Job Offers and Pay Negotiations

When you first get the job offer it will often be a verbal offer and is likely to be subject to taking up references and perhaps even a medical examination.

So never say you are accepting a job offer, or resign from your present job until you have received a formal offer in writing for the new position. Occasionally, after an interview, employers try to shorten their process by asking if you will accept the job there and then. It's flattering and gratifying to know they like you enough to make an offer but be very careful or you may find yourself caught out with no job.

You should be careful in your response and if you are interested say "I would like to accept it but please confirm your offer in writing" and I will then confirm with you.

A formal job offer should include all these points:

? job title

? pay

? benefits

? normal hours of work

? place of work

? holiday entitlement

? notice period

If something is not covered, you need to find out what it is as you will not be able to make your decision without this information. And don't wait until you start work to raise any outstanding queries. It will be far too late to discuss or negotiate anything else by then.

Check your job offer letter carefully against what you understood was being offered, and don't sign the acceptance letter unless you are fully satisfied with it. You still have time to raise any questions.

As the job offer letter forms the basis of your new contract, you need to be sure. And finally, don't accept the first job you are offered unless it's the right one.

PAY NEGOTIATION

At interview, it's too soon to get involved in in-depth discussions of money and perks unless you are sure that the company wants you rather than one of the other candidates - in other words, once they have offered you the job. When you know they are prepared to 'buy' then you have room to start and negotiate.

KNOW YOUR NEEDS

Consider your current or last remuneration package - in other words, not only your pay, but things like benefits, pension, bonus, private health insurance, overtime payments, car loan and whether you have additional expenses because of the location of the new job.

KNOW THE MARKET

Use the internet to gather information so that you know the market value of someone with your skills. What are the industry averages for your level of responsibility and type of work?

KNOW HOW TO TALK ABOUT PAY

If you are pushed at an early stage to discuss your pay expectations, say that you would like to come back to this when you have more information about the job demands and responsibilities. Or you could give a very general indication of what your pay expectations are whilst confirming your interest and enthusiasm for the job.

If you are already on the market, beware of firms trying to get you below your market worth. You must be ready to justify why you are worth more - because of your skills and experience, and reassure them that you are not just looking for a stepping-stone.

If they ask you what you are prepared to accept always say: "I have an idea but what do you have in mind?" so that they name the figure first.

If the pay offered is lower than your expectations, start to negotiate. Start your negotiating with the salary itself and emphasise that whilst the pay is not as important as the opportunity and the challenge of the job, it is important; and then proceed to the benefits package. Be prepared to negotiate a compromise. If it looks as if you are not going to reach a compromise, make sure you still sign off on a pleasant note. They may come back to you later with a better offer or remember you favourably when a bigger job comes up.

Always aim to leave a positive image!

With over 25 years running businesses; as a Career Coach and Consultant in many sectors; Peter Fisher is well placed to guide job seekers through the steps needed in order to achieve that all important new position.

He has personally coached thousands of individuals to career success.

His distillation of these years of experience with all the essential facts and actions you must complete in order to achieve your own success is outstanding. He is very clear that you shouldn't be misled into thinking of "acing interviews" or "finessing" your way into a business; the most sustainable and fulfilling roles are gained through understanding your own specific needs and creating your strategy accordingly. For specific guidance go to http://www.your-career-change.com/index.html

---

10 Tips For Writing A Winning Resume

Your resume (or curriculum vitae), combined with the cover letter,... Read More

Create Your Plan B Before the Layoff Axe Falls

In one short week, the axe fell at a number... Read More

How to Tell if You are Fired and Just Dont Know It

No one should be fired and be surprised about it.... Read More

Don?t Be Too Passionate About Your Work

Of course, she then offered me a six-month process, costing... Read More

Rev-Up Your Network!

Whether you are looking for a job, new clients or... Read More

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone in the Job Search

Most everyone these days knows what a comfort zone is.... Read More

Prepare for Your Performance Review Before You Start the Job

When you start a new job, you probably realize the... Read More

How to Walk Away from an Opportunity thats Wrong for You

Q. I just finished a job interview. Everything went well.... Read More

Factual Employment Screening Part 2

An Employment Screening OutlinePolicy DevelopmentA policy of Factual Employment Screening;... Read More

Five Facts You Must Know When Changing Careers

Too often in life, we fail. We fail not because... Read More

Resume Tune Up

Employers have fears, uncertainty and DOUBT (the FUD factor) over... Read More

4 Internet Job Search Mistakes to Avoid

The Internet is the most powerful employment tool on earth.... Read More

Nine Career Zappers

Today, everyone is looking for the secret to business success.... Read More

Dressing Tips for Interview Success

Dressing appropriately for job interviews is one of those areas... Read More

Staying In The Game

The message came from Human Resources. There's nothing to worry... Read More

Free Resume Template: Beware!

Downloading a free resume template can be so alluring. No... Read More

5 Interviewing Tips To Get That Job!

Anyone who is a jobseeker knows that looking for a... Read More

How ToTalk Your Boss Into Giving You A Salary Increase

* If you believe you deserve a salary increase, ask... Read More

Job Interviews & the Magic of Music

Can music help you with your next job interview? It... Read More

So, What Do You Do For Work?

I remember being asked this question a lot when I... Read More

How to Ask For a Salary Increase and Get Your Raise

Feeling overworked and underpaid? If you're starting to feel like... Read More

The Network Within

When you hear the word "networking", what comes to your... Read More

When The Going Gets Tough -- The Tough Keep Going

If you've been in a job search for more than... Read More

Settling Successfully Into Your New Job

The euphoria of getting a new job can sometimes be... Read More

Job Offers and Pay Negotiations

When you first get the job offer it will often... Read More

When the Teacher Becomes the Student

A relationship expert once said that during an argument, there's... Read More

Telecommuting Interview Tips

Telecommuting Interview Tips- By Nell TaliercioYou've made it! Your cover... Read More

Ten Great Careers That Don?t Require A Four Year Degree

One of the great myths associated with the "American Dream"... Read More

What to Ask During the Interview

Don't just sit there and bob your head, waiting to... Read More

Three Tips for Successful Networking

I generally shy away from using the word "networking" when... Read More

Resume Tips To Take You From SAHM to WAHM

When looking for a telecommuting position, it is very important... Read More

Do You Have What it Takes to be a Successful Petite Model?

Want to break into the petite modeling industry but wondering... Read More

Why Human Resources Are The Real Key To Success In This Information Age

The rapid changes that have mainly been brought about by... Read More