How to Come Out the Winner in Any Job Offer Negotiation

Job seeking can be a particularly strenuous process, but getting a job offer makes it all worth it. It's the light at the end of the tunnel, or if you prefer, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. But it may be fool's gold if you don't seal the deal in negotiating about salary and job description.

There is a certain euphoria that comes over any of us when offered a new job. It's about validation, in you and your ability. Your feelings of self worth may go off the scale. It's natural to feel that your career search is over, when in actuality you are at a critical point in your quest. Obviously, your soon-to-be new boss is confident enough in your aptitude and character to make you an offer.

Now, it is up to you to take the next step and discuss what kind of compensation and benefits package you will receive, not to mention what is expected of you on the job. Horse-trading of this nature is a normal, expected part of the job search, where if you get it right, you will reap rewards immediately and down the road as well. If you botch the negotiations, though, all your hard work will go for naught and the job offer could be retracted. You'll likely never be in a better position to negotiate your salary and responsibilities then at this stage. Take advantage of some simple advice to maximize your advantage.

In advance of your interview, you need to contact the human resources department of your potential employer or find some other way to obtain a copy of the company's employee information brochure. This is usually a valuable source of information on benefits, compensation, code of conduct and overall expectations. Having this knowledge in hand will prove useful in the event you are offered a job.

Just as we all do price comparisons while shopping, looking for the best deal, the same applies when looking at salaries from potential new employers. Know what the average pay is for someone with your skills and experience. Once you determine that, then collect data on salary levels at the companies comparable to the one with which you are interviewing. This way you'll know what NOT to ask for during negotiations, thus preventing a possibly awkward scene.

When in the negotiating stage, you must always have your new supervisor lay out in detail what will you be counted on to do in your position. Many large companies may have online or video training programs to acclimate new associates to their fresh surroundings. Knowing ahead of time what is expected will help you avoid any type of culture shock as you get settled into your new job.

Perhaps the most important objective when hammering out a compensation package is to get everything in writing. Traditionally, a handshake was all that was needed to close a deal. In today's corporate environment, however, even the best intentions can backfire when details are not put down on paper. Your new boss may be someone of the highest integrity, but more often than not, they have superiors who care more about the company's bottom line than about fulfilling verbally made promises. You absolutely must secure any portion of your compensation package, particularly dealing with future raises, bonuses or promotions, in writing. Doing so will help you avoid buyer's remorse at some point later.

Don't be afraid to use an aggressive approach during these negotiating. Most supervisors likely prefer this, since it demonstrates your professionalism and that you take the position you've just been offered seriously. You need to be ready to weigh in on the nuts and bolts of the job, issues such as compensation and benefits, promotions, etc. And don't shy away from expressing your own needs and desires, especially if you have any health or disability issues that come into play.

Handling negotiations in the wake of a job offer is much like looking for a new car. You simply can not go into the situation blindly and trust that you will walk away with the best deal. Being prepared will certainly raise your esteem in the eyes of your new boss and will give you a boost of confidence. You will have achieved a successful liftoff of your new career.

*Successful Job Offer Negotiation, CollegeGrad.com