top 10 mistakes - #8 negotiating job offers

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Top 10 Mistakes

Negotiating Job Offers

By: Bill Hollandwww.mandrake.ca/bill

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Introduction

• Many people are anxious about the job offer negotiation stage. Discussing salary and compensation can make them uncomfortable. The anxiety might come from lack of experience. The discomfort might come from a negative mindset about placing a dollar value on ourselves and our competence. So, to get comfortable with negotiating, the best thing to do is approach it with the right attitude and to develop your skills.


#10 – Mishandling Multiple Offers

• Having multiple offers does give you both security and leverage, but don’t press your luck. Decide which offer is best for you and negotiate from there.

• ReadySet Hired! A Practical Guide to Finding a Job.I recently co-authored the book ReadySet Hired! which takes you through all stages of the job search process, from beginning to end. Easily manage your job search through a 10-step process supported by coaching comments, quick tips and dozens of online resources.Available FREE! at www.readysethired.com


#9 – Playing Hard To Get

• Don’t make veiled threats or delay your response to the offer. It can be withdrawn if you hold off to long waiting for something else to come through.



#8 – Playing Hardball

• While you shouldn’t compromise on your must-haves, don’t come across as pushy or demanding. A win-win approach is much more effective.



#7 – Being Dishonest

• Always negotiate from a place of honesty and sincerity. Don’t lie or mislead anyone along the way – it may come back to haunt you.



#6 – Not Being Able To Support Your Position

• Making requests without being able to back them up with your credentials and experience is a bad move. Be able to substantiate your requests appropriately.



#5 – Not Focusing On Total Rewards

• Too many people turn down an otherwise good offer based on salary considerations alone. Analyze the whole package before making a decision on the offer.



#4 – Not Getting It In Writing

• You don’t want to be in a “he said – she said” situation, where verbal indications or promises mean nothing. If you get it in writing, the facts won’t be in question.



#3 – Focusing On The Wrong Things

• Identify what’s truly important to you and pick your battles accordingly. Focusing on details that are of relative unimportance will not get you anywhere.



#2 – Being Unprepared

• In addition to doing your research, you should also practice your negotiating tactics in advance. The better prepared you are, the better chances of a win-win outcome.



#1 – Being Unrealistic

• Make sure you do your homework and know your market worth before going into the job offer negotiation. If your requests are unrealistic, they will surely be rejected.


top 10 mistakes - #8 negotiating job offers

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