Getting a great pay and benefits package

You've done it! You have impressed at interview and secured that position. Now you have to work out the finer details of employment. Here is our guide to smoothly and successfully getting what you are worth;

Remember the bigger picture

Start by checking out the other details of the employment offer and querying anything which is unclear from either conversations at interview or the employment contract when you do receive it.

When it comes to money, remember to bear in mind the number of paid holiday days, sick pay, pensions, healthcase and other perks as part of the overall package which makes up your salary and benefits offer. Salary can include reimbursement for travel, clothing allowances, and more. Things that the employer is providing you that you would otherwise cough up for yourself should be counted towards your total package, and borne in mind when thinking about the basic salary offered. It is difficult to predict the exact financial worth of extra perks, but they should still be considered. If the salary being offered to you seems low, take the perks into consideration. You might be getting a good deal after all.

Start by listening

Let the employer do the talking. Ask what salary banding they had in mind. They know what they are willing to pay but will typically start at a lower level and plan on negotiating up. Say as little as possible at first and don’t show your hand too soon by answering straight away with a number, you might talk yourself out of a better deal or scare an employer off. Let the employer speak first, and question his/her rationale for that salary if it is lower than expected. When you understand his/her rationale you are better armed to counter-point.

Be armed with knowledge

To keep from getting under-compensated, check out the statistical average for a job of your type in your region, and maybe even data from the employers competitors. Average renumeration information is available on various salary surveys online, or from your recruitment consultant, who will often negotiate salary on your behalf. This will give you an idea of an acceptable range.

Be ready to barter

Just like the employer, start out high and negotiate towards them. In the bartering process, actual pay could be sacrificed for the addition of perks and reimbursements.

Justify your request

Work out rational reasons why you are asking for a particular salary range and explain these one by one in the process. These might include:

• The salary rating for that role in your current company
• The increased level of responsibility and autonomy expected
• A change in working style or hours meaning you are giving much more personal time
• The cost of commuting more than in your current role
  

Check the written contract

After verbal agreement remember to check that your agreed terms are replicated in the offer letter and contract of employment. Read the offer documentation carefully before signing.