You have already made sure that your resume and cover letter shows your strengths. It obviously worked as you were called for the interview.
That business semi casual outfit was perfect along with showing up a few minutes early with a printed copy of your resume helped sell your qualities!
The Interview went great, and you followed up with a Thank You email. By the way, great job in asking for the interviewer’s business card so you could make that happen!
Now they call to give you the offer. This is so exciting as it seems like such a great opportunity to advance your career forward. You know that you bring lots of wonderful experience, a strong work ethic and positive spirit and will be such a great fit! You feel a bit anxious? Breathe!
The offer is a bit under what you would like to make, and your stomach is doing flips. Why are you so nervous?!? Breathe! You’ve got this. You are prepared and have written down your positive qualities and accomplishments. Good job in having this available for when the call came!
Take a deep breath and put a smile on your face! It’s showtime!
You made sure to thank them for considering you for the opportunity. That was great to share the specific reasons why you’re excited about the job, such as the community culture.
You already did your research about area salaries for the position and know your salary range that you are willing to accept. You did amazing by asking for the top of this range.
Great job on being ready for some questions and prepared with answers. Always remember, if they are asking questions, this is a good sign that you are still negotiating! They may ask the soonest that you would be willing to begin if they raised up the offer. Are you in negotiations with any other communities? If you have other possibilities and are asked this, it is best to let them know that yes, you have other offers but that they are your top choice.
When the person conducting the interview acts like the interview is over. You didn’t let this get to you. Instead, you calmly asked what the best that the company could offer? Even though, this may not be worth your time, there are other possibilities to increase your benefits. It is also a good idea to take note on any irritability or agitation if this person would become your direct supervisor. Remember, they are putting their best foot forward during the interview process. Do you like the way that they are presenting themselves?
You did good in asking if they would increase your vacation time an additional week each year. Also remember that you can ask for other options too! Can you negotiate a sign-on bonus or more stock options? It does not hurt for you to ask!
It was very important that you already thought through the different options of what they might present so that you were prepared and reacted calmly.
The process always goes both ways. You are allowed to turn down an offer. You are also allowed to ask until the morning to get back with them so that you have time to reflect. We are hoping for the best outcome for you.
Remember, you never get things in life if you do not ask for them! Happy negotiating.
