For both employers and employees, negotiating marks the closing steps to finalizing a candidate. In theory, that’s great news. In actuality it ends up being the dreaded crossing. Why? We’re not sure, but if this happens too often in your job search, then it’s time to reapply some basic thinking.
Mary Tribby, a Huffington Post contributor, posted and article last month about The Art of Negotiation featuring The 7 Core Principles for Million Dollar Negotiations. Since finding the right candidate or position in a job search is costly at any level, we thought we share those principles and help you negotiate your way to success.
1) Determine your desired outcome before you start your negotiation.
2) Know your audience.
3) Understand your worth.
4) Listen, listen, and listen some more.
5) Lead with optimism.
6) Never threaten and don’t get emotionally involved.
7) Never walk away feeling you “pulled one over” on someone else.
5 Negotiating Tips for Employers & Job Seekers
Here are 5 Negotiating Tips for Employers & Job Seekers that will help you negotiate and accept the best deal offered.
- Set reasonable expectations: For both sides, a fully-disclosed detailed job description and reasonable pay range/benefits should weed out any last minute confusion from the onset. This may sound simple but when either of these components are displeasing or incorrect, it sets the stage for poor negotiations.
- Leave the ego at the front door: If you’re an employer or job seeker, focus on the job requirement and determining if that person/company meets your needs. Companies and people are replaceable and nothing turns off negotiations quicker that when people outside baggage like an ego to the table.
- Be honest and open: Keep the positive momentum going in your negotiations by being upfront about your position and worth, voicing any concerns you may have.
- Find out the needs versus the wants: There almost always is a hurdle in a negotiation. Listen first to find out what your counterpart needs. Typically that opens the door to alternative solutions that please both sides.
- Put it in writing: Simple and yet still many people overlook this. Remember, an offer on either side truly isn’t made or accepted until it is in writing.
If need be, take some time to consider your negotiations. You may have a better perspective on what you’re willing to concede to in your deal-making. Got any questions about your negotiation process, send us an email and we’ll be happy to help.
