Tips for Successful Negotiations

Negotiation is a give-and-take affair. It involves meeting the other person's needs while fulfilling your own. Although this cannot always be done, employers are used to negotiating so, as long as you're polite and realistic, and can justify your requests, then you should be able to reach a positive outcome for all.

Important Points to Remember

• What's a fair salary range for the job? Knowing this will ensure that your demands and your employer's offer are both realistic.
• What's important to you about the job? This may have a bearing on deciding how far you're prepared to compromise.
• What is your 'best outcome' package? Make sure that it is realistic, but optimistic.
• What's your 'minimum offer' position? Knowing your needs will ensure that any unrealistic offers are rejected.
• What are you willing to trade? Remember that you can negotiate on bonuses, vehicle allowance, retirement plans, healthcare plans or number of days vacation.
• Will they put it in writing? Make sure that you get the job offer and contract in writing before giving anything other than a conditional acceptance. This should include any additional salary, bonuses or perks that you have negotiated.