Don’t negotiate yourself out of a job offer!
So, it’s not easy to look for a job. Rarely does one just fall into a new job, without first putting in the hard work. That work includes:
- Drafting a resume or updating an old one;
- Searching through ads on job websites (there are too many to mention), and then, filling out an application. Of course, there are jobs that don’t require you to apply online. But either way, you need a resume and you need to complete an application.
But, eventually, after you have submitted what probably seems like the 100th application, you will eventually get a call for an interview.This of course presumes that you are applying to jobs for which you are qualified. If the job announcement requires certain educational degrees or specific skills, and you don’t have them, then why waste your time? If the job announcement says that those skills are only preferred, and not required, then sure, give it a try. Can’t hurt.
So, you received an e-mail or a phone call/text that you are offered an interview. Fantastic! Best case scenario: you are on your way to a potential job offer. Worst case scenario: you have some practice interviewing. Interviewing is a learned skill. You have to practice. I talk about that in an earlier article. For interviews, some jobs are one and done. Other jobs have multiple levels of interviews and sometimes you have to jump through a hoop to show a specific skill as part of that interview process. Use your common sense with how much time you want to invest in that interview process. If they ask you to perform 10 hours of unpaid work, you might want to rethink that….
Let’s say you get past the first interview and you are called back for a follow-up interview. This is when employers make decisions on whether or not to make an offer or decide to end the interview process. So, words of advice:
- Do NOT negotiate yourself out of a job offer!
What do I mean when I say not to negotiate yourself out of a job offer? It means that so far, the interview process has gone well, and the employer seems to like you and has moved you further into the interview process. So, you may now be at the part of the interview where you are asked your salary requests and other conditions of employment, such as work schedules, etc. Of course, you want to get the highest salary you can, but it MUST be commensurate with YOUR skill level. If you have little to no experience in this particular job industry, do not expect to be paid as though you do. You are NOT entitled to a salary that is commensurate with SOMEONE ELSE’s experience! You can always say that your salary is negotiable and see what they have to offer or you could provide a larger range, so that they know that you are interested. But don’t give a number that seems unreasonable to the industry for which you are applying and for your experience. In addition, if the job requires you to work a certain schedule, and you say, sorry, can’t do it, but I can work this other schedule, it probably won’t work out. So, that’s what I mean about not negotiating yourself out of a job.
2. Don’t be an AS$!
This may be self-explanatory. But, it still happens. When you are in the interview stage, don’t be an as$. Don’t be arrogant. Don’t be disrespectful. Show that you will be a team player. How do you show this? By being respectful. By not being arrogant. Don’t oversell yourself. Remember, this may not be the job of your dreams. That’s not unusual. But, if you are in the market for a job, and one comes along that you can do well, take it. Stay with it for awhile. It is easier to get another job when you already have one. And, you have to start somewhere, even if it means starting over. And, it’s not easy. But, in the long run, it will be worth it. Good luck!
And of course, I am always happy to help you with your resume or practicing interviewing to show why you are the best candidate for the job. Just send me an e-mail and we can…talk about that….
Questions? Send me an e-mail at LidaLTP@gmail.com
