Negotiating My Contract
7 June 2010
Read by 1448 persons
Negotiating My Contract
What you need to know
Many people see negotiations as simply a way to agree on a salary with an employer. However, several important points can be clarified at this time:
• Job description - or at least some aspects.
• Job title.
• Start date.
• Holidays.
• Decision-making authority.
• Identification of superiors.
• Support, budget and resources.
• Relocation expenses following a change of workplace.
• Insurance and retirement benefits.
• Benefits in kind: vehicle, personal computer, etc.
• Employment contract.
• Stock options.
• Possible departure conditions (salary, outplacement, trial period insurance).
• Bonus arrangements - including the joining bonus or "signing bonus", or the coverage of trial period insurance.
Suggestions for successful negotiation
• Don't reveal your salary expectations too early, you could lose an advantage for future negotiations. If you are pressed to give a figure, ask what their range is.
• Don't exaggerate your current income. It's very easy for a company to verify the figures you give.
• Resist the temptation to accept an offer immediately, even if it seems particularly attractive. Always ask for time to think. This strategy can allow you to negotiate a better contract. If you accept too quickly, it may be thought that the initial offer was too high.
• If the offer cannot be increased, you can try to obtain a performance bonus or additional benefits.
• Negotiate your salary first, then assess each benefit separately to understand your overall compensation.
• When negotiating, show enthusiasm about everything related to the position: the future boss, the work and the opportunity. Always stay positive.
Integration into a new position.
Overall compensation.
From a financial point of view, you must consider both current and future possibilities of improving your lifestyle.
The list below includes suggestions for benefits in kind or otherwise that you should consider when negotiating your overall compensation.
Do not try to negotiate all the points on this list with your employer. First read the brochures on benefits and other company documents. Then ask questions to get the information you need on the different points. You can then focus the negotiation on the points that are most important to you.
• Health insurance
• Insurance
• Relocation assistance
• Company car
• Retirement through capitalization or company matching
• Restaurant vouchers
• Trial period insurance.
Career Advice
Posted on June 7, 2010
What you need to know
Many people see negotiations as simply a way to agree on a salary with an employer. However, several important points can be clarified at this time:
• Job description - or at least some aspects.
• Job title.
• Start date.
• Holidays.
• Decision-making authority.
• Identification of superiors.
• Support, budget and resources.
• Relocation expenses following a change of workplace.
• Insurance and retirement benefits.
• Benefits in kind: vehicle, personal computer, etc.
• Employment contract.
• Stock options.
• Possible departure conditions (salary, outplacement, trial period insurance).
• Bonus arrangements - including the joining bonus or "signing bonus", or the coverage of trial period insurance.
Suggestions for successful negotiation
• Don't reveal your salary expectations too early, you could lose an advantage for future negotiations. If you are pressed to give a figure, ask what their range is.
• Don't exaggerate your current income. It's very easy for a company to verify the figures you give.
• Resist the temptation to accept an offer immediately, even if it seems particularly attractive. Always ask for time to think. This strategy can allow you to negotiate a better contract. If you accept too quickly, it may be thought that the initial offer was too high.
• If the offer cannot be increased, you can try to obtain a performance bonus or additional benefits.
• Negotiate your salary first, then assess each benefit separately to understand your overall compensation.
• When negotiating, show enthusiasm about everything related to the position: the future boss, the work and the opportunity. Always stay positive.
Integration into a new position.
Overall compensation.
From a financial point of view, you must consider both current and future possibilities of improving your lifestyle.
The list below includes suggestions for benefits in kind or otherwise that you should consider when negotiating your overall compensation.
Do not try to negotiate all the points on this list with your employer. First read the brochures on benefits and other company documents. Then ask questions to get the information you need on the different points. You can then focus the negotiation on the points that are most important to you.
• Health insurance
• Insurance
• Relocation assistance
• Company car
• Retirement through capitalization or company matching
• Restaurant vouchers
• Trial period insurance.
Career Advice
Posted on June 7, 2010
