It is no surprise that salary plays a major role when evaluating job opportunities, yet many other factors must be considered to make an informed decision. From benefits to vacation time and even the office atmosphere, exploring these additional aspects can create just as much value for any career move. Keep in mind that money doesn’t come all at once. For instance, investing in a new title now could provide an easier opportunity to secure high-paying employment down the line. Additionally, applying oneself to regular gym visits (as directed) can help save money on medical expenses further along your journey.
If you’re interested in a new job opportunity but disheartened by the salary, don’t let that be your deciding factor! Consider this list of other negotiating benefits to make up for it and get advice on how to negotiate them. You might just find yourself with an even better deal than expected!
1. Time
- With flextime, you have the convenience to come and go as needed throughout your day – perfect for parents juggling childcare responsibilities!
- Working fewer hours each week (for instance, from 40 to just 35 or clocking out at 4 p.m. on Fridays)
- Take the time off you deserve with more paid or unpaid vacation days.
- Enjoying the rewards of vacation time earlier than expected has been a great perk.
2. Place
- Every so often, working remotely from the comfort of your home or an alternate location can be a welcome alternative.
- Working from a more advantageous spot in the workplace
3. Stuff
- Treat yourself to a brand-new computer or some cutting-edge software and enhance your experience.
- Should it be advantageous for you to acquire health insurance through your domestic partner, then consider declining that perk at the job and instead requesting something else of equal value.
4. Within the Job
- A better title
- Taking on additional duties and responsibilities or pivoting to different tasks.
- Unlock the power of your finances – without necessarily increasing your salary.
- Your phone bill, gym membership, transportation costs, childcare expenses, and school tuition could be subsidized or reimbursed through this fantastic opportunity.
- Picking up the tab for professional development—work-related conferences, workshops, classes, or membership in a professional association
Intending to negotiate? Keep these pointers in mind if you’re looking for additional advantages:
Consider the Timing
After you have been offered a job and before you accept, is the most advantageous time to negotiate. You will be in an ideal position to renegotiate since they’ve already expressed interest in hiring you. Nevertheless, don’t become overly confident: You haven’t finalized the agreement yet, and being too enthusiastic at this stage may result in your offer being denied.
Do Your Homework
Carefully analyze the organization, and determine its present capabilities. If you observe that their recent annual reports depict decreasing revenues, it may be worthwhile to ask for a higher title instead of additional technology.
Staying informed of economic events and trends nationally and locally is immensely helpful (did the National Endowment for the Arts just face a budget cut? Did your city council recently approve more financing for its public libraries?).
Only Negotiate for Things You Care About
Negotiation can be a tricky game, and it’s easy to get swept away in the strategy of simply getting something. To prevent this from happening, take time before your meeting to determine which tasks are most important for you to get and rank them in order of priority. Then start negotiating for each ask starting with the top item on your list first. This way you’ll ensure that the items that matter most will remain at the forefront of negotiations throughout your exchange.
Be Reasonable
Expressing enthusiasm for the potential of this new job and what would make it even more appealing is a great way to start. When requesting an equipment upgrade, be sure to explain how that particular benefit could enable you to deliver superior performance in your role. Whatever demands you make, it is essential to ensure that they are reasonable and achievable. Furthermore, demonstrate the value of your abilities and explain how you can help solve issues for the company. Conversely, an individual who presents a never-ending list of requirements or ultimatums will not be viewed favorably by employers.
Put These Tips To Work
You never know the result of your benefit negotiation until it’s complete – they could give you everything, nothing at all, or offer to revisit in six months. Once it’s finished, however, there is still an important question left: Are you content with both the salary and benefits package enough to accept this job? The decision that follows will determine whether or not investing your time and energy into this opportunity was worth $100,000 (maybe more) in potential earnings.
Have you ever requested to receive better benefits before accepting a job position? Share your story in the comments below!
This post originally appeared on Idealistcareers.org.
