7 Steps to Negotiate Your Salary

When it comes time to negotiate your salary for a new job, there are seven steps you’ll want to take before accepting a company’s proposal. While it’s always exciting to receive a job offer, it’s wise to take the time to think it through and explore your options first. Let’s take a look at what you can ask, say, and do about your proposed salary when that new job offer comes your way.

Step 1 – Prepare

Prepare for the offer by creating a list of questions you have about the organization, work schedule, benefits, and compensation structure. Attached is a worksheet to give you some ideas of compensation items to inquire about during the conversation.

Step 2 – Listen

During the call, write down everything they tell you about the offer and even repeat it all back to them to ensure you have the correct information.

Step 3 – Be Gracious

Thank them for their time and the offer. Let them know you need to review everything, but you will get back to them within 48 hours.

“Thank you for your time today. I am excited about this offer and joining the team. I need to review all the information you have provided and discuss the matter with those close to me. I will get back to you within the next 48 hours with my response. Will that work for you?”

Step 4 – Get Counsel

Talk to your inner circle and get their thoughts on the offer and text or call Madelyn to set up a time to discuss the offer 510-497-0377.

Step 5 – Calculate

Create a list of the top 3 items you want to ask for in your counter-offer. Use the salary chart attached to figure out what you want to counter for as your base.

Step 6 – Ask

Make your counter-offer.

Here is your counter-offer script that you can deliver via email or during a phone call.

Thank you so much for the offer. I look forward to joining the team and helping to [insert what the job entails or the mission of the organization]. The compensation package you provided was very close to the salary and benefits I am seeking. Based on my background, the job requirements, and the cost of living in [insert your city], my counteroffer is [base] and [insert anything else you want to ask for].

I appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing back from you. I am ready to sign the offer and begin work on [insert date].

Step 7 – Celebrate!!!!

Accept their counteroffer and celebrate your new job!