Negotiate

• Salary and Benefits: Consider the total compensation package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and professional development opportunities. Don’t forget to factor in relocation expenses, start-up funds (for academic roles), and research support. These will vary widely by employer. Typically, you cannot negotiate for enhanced retirement or health care. 
• Role and Responsibilities: Confirm the job’s expectations and how they align with your skills, interests, and long-term goals. Beyond the excitement of the offer, reflect on whether you see yourself in that position. Ask yourself: Is this an opportunity for growth? Does it align with your long-term plans?
• Work Environment: Consider the organization’s culture, team dynamics, and work-life balance. Consider your impressions of your co-workers and team members. For academic roles, think about the department’s reputation, collaboration opportunities, and available resources.

Pro Tip: Use resources like Glassdoor, PayScale, or industry-specific salary reports to benchmark salaries and benefits in your field.

• Understand the Market: Research typical salary ranges and benefits for your industry, position, and location.
• Connect with Experts: Reach out to alumni, mentors, or colleagues for insights on compensation norms and what to expect during negotiation. Dartmouth’s Dartmouth Connect and LinkedIn are great tools for finding contacts.
• Know What You Want: Identify your top priorities. Is it salary, flexible work arrangements, funding for research, or teaching load?

• Express Gratitude: Begin by thanking the employer for the offer and expressing your enthusiasm for the role.
• Focus on Key Areas: Don’t try to negotiate everything—choose 1-2 areas that matter most to you. Be clear and specific about your requests.
• Use Data: Support your negotiation with market research or personal circumstances (e.g., cost of living, specific needs for your research). For academic roles, you might ask for additional research funds or reduced teaching responsibilities.
• Stay Flexible: Listen carefully to the employer’s responses and be ready to compromise. Negotiation is about finding a win-win solution.

Example Language for Salary Negotiation:
“I’m very excited about this opportunity and believe I’ll contribute significantly to your team. Based on my experience and market research, I’d like to discuss an adjustment to the starting salary. Comparable roles in this field typically offer $[X], and I would love to explore how we can reach a similar range.”

Once an agreement is reached, ask for the updated offer in writing. Review all details carefully before accepting.

It’s best to accept a job offer in writing, even if you initially accept it verbally. A written acceptance confirms the details, creates a positive impression, and serves as a reference for future information, such as your start date and agreed terms.

• Documentation and Clarity: Ensures both parties have a clear, official record of the terms.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates commitment and leaves a positive impression.
• Reference for Future Details: Provides a record of your role, start date, and negotiated terms.

• Immediate Response Expected: If you’re offered the job during a live conversation, it’s fine to say “Yes” on the spot.
• Maintaining a Personal Connection: Verbal acceptance can feel warmer and more engaging, especially if you’ve built rapport with the hiring manager.

Even if you accept verbally, follow up with a written acceptance shortly after.

Subject: Job Offer Acceptance – [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am delighted to accept the [Job Title] position at [Organization Name]. Thank you for this exciting opportunity. I look forward to contributing to the team and starting on [Start Date].

Please let me know if you need any additional information before my start date. I am eager to join the team and contribute to [Organization’s Goal or Mission].

Thank you again for your trust and confidence.
Best regards,
[Your Name]

It’s important to wait for a written offer before accepting. A written offer:

• Confirms the Details: Ensures clarity on salary, benefits, and job responsibilities.
• Reduces Misunderstandings: Verbal offers can be misinterpreted or incomplete.
• Serves as Official Documentation: Protects you if the terms change.

1. Express Enthusiasm: Show excitement and gratitude.
   • Example: “Thank you so much! I’m very excited about this opportunity. I’d love to review the official offer letter.”
2. Request a Written Offer: Politely ask when you can expect to receive the written offer.
3. Clarify the Timeline: Ensure you know how long you’ll have to review and respond.

It’s generally best to decline a job offer in writing (via email). However, in some cases, a verbal conversation may be more appropriate.

When to Decline in Writing

• Clear Documentation: Provides a written record and ensures clarity.
• Professionalism: Written communication is respectful and formal.
• Time to Craft Your Response: Helps frame your message thoughtfully.

When a Verbal Decline Makes Sense

• Close Relationship with the Hiring Manager: A phone call feels more personal.
• Future Opportunities: A conversation allows you to keep the door open for later.
• Always follow up with a written confirmation, even after a verbal decline.

Sample Job Offer Decline Email

Subject: Job Offer – [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you so much for offering me the [Job Title] position at [Organization Name]. After careful consideration, I have decided to decline the offer at this time. This was not an easy decision, as I greatly admire the work your team is doing and sincerely appreciate the opportunity to learn more about it.

I hope we can stay in touch, and I wish you and your team continued success. Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]