Totaljobs.com > Career Advice > Salary & taxation > Negotiating a deal

Negotiating a deal

So you’ve finally been offered the job you’ve been dreaming of – the only problem is that the salary isn’t quite what you were expecting.

Most recruiters leave some room for negotiating the remuneration package, so it’s up to you to make sure you get what you deserve. Be careful though, as holding out for too much may result in the job offer being withdrawn and settling for too little could affect the way you feel about your new role.

Below we take a look at some of the key things to consider when negotiating a new salary package.

• Check the salaries on offer for similar roles, by consulting the totaljobs.com salary checker or by running a job search
• Work out what you need in terms of salary to make the job worthwhile or even affordable. Don't forget any increased expenditure you might incur from changing jobs, such as travel costs, loss of company pension, childcare or relocation
• If you’re expecting a prospective employer to match or improve your existing earnings, include all your benefits and expected bonuses when calculating your current salary.
• Employers often offer a pick-and-mix set of benefits to suit individual needs. Be prepared to ask about flexibility – for example, if you don’t want a company car, can you have a cash equivalent instead?
• If you have to move house to take the job, ask if there is a relocation allowance.
• Ask if your prospective employer will honour any holiday you have already booked.
• Be realistic about salary offers – if you ask for much more than the original offer, you could seem demanding and out of touch.
• If you think a preferable job offer is imminent, you need to buy time without annoying possible employers. Tell your preferred employer about this job offer – it could help the company to speed up its decision.
• Never lie about your current salary. A new employer can find out your real worth from your P45.
• If you are in a position to turn down a job offer and have any doubts about the deal, don’t take it. If you feel you must take it, don’t be surprised if you have to start jobseeking again a few months later.
• If you’re offered less than you expect, ask about future pay reviews and how salary rises are assessed.

Useful links

• Click here for more information on interview techniques.

Totaljobs.com > Career Advice > Salary & taxation > Negotiating a deal

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