What can you do to prepare for a benefits negotiation?

2 Know your priorities

Not all benefits are equal, and not all benefits are important to you. You need to know what your priorities are and what you are willing to negotiate on. For example, you might value flexible hours more than health insurance, or you might prefer a higher salary over a generous vacation policy. You should also consider your personal and professional goals, such as saving for retirement, pursuing further education, or relocating to another city. Knowing your priorities will help you focus on the benefits that matter most to you and communicate them effectively to the employer.

3 Prepare your pitch

Once you have done your research and identified your priorities, you need to prepare your pitch for the benefits negotiation. Your pitch should highlight your value to the employer, your achievements, and your expectations. You should also be ready to provide evidence and examples to support your claims, such as performance reviews, testimonials, or awards. Your pitch should be concise, confident, and respectful. You should avoid making ultimatums, threats, or comparisons with other candidates or employees.

4 Listen and ask questions

A benefits negotiation is not a one-way conversation, but a dialogue between you and the employer. You need to listen carefully to what the employer is offering and why. You also need to ask questions to clarify any details, such as the duration, eligibility, and conditions of the benefits. Asking questions will help you understand the employer's perspective and priorities, as well as show your interest and engagement. You should also be prepared to answer any questions the employer might have about your expectations and preferences.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?