The Career Connection

Stay ahead with our biweekly digest, which features expert insights, the latest job postings, and invaluable search advice from seasoned HR and recruitment professionals.

In this edition:

• Active Job Posts
• Article: Five Tips for Negotiating a Job Offer

Active Job Posts

Clark Schaefer Strategic HR helps organizations with either a lean or no HR department by providing customized HR, recruitment, and training solutions. Since 1995, we’ve connected job seekers with their ideal employers from a wide range of industries. Click the links below to learn more about each role and apply today.

• Art Essentials Adjunct Instructor with The Modern College of Design in Dayton, OH
• Bilingual Sales Coordinator with Goettsch International, Inc. in Cincinnati, OH
• Collections Specialist with Giles & Harper, LLC in Cincinnati, OH
• Customer Relations Specialist with the Better Business Bureau of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, OH
• Director of Change Management with ARC Industries in Columbus, OH
• Director of Development & Fundraising with Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum in Cincinnati, OH
• Director of Finance with ETSS Tewahedo Social Services in Columbus, OH
• Direct Support Professional (DSP), Group Employment with ARC Industries in Columbus, OH
• Direct Support Professional (DSP), Grove City with ARC Industries in Columbus, OH
• Field Technician (Access Control) with acre security in Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Graphic Design Adjunct Instructor with The Modern College of Design in Dayton, OH
• Injection Molding Technician with Kadant Black Clawson LLC in Cincinnati, OH
• Inside Sales Representative with The Verdin Company in Cincinnati, OH
• Litigation Attorney with Kaman & Cusimano, LLC in Milwaukee, WI
• Managing Attorney with the Ohio Justice & Policy Center in Cincinnati, OH
• Motion Adjunct Instructor with The Modern College of Design in Dayton, OH
• Paralegal with Kaman & Cusimano, LLC in Columbus, OH
• Plastics Process Engineer with our client in Cincinnati, OH
• Registered Nurse Advocate with Trinity Aging Life Advisors in Louisville, KY
• Sales Consultant with Fiber-Seal of Southwest Ohio and Kentucky in Cincinnati, OH
• Sales Consultant with Fiber-Seal of Southwest Ohio and Kentucky in Lexington, KY
• Sales Consultant with Fiber-Seal of Southwest Ohio and Kentucky in Louisville, KY
• Sales Executive with FORCAM (Remote Position)
• Social Media Adjunct Instructor with The Modern College of Design in Dayton, OH
• Software Product Manager with Organized Living in Cincinnati, OH
• Strategic & Digital Alliances Manager with the Better Business Bureau of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, OH
• Territory Manager with Organized Living in Cincinnati, OH
• Transportation Professional (Part-time) with ARC Industries in Columbus, OH
• UI/UX and Web Adjunct Instructor with The Modern College of Design in Dayton, OH
• Video Adjunct Instructor with The Modern College of Design in Dayton, OH

Find a full list of our job postings here.

Five Tips for Negotiating a Job Offer

Negotiating a job offer can be a daunting task, but it's a crucial step in securing a position that aligns with your career goals and personal needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the negotiation process confidently.

1. Research industry and geographical compensation standards.

Before applying to any position, gather as much information as possible about the role, the company, and the industry standards. Websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter can provide valuable data on salary ranges and benefits for similar positions. Understanding the market value of your skills and experience will give you a solid foundation for your negotiation.

2. Request transparency and ask for the salary range.

Many state and local governments in the United States have begun legalizing pay transparency. In some cases, this means the salary range must be posted in the job ad, and an employer may not ask about your previous compensation. During the application/interview, whether you are in an area that requires this of employers or not, requesting transparency around a salary range is becoming a standard expectation for employers and is a great place to start. It is also very important to be transparent about your own salary expectations with the employer.

3. Evaluate what you bring to the table.

If you believe you should be compensated more than the offered salary, it is a good idea to evaluate the unique skills and experience that you bring to a new role and new organization. Some qualifications that could impact your monetary value for an employer could be:

• Years of experience
• Leadership experience
• Education and advanced degrees
• Licenses and certifications

Be ready to articulate your unique value proposition clearly and confidently during negotiations, focusing on the employer's benefit from these contributions.

4. Understand the negotiation process.

Preparation is key, and understanding the process of a job offer negotiation is important.

1. Typically, the job offer process begins with a verbal offer. The hiring manager or HR representative will call to inform you that you have been selected for the position. During this call, they will outline the basic terms of the offer, such as salary, start date, and any key benefits.
2. Following the verbal offer, you will receive a formal written offer. This document will detail all aspects of the job, including salary, benefits, job title, reporting structure, and other relevant terms. It is vital to review this document carefully and compare it with industry standards. Ensure that the terms you discussed are defined clearly and correctly in the written offer. Pay attention to details like salary, benefits (healthcare, retirement plans, bonuses), vacation time, and any conditions or contingencies. If this information is not on the written offer, you may request to have this information added prior to accepting the offer.
3. If no negotiation is necessary and you've confirmed the details of the offer letter, sign the offer to formally accept the position. Keep a copy of the signed offer for your records.
4. It is also good form to alert other potential employers that you have formally accepted an offer if you were interviewing with them. This maintains professionalism and leaves the door open for future opportunities. However, it is very important to avoid being hasty and turning down other offers while you are still in the negotiation period.

5. Know where you are willing to compromise.

Don't be afraid of pushing back and requesting a better compensation package if you feel it is warranted. When you’re ready to negotiate, start by expressing your appreciation for the offer and your enthusiasm for the position and schedule a call to discuss the terms with the hiring manager or HR representative. During the meeting, clearly state your requests and the rationale behind them. Use the research you’ve done to back up your claims.

For example, you might say, "Based on my research and experience, I believe a salary of [desired amount] aligns better with the industry standards and the value I bring to the role." Keep the conversation positive and professional. Focus on mutual benefits and avoid making demands. The goal is to reach a win-win situation where both parties feel satisfied with the outcome. Additionally, keep in mind that salary is not the only part of an offer you can negotiate! You can negotiate for more paid time off (PTO), a flexible work arrangement, future certifications, or something else that would improve your work-life balance.

Conclusion

Negotiating a job offer is a critical step that can significantly impact your job satisfaction and career growth. By understanding the process, preparing thoroughly, and communicating effectively, you can secure a job offer that meets your needs and sets the stage for a successful career. Remember, negotiation is not just about salary; it’s about creating a balanced package that supports your professional and personal goals.

Clark Schaefer Strategic HR helps organizations with either a lean or no HR department by providing customized HR, recruitment, and training solutions. We’ve been providing human resources and recruiting expertise to organizations of all sizes for nearly three decades, and we’re proud to be recognized as a leader in our industry. Learn more about us by visiting our website. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.