10 tips for negotiating a job offer straight from Austin-based HR executives

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Seasoned job seekers know that a job offer doesn't mean they can rest easy. They still have to negotiate. 

To help job seekers with the tricky negotiation process, we spoke with four experienced HR reps from companies with Austin ties. Read on to learn the best practices for negotiating a job offer, according to Christina Luconi, chief people officer at Rapid7, Andrea Fitzpatrick and Matt Howeth, director of people operations and senior recruiter at Civitas Learning, and Cathy Guthrie, vice president of people at Sparefoot.

1. Make sure you’re interested

Before negotiation, candidates should make sure they really want the job. To do that, Luconi said candidates must look beyond the salary.

“Don’t begin the courtship with, ‘How much do you pay?’” Luconi said. “You need to understand the total package you are being offered.”

Consider opportunity for growth, the commute, extent of travel, flexible hours and more.

2. Show you want the job

If candidates find the whole offer appealing, they should let that shine through, Luconi said.

[ibimage==34107==Original==none==self==ibimage_align-right]“Many times it’s not just the skills and aptitude that get you the role. It’s your attitude, too,” Luconi said. “You are joining a new team. They want to hear that you really want it. If you do have other options, it’s OK to share that. Just let them know how interested you are and what it would take to close the deal with you.”

3. Narrow your focus 

Luconi (pictured right) said candidates should narrow their negotiables to one or two points that are most important to them.

“Should you choose to argue everything, you’ll prove yourself a challenge out of the gate — not a great way to enter into a new company."

4. Know what you’re worth

Job seekers must be prepared with a well-researched desired salary, according to Fitzpatrick and Howeth.

“Once you establish a desired role in a market or sector, find out the range of companies in that space and research what the range of pay is for that role,” they said. “Evaluate your own skills and try to put a price on your specific background.”

[ibimage==34108==Original==none==self==ibimage_align-left]5. Ask, and ask early

Salary can be a gamechanger for both parties. That's why Fitzpatrick (pictured left) and Howeth suggest to address it early.

“The last thing you want to do is leave the money conversation until the end. Be bold, but be honest," they said. “State clearly what you think you are worth based on your research and don’t immediately waffle about accepting something lower. At the same time, put yourself in the shoes of the company and be honest about your skills.”

6. Remember: It’s just business

You might not like the first offer, and that’s OK.

“Don’t worry: Company X is not going to take it personally that you have not accepted their first offer,” Fitzpatrick and Howeth said. “As long as you are within reason with your salary request, it is less expensive for Company X to say 'yes' to you than it is to say 'no' and start the hiring process over again.”

7. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

[ibimage==34109==Original==none==self==ibimage_align-right]Fitzpatrick and Howeth (pictured right) remind candidates that having multiple offers is beneficial. Though that is not always possible, they said candidates with options are able to sound excited and interested throughout negotiations, yet not boxed in.

“If you can, try and have at least two offers on the table, even if one is not as ideal as the other,” they said. “Two or more offers allows you to be selective, more confident in your negotiations, and more free to walk away, if need be.”

8. Don’t let emotion influence your decision

Although multiple offers are mostly beneficial for job seekers, Guthrie advises candidates to be logical about their decisions.

“Don’t take a job just because the pay is higher, or you may be quickly disappointed,” Guthrie said. “Think about the pros and cons of each — beyond just the pay — and see where you think you will fit best.”

9. Explain why you’re looking for a job

Guthrie stresses that honesty is the best policy when explaining why candidates are job seeking.

“Even if you got fired, do not lie about it,” Guthrie said. “Just be prepared to talk about what you’ve learned from the experience and about how or why you failed.”

[ibimage==34110==Original==none==self==ibimage_align-left]10. Make your decision quickly

Finally, once you have received an offer you want, don’t take your sweet time with it!

“You know when you leave the last interview if you are interested or not,” Guthrie said, adding that candidates should consider offers for a couple days at the most. “The market moves quickly right now, so you have to be decisive and ready to accept or decline, or the offer may be rescinded.”

Kate Rosow Chrisman contributed to this article. 

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