| After you have received the job offer you might | | | | offered and make sure you have clearly identified |
| feel that the package needs improving in order | | | | which areas of the package you would like to see |
| for you to accept the position. | | | | improved. |
| So what could you do to improve the situation? | | | | Refrain from making strong demands, but contact |
| Wherever possible, don't try to negotiate | | | | the employer and say that whilst you would really |
| immediately after an offer. Make sure you ask | | | | like to accept the offer, you were expecting the |
| for the offer to be put in writing and then try to | | | | [basic salary or holiday paid days or car benefit or |
| delay any negotiations for the longest possible | | | | insurance] to be a little better and if it could be |
| time. | | | | improved you will give your immediate |
| When you've got the job offer in writing you can | | | | acceptance and agree a start date. |
| respond by acknowledging receipt of the offer | | | | If you are having to relocate you could mention |
| and making it clear that you will confirm your | | | | this in your negotiations and ask for some |
| acceptance within (say) 7 days. This could be | | | | assistance with the costs. |
| longer if necessary but better to let them know if | | | | You should never show an employer that you |
| you are going on holiday for instance. | | | | need the money as this could make you look |
| Now you have gained yourself some time, use it | | | | desperate and decrease your chances of |
| constructively to investigate the average salary | | | | successful negotiation. |
| of people in similar positions. | | | | If the starting salary turns out not to be |
| You could even contact other companies in your | | | | negotiable you could try asking for an early |
| area if they are advertising similar vacancies. Use | | | | review "when you've proved yourself" after |
| the internet - a search will quickly throw up | | | | perhaps 3 months. Always remember that you |
| various websites and salary calculators you can | | | | don't have to accept anything - you can walk |
| use. | | | | away, but if you do accept you may have the |
| Break down the full package you have been | | | | opportunity to improve things later. |