02 Jan What Benefits Should You Negotiate that Don’t Involve Your Salary?
Negotiating during the interview closing process isn’t on the top of your To-Do List? It should be. When searching for a new job, there are many factors you must consider. You don’t want to only want to find a job that you love and enjoy going to every day. Search for one one that also offers the money and benefits that you desire! While a pay increase is a common reason why many individuals accept a new job, it shouldn’t be the only benefit you negotiate. Here are several benefits you should ask for during your new-hire process.
Vacation time
If your company doesn’t offer an excellent vacation policy or paid time off, negotiating for additional vacation time should be at the top of your list. Vacations are not only good for your physical health, but they help improve your productivity and creativity in the workplace. A vacation helps lower your stress, improves your mental health, and can also help you sleep better at night.
Student loan assistance
The average student with a bachelor’s degree in 2016 graduated with more than $28,446 in student loans. This debt can affect an individual’s ability to purchase a house, car, and more. Depending on the size of the loan, it can also put an individual into a tight financial position month after month. This makes student loan assistance a big perk and a benefit that should not be overlooked.
During the negotiating process, ask for some type of student loan assistance. Some companies may offer you a large chunk of money after you have been employed by the business for several years. Others may provide a small amount of money each month for you to use towards your student loans.
Negotiating a 401(k) match
Most Americans have very little saved for the future, let alone retirement. In fact, according to one study, 35% of all American adults have less than $1,000 in their savings. To help you better prepare for the future, many employers are contributing the same amount of money you put into your own 401(k). Over time, this can help you build significant savings for your retirement without straining yourself financially.
Public transportation passes
If you live a long distance from work and must commute each day to your new job, help offset the cost of this travel with transportation benefits. Ask the company to pay for train or bus passes, gas reimbursement, and more. This is a very simple perk! Companies are more likely to offer it to provide convenience to you and help you enjoy the job a little more.
A few tips when negotiating
Before you jump into the negotiation process, do your homework. Learn about the benefits and perks the company offers such as their health insurance and life insurance plans, vacation time, work hours, and more. The more you are familiar with what is offered by the company, the better you can prepare and negotiate benefits that you actually desire.
Additionally, research and learn about the benefits the company’s competitors are offering. This gives you more negotiating power, and the company is less likely to say no as they want to stand out from the competition.
By keeping the above things in mind during your new-hire process, you will have everything you need to help you enjoy your job and be successful.
