Guest Author - Gwendolyn Thompson
If you land a job offer during an interview then you are in a good position to negotiate the terms. If they want to hire you then they feel that you have something of value to offer and they are willing to pay for it. Effective negotiation is the key to the job that you desire when the economy is weak.
The value you have to bring to an employer is the same if you are employed or unemployed. You have the same skills and experiences. The difference is your “confidence.“ If you show that you are confident during the interview, negotiations will go well. This will stand true even in a weak economy.
Employers are not searching to hire someone based on the lowest salary, especially during a weak economy. They are searching for the best candidate to fulfill the job requirements as well as offer future services that will make or save their company and add real value to its future.
Arranging the best possible deal in a fair and reasonable manner will require good negotiation skills. If the employer makes you an offer you should start to discuss the terms of the employment. Be enthusiastic and express your desire to work for them. Start by discussing the following components of the job offered.
1. The requirements of the job
2. Projects, assignments and training
3. Other employees that you will be working with
4. The job possibilities and future opportunities
5. Any concerns that you have
6. Types of benefits and salary
It is important that you understand the requirements of the job and determine if this is what you expected. Are their assignments and training? What other employees will you be working with directly and indirectly? Is their future possibilities for change and opportunity? Do you have concerns with the job?
After you are confident with the understanding of the components of the job being offered you can begin to negotiate the types of benefits and the salary. Explore what the job benefits are and a fair and reasonable salary for the work that is expected to be completed by you. Will there be any bonuses?
Discuss previous compensation by other employers for this type of job requirement or offers made by other employers for your skills. Negotiate compensation for projects or education for future advancement. Let the employer know that you are very excited to be employed by them and willing to learn.
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