Don’t be scared to negotiate

Even though US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke recently announced that the worst recession since the Great Depression is probably over, he indicated the recovery would be slow. 
His sentiments have been echoed by Mervyn King, governor of the Bank of England, in an address to the House of Commons Treasury Select Committee.

So, although the global economy seems to be exiting a recession, nobody's totally out of the woods quite yet.

The point of this is that job candidates should not let an economic downturn, whether it's over or not, stop them from negotiating salary and conditions, rather than just accepting the first offer presented to them.

That's the message in the latest employment podcast by recruitment specialists Robert Half.
Focusing on how to find a job in a downturn, Robert Half director Tim Hird says candidates should not be afraid to negotiate when they are presented with a job offer.

"Remember that your strongest position in negotiation is at the point when you receive the offer, and no matter what your first reaction is to the offer, be enthusiastic when you talk to the prospective employer," he says.

"You don't want to give the hiring manager second thoughts based on your initial response."

The keys to successful negotiation in today's economy are realistic expectations and flexibility, he says.

"It's important to be realistic in today's market, yet at the same time, don't be afraid to aim high. We encourage everyone to keep expectations realistic so you don't price yourself out of the running."

If you are going to ask for more than the initial offer, it's important to gather evidence to justify your requests, Hird says.

And be prepared to consider alternatives, such as increased holidays or flexible working hours, if an employer cannot, or will not, agree to precisely what you have asked for.

"An employer who is unwilling to offer a concession in one area may be willing to offer something in another."

Hird says Robert Half consultants encourage candidates to consider two figures when applying for a job – the first being their ideal remuneration, the second being their bottom line.

Through negotiation, the candidate will end up somewhere between those two figures – preferably closer to the top than the bottom.
Robert Half's podcast on finding a job in a recession is now available for download at www.roberthalf.co.nz/podcasts