How Do You Negotiate A Salary Offer?

A job offer is the reward for any successful search for employment. The company wants you and you have convinced the company that you want the job. Although a job offer has many components, for most people the critical one is salary. What are your options if the money is less than acceptable? You can certainly negotiate, but are you prepared to do this? Follow this guidance and you just might get what you want. Know the corporate culture in advance and you will have an advantage. Every organization reacts to counteroffers differently. Some never negotiate and are insulted if you try--take it or leave it. Others expect you to negotiate and will be disappointed if you do not--especially if this skill is a component of the job. Do your best to learn the corporate culture before you negotiate. Identify your rationale before you ask for more money. You need a reason and this reason gives you leverage--the power to get what you want. For many job seekers this lever is simply wanting more ...  more