What are the most important things to consider when negotiating a job offer?

1 Your priorities

Before you enter any negotiation, you need to know what you want and what you are willing to compromise on. Make a list of your priorities, such as salary, benefits, work hours, location, culture, growth opportunities, and so on. Rank them according to their importance to you and assign them a minimum and a maximum range. This will help you evaluate the offer and decide what aspects you can negotiate on.

2 Your market value

Another key factor to consider is your market value, which is the average salary and compensation package for someone with your skills, experience, and qualifications in your industry and location. You can research this information online, through networking, or by consulting a career coach or a recruiter. Knowing your market value will help you set realistic expectations and avoid asking for too much or too little.

3 Your leverage

Your leverage is the amount of power and influence you have in the negotiation, based on how much the employer wants you and how much you want the job. The more leverage you have, the more confident and assertive you can be in asking for what you want. To increase your leverage, you can highlight your unique value proposition, show your enthusiasm and fit for the role, and create a sense of urgency and competition by having multiple offers or options.

4 Your communication skills

Your communication skills are essential for negotiating a job offer effectively and professionally. You need to be clear, concise, and respectful in expressing your needs and expectations, as well as listening and understanding the employer's perspective and constraints. You also need to be assertive, but not aggressive, in stating your case and making counteroffers. Moreover, you need to be flexible, but not desperate, in finding a win-win solution that satisfies both parties.

6 Your attitude

Finally, your attitude can make or break your negotiation. You need to approach it with a positive and collaborative mindset, rather than a confrontational or defensive one. You need to show respect and appreciation for the offer and the opportunity, as well as confidence and conviction in your value and worth. You also need to be prepared to walk away if the offer does not meet your minimum requirements or expectations. Remember, negotiating a job offer is not a battle, but a dialogue that can benefit both you and the employer.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?