6 Things You Didn't Know to Negotiate in Your Job Offer

6 Things You Didn't Know to Negotiate in Your Job Offer

When you’re preparing to negotiate a job offer, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

If you’re like most people, it’s all about negotiating the right salary. And that’s totally reasonable – you want to be well compensated for what you do.

However, many people don’t realize that there is far more on the bargaining table than cash. So the next time you find yourself negotiating a job offer, keep these things in mind.

1.       Vacation Days

Who doesn’t want more time off? Especially when you consider most new hires don’t have the same vacation privileges as more tenured colleagues. Some places have hard rules on paid time off, but many don’t. Be reasonable and do your research, but don’t be afraid to ask for more vacation time.

2.       Tuition Reimbursement

A lot of companies already offer tuition reimbursement as an employment perk, so this shouldn’t be completely novel. Your employer might like this option. Not only can you further your education with fewer financial barriers, your employer will get a more educated and trained workforce.

3.       Job Title

It’s likely you never would have thought to negotiate a job title. Why would you? Well, for starters, your job title signals what level you are within the organization. It telegraphs your responsibility and authority. The Harvard Business Review offers some great inside into why your title belongs in your compensation package.

4.       Car Allowance or Transportation

With the expansion of urban development, most people aren’t lucky enough to live within walking distance of where they work. Even a short drive might be out of the question. To ease the pain of a lengthy commute, consider asking for travel time compensation. Some employers may have company vehicles, public transit passes, ride sharing, or might even contribute towards gas or car payments.

5.       Work-Life Balance

Just like with tuition reimbursement, many employers offer work-life balance perks as a means of attracting and retaining top talent. As employees seek to do more in less time, employers have adapted. Maybe your employer will allow you to work from home a few days a week. Or maybe you can adjust your work schedule for travelling time or to accommodate your children’s school schedule.

6.       Project Placement

This one might not apply to every position, but it is very relevant to those in marketing, the legal field, or even finance. Many employers love to brag about the big companies they represent or do work for. If the clients get recognition, you can safely assume those working on these projects are highly valued. Don’t be afraid to ask to be involved on certain projects or to work with certain teams. Chase the big fish. Even if you don’t get it, showing an interest opens the door for further discussion down the road or perhaps a merit-based plan on how to get there.

The next time you’re starting a new job, and your employer won’t budge on salary, why not try and negotiate the items above into your compensation package.