How to negotiate a job offer like a pro in real estate

27 November 2018 Virginia Brookes

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So you received a job offer. Congratulations! You're thrilled, and you should be - but don't go popping that bottle of Moet just yet.

Our Director Virginia Brookes says she often sees job offers withdrawn because the candidate thinks they have all the power and negotiate the offer poorly.

This is how to negotiate a job offer like a pro.

Firstly, get the offer in writing

A conversation over the phone won't cut it - you need to get the offer in black and white.

"Get all of the facts from the salary break down, hours of work, leave entitlements, probation period along with commission structures and possible restraints of trade. It’s really important to accept this offer based on all the facts not just on the salary," Ms Brookes told WILLIAMS MEDIA.

Don't use the job offer as a power play

Ms Brookes warns that holding the job offer over your current employers head can end very badly.

"Don’t use an offer from a new employer to manipulate your current boss into giving you a pay rise. This can cause resentment and will be seen as you giving them an ultimatum; “pay up or I’m going”, which is incredibly unprofessional," she says.

Don't negotiate for the sake of it

Unless something is extremely important to you, such as salary expectations or flexible working arrangements, haggling over small things could cost you the offer.

"It’s important to negotiate tactfully and respectfully. This is not the place to try to showcase your negotiation skills and haggle over little things that are insignificant and that could cost you the offer entirely."

And while we're on the subject of salary...

This is not the opportunity to give yourself a pay rise

While it's important to make sure you're not being low-balled, now is not the time to make unreasonable salary requests. Employers know the market and your value, so pushing for too much makes you look greedy.

"It can get the employer off side fairly quickly. Instead, ask what you can do to prove your worth to get the desired salary you want after you have started.