Your hard work has paid off and you’ve been extended a job offer, but the compensation is less than you were expecting. Is there a chance to negotiate a better deal?

Despite the angst it might cause you at this stage, the answer to that question is yes.   Here are a few important guidelines to keep in mind should your job search progress to this point:

1)      You increase your chances of getting what you want by being positive, appreciative of the employer’s consideration and reiterating your interest in the employer and the challenges the job offers. If you act arrogant or unreasonable, the offer could be revoked and you would be back at Square 1

2)      When asking for more pay, explain your request in terms that are both sensible and reasonable. For instance, “Overall, this is a very nice offer but there’s only one area where I hope there could be some flexibility. At my last job, I was earning $80,000 a year and I was hoping that the offer would be closer to that amount. Is there any chance that part of the offer could be enhanced so I won’t have to play catch-up?”

3)      For non-monetary items such as vacation vesting, don’t be afraid to tug at the heart strings by injecting a personal element to your request: “Since we’ve already planned our family vacation, I was hoping that I wouldn’t have to break my children’s hearts by having to cancel it. Is there any chance my vacation allowance could be immediately vested so I won’t have to be the bad guy?

While the safest approach is to simply accept the job offer unconditionally, many employers are prepared – and expect – to negotiate the initial offer. Your success will largely depend on how you ask for the things that matter most to you.

Learn more about how Navigator Institute can enhance your negotiation skills and help you learn how to find a job.