If you are new to the workforce, you probably are unaware that you have negotiating powers while going through the hiring process. If you haven’t noticed before, there are sections on applications where it asks for your“desired salary.”Having this option for your salary is somewhat new to employment procedures and usually only exist with online applications.
This question is there for a reason and that reason is so that you and the potential employer can negotiate the advertised or revealed salary versus what you are willing to accept. The two are rarely the same. Even though this tool exists, only half of potential employees know they have a possibility to negotiate pay and benefits.
If you go to an interview prepared with analysis of what the average pay is for a job with the level of experience you bring to the table you stand to have more leverage in negotiating benefits. Are there other benefits that you don’t have to accept? How do you approach an employer to negotiate your current or future benefits?
Small business owners are more likely to accept this arrangement due to the high cost of employee insurance. Insurance is a highly costly benefit to offer an employee and not all do. However, if there are no other options and you need a family plan, the cost are typically the same as it for one person coverage.
If one of the benefits is a 401 (k), you may negotiate matching funds or additional contributions by the employer instead of a higher salary. Once again, whatever you agree on, be sure you get all the details in writing and be very clear as to what goals must be reached to receive the funding.
If this is an avenue you are willing to travel, then it is best to request the increase in the very beginning, such as three weeks paid vacation instead of two, for instance. One other option is the request for the allotment of sick days and vacation days to increase sooner than the standard rate.
Paid vacation time off is an important benefit to have under your belt. Another option is to increase the time annually that you get for paid vacation time.
Taking advantage of the option to telecommunicate gives you more free time or work time that you would typically be driving and idling in high traffic congestion. Another “new” strategy is working four-ten hour days instead of the traditional five days- eight hours per day. Having three day weekends is a great perk to have with any job.
Negotiating alternative work arrangements with your employee benefits gives you the chance to spotlight how these perks would not only help you but the employer as well. Bring to light the idea of you coming in an hour later than your co-workers gives you less time stuck in traffic and more time available to be productive.
If the information isn’t already part of your employment package, ask whether the potential employer would be interested in providing financial support for you to advance your education or to obtain certification in training modular in your industry. As mentioned above, many will agree to pay the cost, but you must remain employed for a required time-typically one year- before becoming eligible for this benefit.
The best time to inquire about this perk is if you are already pursuing a college degree or training. If the company doesn’t offer any educational incentives, you should still bring it to their attention if it is something that would benefit the company.
Read: How to negotiate your employment contract extension
The best tool you can walk into an interview with is knowledge. Do your homework and have your numbers organized to show what you want and why you feel you deserve the request.One thing is sure, if you don’t ask for more, odds are your potential employer is not going to make the offer.
The better you know the company and what assets you have to offer, the better your chances are of receiving a better employee benefits package. Remember not to sell yourself short and accept the first offer presented to you; there is always room to work with for both parties to meet in the middle.