Q & A Table of Contents
Should I Take It Or Leave It?
From: Jim, Fresno, California
Question: I am about to be made a job offer from a company that has a reputation for making a "take it or leave it " offer. What should I do?
Response: Your first steps should involve asking yourself a number of questions: Do I want this job? What kinds of elements of a compensation package would be appropriate for me -- salary, retirement plan, paid vacation time, insurance benefits, company car, office with a window, company-supplied laptop computer, flexible hours, ability to work from home, day care for a young child, frequent salary review, etc.? Is this the only likely employer for you in this field and this geographical area? Given the state of the economy today, perhaps another quite acceptable alternative can be found. And if you do find an alternative ahead of time, that gives you more bargaining power, particularly in the form of self-confidence.
In addition, you need to find a way to communicate to your future employer that you are concerned about negotiation styles. For example, if they have a 'take it or leave it' approach towards employees, do they take this same approach with clients or suppliers? And, if they do, is this the right business approach for you -- and for them?
Rather than simply opening yourself to an offer that appears to require a flat 'yes' or 'no' you should approach the conversation as an opportunity to learn about the job and the company by asking as many open-ended questions as you can. Even if they say: "Here's the salary we offer. Do you accept this offer or forget about working here?", you can ask them how they would advise you to sell yourself, your spouse, or your friends on the offer they have presented. If they simply say, "That's your problem.", that is a good time to give more serious thoughts to a possible alternative. You see, in negotiation, if people take advantage of you at the start, it is likely to get worse in the future.
Like you, I'm sure the folks at this company think of themselves as 'good guys' who don't mean any harm. Somehow you need to communicate to them that there are 'good guys' on both sides of the bargaining table.
Good luck,
Steve
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