work for the company. Ask what happens to your sick days and vacation days if you don't use them. Knowing exactly what the company's policies are will help you determine if this is an area you would like to try to negotiate.
Savings and Pension Benefits: Find out if the company will be offering you a savings plan, pension plan, or some sort of 401K employer matching plan. Your savings plan is a vital part of your financial future.
Education and Training: Depending on your job, you might be able to look for tuition assistance as part of your employment package for additional education and training that are related to your job.
Additional Considerations: Other things you might be able to negotiate are your job title and responsibilities, your days and hours, your office or cubicle, and your lunch or break times. Some employers offer additional benefits such as gym membership, elder care, company investment, and stock options. If these benefits are offered, they represent additional compensation, and will be included in your offer package. You can ask for clarifications of these benefits if they are offered, but you should not ask for them if the employer has not brought them up first.