If your CV is up to the job and you have had a successful set of interviews, you are ready to tackle the minefield of negotiating job offers. Construct-A-CV offer some simple advice on dealing with competing job offers, how to negotiate job offers and salary negotiation.
If you are in the enviable position of having multiple job offers on or coming to the table; then what is your best course of action? Some employers will be flexible when an offer has been made, others will not.
When dealing with large operations, they are able to afford you more time when negotiating job offers and accepting a job. Small and medium sized enterprises are not in the same position and may require an answer in a couple of days. It is important to find out exactly when you will need to inform the potential employer of your decision. If you have an offer on the table in which you are interested, but you are waiting for another interview before a decision is made, then you should try to get interviews brought forward. If you are waiting on an offer, then contact the relevant HR department and ask them about the progress of any job offers.
If you are pressured by an employer to make a quick decision, the most important factor to consider is your instincts. Go with them. Do you want to work for a company that will not wait a reasonable time for such an important decision? Consider your overall career. Does this role fit in with your plan?
Get as much information as possible before you make a final decision. If an offer is received but you are unsure whether taking the job is right for you, acknowledge receipt of the offer and inform them when your decision will be made. It is important not to burn any bridges, you may want to work for or with the company in the future.
During interview you will almost certainly be asked about the level of remuneration you will be looking for. Salary negotiation is a designed to find out your worth to the company. You should always go for the higher level of remuneration in the salary range. Remember that salary is one of many considerations. Is there a pension, a joining bonus, investment in training, a company car, travel, subsidised food, mentoring or unpaid leave?
Research is essential in order to strengthen your salary negotiations. You can find out market rates for the similar roles through recruitment advertising in newspapers and on the web. Check out the salary guide for your industry at http://www.hays.com/salary-guides.aspx.
Remember that you are engaging in a negotiation. They want you and you want the job. It is a mutually beneficial arrangement and both parties have to be happy in order for the engagement to be a success. Let them know that you are worth the money before accepting the job!
If you are relocating in order to take the job, find out if the company is able to help. Some companies offer in excess of £1500 to relocate. Always ask an employer policy, around 15% of employers offer such packages. This is has obvious benefits to the candidate but also to the company. Provision of capital will take much of the personal stress out of moving, allowing you to give 100% to your new employers. Remember that remuneration does not always translate into salary. See what else the company can offer.
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