Real Life Real Faith Women Walking By Faith March/April 2016 | Page 33

Money Talk With Tasha

How to Negotiate a Job Offer for Maximum Financial Benefit
Latasha Kinnard
Getting any job offer is an exciting time. A new job can change your life and your circumstances. Whether it is
your first job out of college, your first management position, or your first executive role, you are entitled to be
excited. However, the process is not completed yet.

Negotiating your salary and benefits is important. It is also very lucrative.

At no other time in your life can you earn so much for so little time. A few minutes of your time could lead to
higher salaries for the rest of your life!

Negotiate wisely and effectively:

1

. Take a hard look at the offer. Ensure that you completely understand it. Insist on a written offer. It is okay to

take a couple of days to review the offer. Spend the time needed to make a wise decision and clarify any
confusing points.

2

. Compare your salary. A little research will tell you all you need to know. Consider your job title, geographic

area, and industry. For example, a Quality Manager in the furniture industry in Kansas probably pays less than a
Quality Manager position in the pharmaceutical industry in New York City.

3

. Consider the other benefits. Vacation and sick leave,

401

(k) matching, life insurance, medical insurance,

maternity/paternity leave, and bonus structure are just a few examples. Determine what is most important to
you.

• Great insurance and paternity leave might be critical factors in your job search. Someone else might be
enchanted by the prospect of driving a company-provided car.

4

. Remain likable. This is the first step in your negotiations. Remaining likable can be challenging under the

circumstances. You run the risk of upsetting your potential employer and boss. Being too assertive can have
disastrous results in the long-term.

• Stand up for yourself, but not at the risk of alienating anyone.

5

10 000

. Be able to justify your requests. It is not very effective to state, “I’d like another $

10 000

effective request might be, “Similar positions in the city are paying $

,

,

per year.” A more

more. Would you be able to match

that?” If you cannot justify your requests, you may appear unreasonable. No one wants to work with someone
considered unreasonable.

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