Career Development
Salary negotiation can feel incredibly high-stakes, as it often comes between a job offer and signing an official contract. This article discusses practical strategies for dealing with the stress and precision of getting the compensation you deserve.
The precarity of the employment market makes a job offer feel like a great victory. Yet, after the offer comes sometimes an even more stressful part—the salary negotiation. Sure, you may have a range from the description of the role (which is required by states like California by law), but now you have a concrete salary proposal. This number is often on the lower side of the scale and comes with a window of consideration before accepting. What is a reasonable ask for a higher number, and when do you settle? Will they rescind a job offer if you request a salary that is too high? Below are some considerations while finding the perfect financial balance for academic and non-academic job negotiations.
Academic Jobs:
- Know your priorities and what you bring to the table before bargaining. Before you enter any negotiations, make a list and understand what truly matters to you to live and work within this academic community. Weigh those ideas in relation to your own experiences and what makes you unique. Having a sense of what you want and what you can give allows you to better understand yourself and your needs going into a negotiation.
- Consider your expectations alongside the practicality of the school, area, and field of study. Some schools may not be able to offer as much as other institutions, while other colleges may intentionally provide a low number. Universities and departments know that the academic job market is brutally competitive, but they ultimately chose you as their top applicant. Know the difference between a low budget and not being offered what you’re worth. You can also look online for other clarifying resources, such as the HigherEdJobs faculty salary database.
- Leverage offers if you receive more than one. In the rare case of being given more than one position simultaneously, use each institution’s offer to make the other side more competitive. Moreover, research has shown that those with multiple requests often have the upper hand in negotiations, as they don’t need a specific job as intensely as those who only have a single offer.
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Frame your requests as related to your position. Consider how better benefits may help you perform better in your role, and create appeals around this idea. For example, if the cost of living in an area is high or the position does not include healthcare, it is reasonable to argue that you will live a better life with more equitable compensation. You can also negotiate the inclusion of other forms of payment, such as moving costs or spousal appointments.
Non-Academic and General Job Tips:
- Consider your strategy. “How to Negotiate Salary: 3 Winning Strategies” from Harvard Law School suggests five strategies based on the practical research of Michelle Marks and Crystal Harold. Based on this study, those who choose to negotiate achieved an average of $5,000 higher starting salary using competing (trying to maximize one’s own outcomes without worrying about what others are doing) and collaborating (engaging in problem-solving to reach the best possible outcome for both sides) strategies. Therefore, those who can strategically balance the company's needs with their interests are more likely to achieve a higher salary.
- Ask if there is room to negotiate. Some people may be nervous and wonder if it’s appropriate to negotiate. After receiving an offer letter, you can always ask if there’s room to bargain. However, if the initial job listing framed a salary range for a position, you are absolutely welcome to negotiate.
- Give a counteroffer higher than you’re expecting. Much like bargaining at a flea market, you and your potential employer will likely find a number between their original offer and your first negotiation request. Therefore, assert a number at the top of your interest window.
- Negotiate multiple benefits at the same time. Bargaining in good faith is not just about the salary amount. You may want to discuss retirement packages, health insurance, travel costs, and many other topics. Don’t try to negotiate each item you care about individually. Instead, suggest one cohesive proposal with all your requests clearly outlined. This will significantly reduce the back-and-forth between yourself and the company.
- Expect to answer questions about your other job prospects honestly. Even if these kinds of questions came up in the interview process, potential employers may ask if they are your top choice for a position or if you’re considering other roles before taking the time to negotiate with you. Be honest about your circumstances, but don’t overshare beyond the requested information.
- Be patient. Job offer negotiations can be a bit of back and forth, and potential employers may need to consult other members of the company before giving you a reply. Know that there may be things going on behind the scenes that can influence the time it takes to get back to you or their willingness to give in on specific issues.
Salary negotiation can be challenging, but these tips can help you stay calm and succeed. Still nervous and have a job offer in hand? Go to Handshake and make an appointment with Maya Hargens to discuss your strategy!
External Sources:
15 Rules for Negotiating a Job Offer
How To Negotiate a Salary: 7 Tips
How To Negotiate Salary After a Job Offer (With 13 Tips)
How to Negotiate Salary: 3 Winning Strategies
Negotiation Strategies That Helped Increase My Salary by 15%–60%
Tenure-Track Faculty Job Offer Negotiation Guide
“After the Offer, Before the Deal: Negotiating A First Academic Job” by Chris M. Golde
About the Author:
Grace Kimball (she/her/per pronouns) is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Theater and Dance and a Graduate Career Peer Advisor at UCSB. She studies early modern English performance behaviors and faith and helps undergraduates learn about theater and performance studies in her classroom. Grace is also available for her graduate student colleagues through appointments on Handshake to discuss CVs, cover letters, resumes, interviews, and other job market materials.