As a senior quickly approaching graduation, the job hunt is nearly constantly on my mind. Going through the materials for this class has made me realize how much the application and interviewing process is simply selling yourself as a potential valuable employee. Serial entrepreneur, James Caan gives some valuable tips on how to navigate the job negotiation process in his article, “How To: Wait & Negotiate” Here’s a summary:
1. Follow Up
A quick e-mail will cost your 20 minutes and could be the difference between a fantastic job and a mediocre one.
2. The Waiting Game
Don’t assume that no news is bad news. Be patient–but not too patient. If the interviewer has given you a specific date of when they would get back with you and it’s been a week past that, give them a friendly call or e-mail. And don’t be afraid to pursue other opportunities in the meantime.
3. Supply the Right References
Just like selling a product, an employer wants proof that you will deliver on your claims of competence and ability. Inform your references ahead of time so they are not caught off guard.
4. Post-Acceptance Negotiation
If you got the job, congratulations! But your selling work is not over yet. There is usually room to negotiate for a better salary or benefits. If you get a firm no, turn it into a warm lead down the road with a question like this: ‘Okay, if I came to work with you for three months and proved my value, would you be prepared to give me a review after three months and increase my salary accordingly?’
Happy Job Searching!
BoweryJE22
Thanks Chloe, these are good tips! The key to a good interview is selling yourself. It is just like a regular sales process where you cannot be too pushy but you also need to convey what you can bring to the table. I like what you said about the post-acceptance negotiations, I think that is one thing that is often overlooked. Students are so thrilled just to get the job which can lead to companies taking advantage of them.
I really like the idea of working for free. It is like that free trial that companies offer all the time or the money back guarantee. It would be interesting to see if this works for us (students) as we look to the future. I think that is a good was to either get your foot in the door to work there, or build a connection with other campaniles on the industry. Very cool idea and definitely worth trying.
The last point is a great one. Honestly, even once you make it to your first day at work, your negotiating skills won’t go unused for long. There’s always an opportunity and necessity to advocate for yourself and leverage a situation in a particular direction. I learned the value of negotiation this summer, especially, when I needed to navigate a time-sensitive, but mostly unacceptable housing situation. It’s a difficult dance a lot of the time, though so important to master.