runtime 2008-1-1 18:55
Negotiating salary can be tricky
With typical charm, you nailed the interview and snagged the job offer -- a beautiful opportunity for a recent grad, you think.
But before you start salivating at the prospect of a corner cubicle, you should remember the game isn't over. You're still selling yourself and the most crucial part is yet to come.
Job offer in hand (assuming this is a non-union position), you have to decide if the deal is for you or if you should ask for more. This is critical, says Mandie Crawford, an Alberta-based career coach and placement expert.
"Sometimes your first job is going to determine the course of your entire career. So [you have to be] able to negotiate that properly and fairly, and understand how the system works before you get into it."
To negotiate well, you have to understand and believe in what you're worth. Research is key.
"The more information you have, the better you're able to negotiate an appropriate offer," says Randall Craig, a Toronto career consultant and author of Personal Balance Sheet: A Practical Career Planning Guide ([url]www.personalbalancesheet.com[/url]). "This is probably most important when you're starting out."
Before you negotiate for your first professional job, do some budgeting to understand how much money you need to live. Then find out what similar jobs pay, says Craig. Check online job boards and ask around.
If you're changing jobs, remember that your new salary should insulate you from the worst-case scenario.
"Whenever you make a change, you're changing from a sure thing to uncertainty. How do you know that this is going to be what it's supposed to be or if you'll be successful there? So, part of the raise is to cover your risk."
It's also important to understand the value of the job to the company and the value you would add, says Crawford. Career counsellor can help.
While it can be nerve-racking, if you sell yourself well (without exaggeration), you can tailor a job offer to suit you.
"If your potential employer can see your value, and you can address his [or her] concerns, then anything is negotiable."