Salary Negotiations

If you have received an offer, you are probably wondering if you should negotiate the terms of the offer. (Also, congrats!!)
Here are some resources and guidelines to help you through that process. Handout | Video

• Competing offers put you in the best position to negotiate
  • If no competing offer, focus on the your unique qualities/qualifications and market and/or cost of living data. 
  • Use NC State grad data and other published resources.
    • https://leslierp.wordpress.ncsu.edu/tag/salary/
    • https://www.fedsdatacenter.com/federal-pay-rates/
      Going Global (H1b Plus) this data is filed with the federal government so more validated than surveys! * may need ePACK login
• Start AND end each negotiation with appreciation and interest
  I’m very excited about the possibility of working with your organization, and appreciate the offer.  I had just a few questions about the compensation.  
• Not sure how to start?  Use broad, open ended questions
  Is there any flexibility with the compensation package?
  Can you share more information about how my base salary offer was determined
• Use questions to determine which elements of the compensation package have flexiblity, and negotiate in those areas that are important to you
  • Base salary has a more long term impact than sign on bonus
  • Perhaps vacation is important because you want to travel to visit family
• Benchmark data for realistic requests for increases, and make asks that are a range
  Based on my research, I was expecting a salary more in the 110’s range
• Always operate in good faith!
  • Communicate with the recruiter directly and professionally
    • They have made the offer, and they want you to accept! Recruiters can be a good advocate for you in the process.  
    • Do not accept a job until you are ready
    • Thank you so much for offering me such a wonderful opportunity. I’m excited to mull over the possibility of working with your organization.  Can you share with me the timeline of when you need to get a decision from me?
  • Keep the employer informed of other offers
    I wanted to update you that I’ve recently received an additional job offer… 
  • Ask for an extension
    Because I will be firmly committed to a full-time offer that I accept, I need additional time to …
  • Once you’ve accepted an offer, be sure to discontinue job searching
    Thanks so much for the opportunity to interview, but I wanted to let you know that I’ve recently accepted another position.