as I know this is the only time to do it right? 1st job I didn't realize that so accepted right then and ended not negotiating at all

what is the proper etiquette/phrases to use, my inclination is to ask details of the full package (vacation, benefits, stock, bonuses, travel compensation, 401k etc) and then ask "if the salary is flexible"
the offer is going to be a lot more than what I make now since I'm at a small company 1st job out of school, but may be a bit under the average for my area (applications engineer in orange county, ca)

just wondering what's the proper way to negotiate and also if you are normally "supposed" to take some time to consider before calling them back to give verbal acceptance, and how exactly to voice that


[This message has been edited by EliteZags (edited 6/27/2012 8:51p).]

if it was a simple salary negotiation I would say you might be able to do that over the phone assuming you have a figure prepared and can defend it easily. If you have several variables that need to negotiate on you might be better off asking for a face to face to discuss compensation or having them send you an offer in writing.

my .02

If you are going to work for a large company, a lot of benefits are "fixed"/non negotiable. I work for the State of Texas, there's NO way I can negotiate for more PTO or better travel benefits.

In this instance, all you really have to negotiate on is the salary. For the most part I have gotten a phone call for the offer, and I usually let there be a brief pause, and say "Well, I was hoping for a little more than that. [reasoning goes here]. Is the salary negotiable at all?"

This has worked well in my experience, but that does not mean that it will work as well for you.

quote:

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If you are going to work for a large company, a lot of benefits are "fixed"/non negotiable. I work for the State of Texas, there's NO way I can negotiate for more PTO or better travel benefits.

In this instance, all you really have to negotiate on is the salary. For the most part I have gotten a phone call for the offer, and I usually let there be a brief pause, and say "Well, I was hoping for a little more than that. [reasoning goes here]. Is the salary negotiable at all?"

This has worked well in my experience, but that does not mean that it will work as well for you.

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Things like PTO are definetly negotiable, to an extent, with most companies. For example, I work for a really large one and negotiated an enhanced vacation package. But, Max is right, there will be some things they can't budge on...or can only move so much.

[This message has been edited by Lostinla07 (edited 6/28/2012 12:41p).]

how do you do it after getting it in writing, calling them back? I assume not by email..

If they give you the offer over the phone, tell them thank you and that you are excited about the opportunity. Then tell them you would like to see the offer in writing and that you need to think it over (24 hours) and will call them back with a response tomorrow. What you say when negotiating depends on the reasons you think pay should be higher. My last offer I negotiated I got $5k more salary, $15k more signing bonus, a change of control provision to protect me in the event of a sale, and a guaranteed first year minimum bonus. I knew they really wanted me and that I was their only candidate though.