A former vice president of human resources at Microsoft has revealed the 10 things you should negotiate every time you are offered a job in order to get the best working conditions and benefits.
Chris Williams is a nine-to-five lifestyle expert and spent seven years working at Microsoft.
The former Washington-based executive has mastered the art of helping job seekers learn to negotiate for what they “deserve.”
Now, Chris has shared the key things you should ask after receiving a job offer so you can show the company your value and get what you want.
Chris Williams is an expert on the nine-to-five lifestyle and spent seven years working at Microsoft as the technology company’s vice president of human resources.
while talking to Business InsiderThe corporate professional noted that you were more valuable when you received a job offer because all the company knew about you was their “anticipation of you.”
He explained that the company that had made you an offer had worked very hard to reduce it and even “argued” about you, adding that you should use these things to your advantage.
The former vice president of human resources noted that you should always remember that it was all “business.”
And Chris said the best way to use this information was to negotiate 10 things with the company.
According to Chris, the first thing you should discuss with potential employers is a signing bonus.
He told the outlet: “The standard negotiating point is the signing bonus.” “This change is difficult for me or my family. Can you bridge the gap?” Maybe request 10 percent of your annual base as a lump sum payment right away. “Companies like these costs because they are one-time, non-recurring costs.”
You must then request a first guaranteed bonus, which will be paid at the time of the bonus.
And if you work commission-free, Chris suggested you ask for a higher commission, too.
He has revealed the 10 things you should negotiate every time you are offered a job offer in order to obtain the best working conditions and benefits (file image)
Next, Chris noted that working conditions, specifically remote work, need to be looked at.
He said: “If you like working remotely and can excel at it, try advocating for more remote work and fewer office days.” This may depend on whether other people on your team have this option, but you will never have more influence than now.”
And if you have to move for your job and are not given remote freedom, then HR suggested negotiating a signing bonus.
“Maybe ask for full coverage, not just a stipend, or ask about long-term temporary housing,” Chris recommended.
If your partner moves with you for her job, your human resources professional suggested you push for benefits too.
He added: ‘It is not unusual, especially among married couples, to ask for some form of employment assistance for their partner. Maybe resume assistance, career advice, a headhunter, or some other benefit. It often helps close the deal.’
Chris revealed that PTO is also something to ask for more of, especially if a company doesn’t have “unlimited PTO.”
The former vice president of human resources added: ‘Stocks or stock options are a very common negotiation point, especially with higher-ranking people. There is a whole world of options (pun intended), but this is a frequent negotiation point. ‘
Another category where there was often flexibility was healthcare. Chris suggested that he apply for more benefits if he had “extenuating circumstances.”
The former Washington-based executive has mastered the art of helping job seekers learn to negotiate what they “deserve,” including a relocation package (file image)
Lastly, you should ask for more money in unique ways.
He explained: ‘In senior positions, you can often get creative with compensation. You could try setting up an incentive structure: if you are hired to solve a specific problem, you will get a fixed bonus if you solve that problem by a specific date. The options here are endless; I’ve even seen this with mid-level roles.
‘There are so many options to negotiate; There is almost no excuse not to do it. And again, before starting work is the best time to do it.”
He added that the negotiations were “not fun” and that, while they may be a little “awkward,” they were crucial.
