When accepting a job offer, there are many things aside from salary that are oftentimes negotiable. Negotiations are most appropriate after you have been formally offered the job and before you have accepted.
Relocation:
Some companies will pay you to move to a new location, or if your new office is located in an area where the cost of living is substantially more (New York City, Boston, etc.), the relocation amount can make this transition easier for you. If you need to incur additional costs such as tolls, parking, or other transportation, you may be able to negotiate these costs into a bonus or your salary.
Where you will work:
Some companies will allow you to work from home or another remote location, even if it’s just some days of the week. This can cut down on transportation fees and travel time.
Time:
You may be able to negotiate flex time (the ability to alter your scheduled start and stop times), a shorter work week (35 hours instead of 40 hours), or the ability to take vacation time sooner. If you have a vacation planned already, the negotiation time is the best time to ask for advance permission to take your vacation.
Professional or personal development:
You can show your willingness to develop professionally by asking if the company pays for membership in professional associations and work-related trainings or conferences. Some companies may offer employees reimbursement for gym memberships, tuition, phone bill, or other personal costs.
Before you negotiate, you should do a little homework and try to determine if what you are asking for is feasible for the employer. Did the organization just receive or lose a funding source? If the annual reports show funding is on the decline, some things might be more negotiable than others. Be reasonable and stay flexible, just because you received an offer doesn’t mean that the employer can’t retract it if you come on too aggressive. If possible, remind your potential employer how the additional benefits will help you do your job better.
