Job Offers and Negotiating | Penn State Student Affairs

Evaluating the Offer

A job offer is exciting news but make sure to consider all facets of the work before accepting. It's great that the organization thinks that you will be a good fit but you need to feel confident that you belong there, too.

Consider the type of work you will be doing. Is it challenging and exciting? Is the work something you are genuinely interested in?
Explore whether you will have the opportunity for further education or training. Will this opportunity help you grow as a professional?
Make sure the company culture matches your values. Do you feel comfortable there?
Think about who will be supervising you. Are they invested in your personal growth? Does their management style align with that you need to be productive?
What benefits are offered? Think about things like health care, retirement, paid vacation and sick leave allowances, and relocation assistance.
Is the salary adequate? Research average salaries for similar work in the area. Think about location, cost of living, and benefits listed above.

Know your worth

Take a quick online course on negotiating offers in Canvas. Get key information on how to navigate the salary negotiation process like a pro from start to finish.

Grow your knowledge now!

Negotiating Strategies and Tips

Negotiating an offer is necessary step in the hiring process. Remember that the ultimate goal is to come to an agreement that both you and the organization are happy with.

What you need to do

Be respectful and understand that you may need to give a little to get a little, but don't shy away from asking to discuss before accepting.

Make it personal by negotiating in-person, by phone, or by video chat. Talking about important details via email can lead to miscommunication and frustration.
Negotiate when you have been formally extended an offer.
Research! Present an argument based in facts for the type of position, skills you bring to the table, and the area where the position is located. Research salary figures from data gathered through surveys of recent graduates in your field.
- Use the resources at the bottom of this page to give yourself the knowledge and tools to be informed during your negotiation.
Practice the discussion. Meet with a career counselor to work through phrasing, how to respond to questions, and other details you may want to cover in the negotiation.

What to expect from employers

It takes two to negotiate and you should expect certain standards from employers as well. Employers are bound to ethics and should provide you with:

Accurate information about their organization, timeline of hiring process, positions, career advancement opportunities, and benefits.
No pressure to accept an offer within unreasonable amounts of time. Most companies are asked to provide at least 2 weeks for considering and most are open to extending (with valid reason and frequent communication) if needed.
Offer fair and equitable assistance if an employer must revoke an offer that you have already accepted due to changing conditions such as downsizing or withdrawn contracts.

Practice your pitch

Practice does make perfect. Understanding your position is key but knowing how to communicate information and navigate a negotiation is vital to success.

Take a self-study module from the Penn State Financial Literacy Center to grow your knowledge
Take a self-study module from Penn State World Campus to understand the process

After Accepting an Offer

Congratulations! Once you have formally accepted a position, verbally or in writing, make sure to follow the ethical standards and values of a job search.

Withdraw from the job application process with all other organizations.
Let all employers who are actively considering you know that you are no longer available.
Notify Career Services so that we will not share your resume with other employers.
Cancel all pending interviews.
Send a formal acceptance letter.