10 Things You Should Always Negotiate When Accepting a Job Offer
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Negotiation is a diplomatic art form where two parties assume they want to agree more than disagree. Hearing “yes” is not always a realistic goal to have when negotiating. The true art of negotiating is transitioning a “no” response into a mutually beneficial compromise. Always keep this in mind as you negotiate when accepting a job offer.
When you accept a new job position you can negotiate for things like travel benefits, a retirement account, a job-sponsored cell phone, and more. Here is a list of 10 things you should always negotiate to get after accepting a job offer.
1. Official Job Title
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If the terms “Assistant,” or “Junior,” were in your previous job title then you may want to consider negotiating an official job title name change. Make a list of reasons why your new position requires an official job title change. Additionally, you should also make a list of potential new job titles to negotiate and discuss with your employer.
2. Start Date
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If you are dealing with a logistically stressful relocation to your new job then ask about changing the start date for the position. You may need to start your new position earlier or later for a variety of reasons. You might have final commitments to perform for your former employer. Or you may need more time to prepare for your new job or get your family ready. List specific reasons to your employer why you need to adjust your start date as you negotiate.
3. Work-Based Phone Allowance
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Ask your new employer if they will reimburse all or partial phone expenses in your work position. You may have more leverage to negotiate than you think especially if you telecommute and/or need to make work-based calls often, especially off-the-clock. Your new employer may be able to give you a work-issue phone with a paid plan, subsidy, or reimbursement plan.
4. Signing Bonus
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If you can’t negotiate for a higher salary, you can try negotiating for a signing bonus. A signing bonus is a predetermined amount of extra money that an employer gives you after you sign a contract. Don’t be afraid to ask. As you negotiate when accepting a job offer, remember to be diplomatic and stress what you bring to the table.
5. Relocation Expenses
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Never make assumptions as you negotiate when accepting a job offer. A signing bonus can be used at your discretion, but many assume it is offered to help with relocation expenses. Employers may also offer a separate relocation expense benefit aside from a signing bonus as well. Make sure to inquire about relocation expenses, especially if you’re moving from a long distance for a new job.
6. Work Commute Reimbursement Benefits
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Many employers offer transportation reimbursement or travel credits to cover the commuting costs of their employees or privileged employees Your job might be able to offer you a travel allowance sum, public transit fare reimbursement, gasoline subsidies, or a free parking space. As you negotiate when accepting a job offer, always ask about transportation reimbursement benefits.
7. Work-Based Travel Benefits
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Will your job require you to travel long distances for work-related projects? Negotiate for a travel allowance, company car, and gas subsidy. Your employer should also pay for all airfare, lodging, and meals if you travel extensively for work. You should also try to negotiate for high-quality hotel accommodations and to fly in Business or First Class when flying relative to your job position demands.
8. Telecommuting
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Remote work before the pandemic used to be a fringe aspect of workplace culture. However, telecommuting is very common now. Hybrid workspace cultures of in-office and telecommuting positions are now permanent in many companies. As you negotiate when accepting a job offer, ask if you qualify for telecommuting then and there. You might be able to negotiate your position to telecommuting even if it wasn’t originally assigned that way, so why not try?
9. Job-Sponsored Retirement Account
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As you negotiate when accepting a job offer, inquire about job-sponsored retirement accounts. Over 88% of workplaces offer employees access to some kind of employer-matching retirement account benefits. Some workers don’t ask or even know if their employer offers a retirement account plan. Over 40% of workers who have a job-sponsored retirement account never contribute to it. Negotiate the best terms for a retirement account as you’re hired, not afterward.
10. Ask About Equity Compensation
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Equity compensation is a noncash option where employers offer employees a partial stake in the company via stock or performance shares. Some startups offer it offset low starting salaries. Other companies offer equity compensation because business is booming and they want to attract and retain top talent. Still, you must know about it to ask as you negotiate when accepting a job offer, and many don’t.
Always Negotiate When Accepting a Job Offer
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As you negotiate when accepting a job offer, never make assumptions about what you think you’re entitled to get. Always be polite and diplomatic when negotiating for benefits with your new employer. Make a list of questions and counterarguments that you may encounter. Also, research your new employer thoroughly before negotiating to bolster your points.
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Allen Francis is a full-time writer, prolific comic book investor and author of The Casual’s Guide: Why You Should Get Into Comic Book Investing. Allen holds a BA degree from Marymount Manhattan College. Before becoming a writer Allen was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including saving and investing in your own small business.
