Careers: Negotiating for a new job

Landing a job these days is no easy task, said Maureen Mackey in The Fiscal Times. So don’t make it harder by committing an easily avoidable gaffe at your job interview. You’d think it would hardly need mentioning, but don’t leave your cellphone on-—if it rings, you’ll probably have done yourself in. “To me, it shows a lack of preparation,” one hiring manager said. “It’s also inconsiderate.” Candidates “tend to ramble on and on when they’re anxious,” so anticipate common questions and plan short, concise answers beforehand. Research the job you’re applying for, and focus specifically on how you can help the company succeed. Companies don’t hire out of charity. They want to know why you’re the right fit for the job they have, so sell your skill sets, accomplishments, and goals. Don’t just recite a list of your previous jobs, and never bad-mouth a previous employer.

If you’re new to the job market, devote real effort to negotiating your first salary, said Emily Driscoll in FoxNews.com. It can “potentially set the bar for future earnings.” The average starting salary for the class of 2013 is $44,928, according to a recent survey, up 5.3 percent from the average of $42,666 a year earlier. To get a specific picture of what you deserve, use sites like Salary.com to research pay in your sector and region. Don’t sell yourself short, but remember that aiming too high may eliminate you from the running. When you have a job offer, avoid saying yes or no right away—the goal is to stay noncommittal and buy yourself time to negotiate effectively. And if you’re in high demand, don’t be afraid to leverage competing job offers against each other.

But before you start negotiating, know your priorities, said Anne Fisher in Fortune.com. If the straight salary on offer is lower than what you expected, be sure to factor in the value of benefits, which can amount to 30 to 40 percent of total compensation. If you still feel you’re being lowballed, use the data you’ve gathered to make your case, but don’t be adversarial. “You want this to be a real negotiation, not a confrontation,” said one recruiter. Weigh your pros and cons by making a list of deal breakers, optional items, and disposable ones. If negotiating is new to you, rehearse beforehand with a friend. And before you walk away from a job offer, take a second to consider the long view. A great job at a great company can help you move up in the long run—and might be worth the “opportunity cost” of lower pay now.

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