People accept a company’s first job offer without even considering a counteroffer. Sometimes candidates don’t realize there’s room to negotiate. There almost always is, especially if you want to negotiate non-salary perks. Other times the decision not to negotiate is based on fear or worry that the job offer might disappear if you appear too pushy. Once you receive an offer, you’re in a position with a lot of power. The company has extended an offer to you because they want to hire you. It’s a lot of work for a recruiter to find a qualified, hire-worthy candidate, so employers are incentivized to work with you to get you to sign on the dotted line. Take the opportunity to negotiate your terms and decide what perks matter to you.
According to Randstad, we list down the other things than salary to negotiate in a job offer.
1. Vacation days
In Canada, workers are entitled to 2 weeks of vacation by default. Some companies offer more to entice workers. So 3 or 4 weeks isn’t uncommon in many industries. Some even have ‘unlimited’ vacation – though this is tougher to ask for. Make sure your request is reasonable and aligned with someone with your experience and seniority.
2. Flexible hours
Companies are more willing than ever to provide employees with flexible work hours. If you have family commitments or strongly value an excellent work-life balance, ask your employer to provide you with greater hourly flexibility in your job offer. The ability to set your schedule while maintaining a certain number of work hours is a standard option. Maybe you want to be able to leave earlier some days to pick up your kids or attend a fitness class. Flexible work can take many forms.
3. Signing bonus
Talent is in high demand. In Canada, we’re in a period of sustained low unemployment. That means the competition to score great talent is high. It’s common in some industries, and for in-demand roles, for hiring companies to offer a signing bonus. Check to see if this is common in your industry. If so, request one instead of a higher salary if the hiring company is unwilling to increase your annual salary.
4. Retirement savings matching
A job offer can benefit you now and in the future. It’s essential to think about your future and how you can build long-term security for yourself. Ask about pensions and retirement savings matching programs. Though pensions are somewhat uncommon these days, many companies offer matching for RRSPs based on your contributions (between 50% and 100% matches are common).
5. Working from home
Is commuting not your thing? Think you can get more accomplished in the quiet, peacefulness of your home? Request to have the flexibility to work from home. Depending on your role, it could be full-time, part-time, or occasionally, depending on your needs. If you’re new to working from home, consider asking for one day to work from home per week and go from there. If it’s successful, you may be able to make a case for even more work-from-home days in the future.
6. Ongoing professional development
Continuing your professional development and constantly updating your skills is key to progressing in your career. Inquire about professional development allowances and programs when you get your job offer. Ask about a budget for furthering your education and internal training & development opportunities. If you’re a new grad, tuition reimbursement may also be worth asking for, depending on the industry you’re working in.
7. A better job title
If you’ve been offered a job but don’t feel the title reflects your level of experience or responsibilities, ask about getting it changed to a better title. Job titles are somewhat subjective and open to interpretation, so it never hurts to ask your employer for a more senior or another preferred title if you feel strongly about it. This tends to be something employers are open to negotiating on as it costs them absolutely nothing. Job offers are negotiable. Be ready and willing to negotiate the terms of your job offer, or you could be missing out on additional financial