I thought the salary negotiation process would be the most daunting part of the job search–particularly for a young woman with limited work experience. But approaching salary negotiation with clear goals and specific guidance about what constituted “fair” was a game changer. OCS provided me with insights that allowed me to negotiate, compare two offers, and ultimately choose a career path that I’m excited about. Far from daunting, this process was empowering!
– Madeline L. Yale College, Class of 2018
Congratulations on receiving an offer! After reviewing the below tips, make an appointment with an OCS advisor to discuss negotiation strategies.
Receiving the Offer
Offers are usually extended by the direct manager, the HR professional, or a recruiter. When receiving an offer, keep the following in mind:
- Be enthusiastic and professional. Express your thanks and your interest.
- Ask for time to consider the offer, you don’t need to make a decision on the spot.
- Ask for the details, and preferably, in writing (it’s not always possible, so use your judgment).
- Candidates may be asked to sign an employment agreement that contains a restrictive covenant, such as a Noncompete, Non-Solicitation, or Nondisclosure Agreement. Candidates should review these agreements and consider the factors presented by the National Association of Colleges and Employers on restrictive covenants before signing.
Timeline to Decide on an Offer
Deciding whether to accept an employment offer creates excitement and apprehension. While experienced professionals may only be given a few days to decide, OCS believes students should not feel pressured to make a hasty decision and has created a series of Offer Guidelines to benefit employers and students. Please consult a career advisor to discuss your options.
Questions About Salary Expectation/Requirements
Often as part of the initial application, a candidate is asked their salary expectations. Candidates want to avoid providing an amount too low or too high. Below are helpful tips:
- If a text field is provided, indicate negotiable or willing to negotiate
- If you must enter a specific number, first research the average starting salary for that position for someone with an equivalent education and experience. See below for Salary Research tools.
- Be prepared to answer this same question during an interview.
Negotiating the Offer
Do your research and try to assess compensation for similar roles at similar organizations. The window for negotiating terms is when the offer is initially made and before you accept the position.
- Consider total compensation, not just salary because benefits packages vary considerably.
- First, decide on your bottom line (in terms of salary, benefits, etc.) in advance.
- Use a friendly business tone, staying calm, and professional throughout the conversation.
- Express your enthusiasm for the position and reinforce your desire to be part of their team.
- Negotiate the base salary first, and save more difficult issues for last.
- Avoid discussing specific salaries at competitor organizations.
- It is unethical to negotiate if you do not intend to accept when your terms are met.
Additional Negotiation Tips
- Introduction to Negotiation: A Strategic Playbook for Becoming a Principled and Persuasive Negotiator: Coursera course with Barry Nalebuff, Milton Steinbach Professor at Yale SOM
- Non-salary items to negotiate: Idealist.org list non-salary items to consider
- How Savvy PhDs Negotiate Salary Contracts Higher: Tips from the Cheeky Scientist
- Tooling Up: Salary Negotiation Part: Advice from Science Magazine, AAAS
- Negotiation: Closing the Gender Gap in Salary Negotiations: Discussion with Professor Kathleen McGinn at Harvard Business School, sponsored by the Yale Women’s Faculty Forum
- Work Smart and Start Smart: American Association of University Women workshop on negotiation.
Salary Research Tools
- Salary.com: Provides a benchmark for salaries by industry and zip code
- HomeFair.com: Relocation guide with salary calculator, comparing the worth of salaries across Cities
- CareerBliss.com: Provides millions of salaries for all types of industries and jobs
- Chronicle Data: Staff, faculty, and adjunct salary data at thousands of colleges
Making a Decision
Consider all facets of a job offer. Be cautious about evaluating an offer solely on its salary or the prestige of the organization. Ask yourself how this position fits into your goals, your work style, and your work-life balance.
- Financial Considerations: Salary, signing bonus, relocation package, vacation, savings/retirement plan, health benefits, tuition reimbursement, pre-tax benefits (childcare, health, commuting), and cost of living
- The Organization: Mission, financial stability, reputation, organization size, location, commuting options
- The Work Environment: Work hours, supervisor, colleagues, culture, opportunities for advancement
After deciding, notify the employer by phone and follow up with an acceptance letter or a withdrawal letter.
Note: When you accept an offer, you have a professional obligation to join that employer. Reneging on an offer (i.e., accepting an offer, changing your mind, and then rejecting it) is unprofessional and damages your reputation, the reputation of Yale alumni employed at that organization, and the reputation of Yale University.
