Millennials: Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate Job Offers

As a millennial, have you ever been so thrilled with the idea of being offered a job that you didn’t even stop to consider negotiating the terms? You’re not alone. Studies have shown that only 37% of people negotiate a job offer, and the primary reason why individuals do not engage in negotiations is due to fear. However, employers often anticipate counteroffers, so it’s imperative to take full advantage of the value that you bring to the table. Here are a few pointers to help you negotiate your job offers successfully:

Do Your Research

During the interview process, millennials should be well-versed about current pay rates before receiving a job offer. Researching similar positions on websites like Glassdoor or Payscale can provide a general idea of the salary range. It’s essential to start negotiating at the highest end of the spectrum, as it will provide ample wiggle room to negotiate with the employer. It’s crucial to have confidence in your value as an employee and not feel guilty about asking for a reasonable salary.

Think Big Picture

A common tendency of millennials is to hop jobs when they feel unfulfilled due to the lack of professional development. During a job offer negotiation, it’s essential to keep your long-term goal in mind and tailor your negotiations accordingly. Do performance evaluations occur annually? Will they lead to a promotion or a salary increase? It’s crucial to bring up such questions during the negotiation process because it’s not just about what you’re receiving now, but what potential the company holds for your future development.

Keep the Economy Out of Your Negotiation

Most millennials entered the job market during the great recession, making it challenging to find employment. However, it would help if you didn’t let the economy influence or guilt you to accept a lower salary than you deserve. The negotiation process should focus on your skillsets and the company’s interest in you, disregarding the current economic climate. It’s essential to advocate for your value and not feel intimidated by the market.

Take Some Time

Even if the employer offers an amount that aligns with your expectations, it’s crucial to take a few moments to consider the offer. Impulsive decision-making is common among millennials, but when it comes to job offers, the decision should be carefully considered. It’s vital to show enthusiasm when concluding the conversation and ask the employer by when they require an answer. Use this period to review the offer in detail and determine if it aligns with your long-term goals. Most importantly, if you promise to follow up within a particular timeframe, keep your word.

Write It Down

Always get your job offer in writing before accepting. As you negotiate the terms of the offer, ask for an updated written offer before verbally accepting. Doing this will prevent any misunderstanding or instances where verbal promises that sweeten the deal are forgotten after employment. This act does not imply a lack of trust, but merely ensures that all parties are on the same page and that you are conscientious in your consideration of the offer.

Final Words

Negotiating your job offer is essential to ensure you receive the compensation and benefits that align with your goals and worth as an employee. The key is to do your research, think big picture, keep the economy out of your negotiation, take some time to consider the offer, and get everything in writing. Negotiating your job offer can be stressful, but with these tips, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the process successfully.