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Sometimes you receive an offer you like in some ways but there are some things
about it you do not like. Rather than turning down the offer, you may want to consider
negotiating the terms of the offer with the employer. However, for the most part,
employers will only enter into serious negotiations for upper level management and
executive positions. Understand not all jobs will have flexibility in their salaries and
that not all positions are negotiable depending on the type of job and organization.
Depending on the situation, money may be a negotiable issue. For example, say you
are offered a position starting at $12 per hour and you were hoping for $15 per
hour. You may be able to negotiate the salary and reach a compromise of $13.50.
Remember, if the position is at a level to negotiate, almost anything can be the subject
for negotiations. There may be several items open for negotiation. Before you decide
to negotiate, however, you have to make some decisions. |
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- Be sure that the issue is so serious you would not take the job unless
it were changed. Remember, when you ask to negotiate, the employer may
withdraw the offer. The employer may have other candidates who would be
willing to take the job as offered. In some cases the employer may not be able
to change the offer due to contract or budget limitations.
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- If money is the issue, be sure you know the salary range you will accept.
Having a range is better than an exact figure because it allows for compromise.
For example, it may be easier for an employer to provide more in benefits than
in salary by providing perks, like free parking or tuition assistance.
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- Keep your military benefits in mind. When you calculate the value of
the many benefits, use it as a negotiation tool for your entry into the private
sector. Online calculators are available and links are available on the
transition website.
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