Use the following strategies to help you navigate the end stage in the hiring process.
- Research salaries for your field Make sure to think about location, experience level, and industry.
- Evaluate your needs Consider items such as professional development opportunities, continuing education, and other benefits.
- Identify your target salary range
Salary Expectations
One of the strongest pieces of intel you can have at your fingertips as a candidate is salary information for your industry. An industry’s economic climate and the location of your position will majorly influence your salary, but you can turn to tools like Clemson’s Career Outcomes, the Educate to Career Salary Calculator, PayScale.com and Salary.com to get a sense of the norms in your field. Because it’s not unusual to be asked what your salary expectations are in an interview, it’s good to have a solid sense of the salary range for the role(s) you’re vying for.
Receiving and Assessing an Offer
If you receive an offer and would like time to consider the details, ask the employer when they’d like your final answer. Compare the offer to the research you’ve done on salary/benefit information norms in your industry and the number you’ve calculated you need in order to accept the role. In calculating the number you need, you may want to use cost-of-living budget calculators such as NerdWallet.com and MoneyGeek.com to determine your potential cost-of-living.
Negotiating an Offer
Salary isn’t the only asset to consider. There are several aspects that factor into being happy at work. When evaluating job offers or negotiating, consider the whole picture of where you’ll live, your cost of living, and additional benefits you’ll receive, in relation to your professional and lifestyle needs and values. 84% of employers expect candidates to negotiate, according to Salary.com, however only 30% of women and 46% of men reported doing so. More importantly, 87% of employers said they’ve never rescinded a job offer following negotiations during the interview. Bottom line- employers will not be offended if you’ve done your research and approach the conversation with respect. Your future self will thank you because negotiating has a compounding effect. Even small negotiations can pay off in the long run.
Heading into a negotiation, make sure you’ve done your research and approach the conversation with a data-supported ask to build a case as to why you’re worth an additional investment. Present a range (vs. a specific number) and let the employer take it from there—but be prepared for potential follow-up questions about how you arrived at your proposal.
Accepting an Offer
When you’re ready to accept an offer, it’s a good idea to do so in writing. Assemble a brief email that includes your formal acceptance of the offer, reiterates the terms and conditions of employment (salary, benefits, job title, etc.), confirms your start date, and expresses gratitude for the opportunity.
Managing Multiple Offers
If you’re managing multiple offers at once, consider asking for an extension on one while you wait to receive the other(s). As you’re weighing opportunities, consider the long-term benefits of each role and gather feedback from people you trust in (or even outside of) the industry or one of our career counselors in the CCPD. Feel free to let an employer know you’re considering other offers, but don’t share specifics of another offer. A salary range or mention of extra benefits is as detailed as you need to get.
Declining an Offer
If you decide an offer isn’t the best fit for you, make sure to respond as soon as you’ve come to your decision so that the employer is able to continue looking for a candidate. Keep your message brief and direct (whether it’s being delivered in person, over the phone, or through email): “While I am very appreciative of your offer, I’m afraid this role isn’t the best fit for me at this time.” End things on a positive note to keep your professional reputation intact.
