7 job offer elements that you can negotiate when a raise is out of the question

Regardless if you are negotiating with your current superior or taking part in a recruiting project and negotiating the conditions of your future employment, you should keep in mind that companies are sometimes unable to offer you a higher base salary. You should, therefore, prepare a "backup plan" and suggest something that the employer will (let us hope) be willing to agree to, thus improving your professional and private life.

1. Bonus schemes.

2. Flexible working hours, task-oriented work.

3. Telecommuting possibilities.

4. Private health insurance packages, ranging from individual to family coverage.

5. Company car and being able to use it for private purposes.

6. Co-funding of postgraduate and training courses.

7. Type of formal employment agreement (employment contract, fixed-term employment contract, B2B contract).

How to be successful in negotiating with your employer?

Once you have determined which of the above factors are the most important, you should start preparing for the negotiations.

If you are to negotiate with your current employer, you should find out (e.g. through the HR department) what benefits are currently available and what the training budget per person is in your department. The more specific and well-prepared your proposition will be, the more chance you will have for successful negotiations.  

To be successful in negotiating with a prospective employer, you need to well prepared. The head-hunter or recruiter that handles the recruiting process will no doubt provide you with information about the benefits that the employer offers. He or she can also act as a mediator between the candidate and the employer. Because recruiters are bound by confidentiality agreements, they are impartial and do what they can to make the negotiations as fruitful as possible. What is more, they are aware of the expectations of both parties and, therefore, may suggest solutions that will satisfy both the employer and candidate, as well as provide additional information on the market situation.

If you have decided to negotiate a higher base salary

If there is a possibility to negotiate a higher base salary and you wish to take advantage of it, you need to do some research on the market. In addition to preparing a list of arguments backed by your achievements, you should also look up the salaries in your industry and the position that you are applying for. Salary reports may prove helpful in your research. Outline your strengths and explain how they can be used to benefit the organization. An example? If you have managed to increase sales by 20%, demonstrate which of your skills made that possible and how you will be able to put them to use in the new company.

When you are finally offered conditions that meet your expectations, make sure that you do everything that you have agreed on! Therefore, if you find your needs increasing in the future, you will have an ace up your sleeve: you met your end of the deal.