Thursday, July 31, 2008
Negotiations Begin with the Interview
Present yourself as the solution to a problem. Every job opening represents a problem the employer is trying to solve. The problem may be a positive one, such as trying to keep up with strong sales leads, but it's just as much a problem for the employer as a negative one, such as trying to breathe new life into a failing product line. Focus on identifying the employer's problem; then you can show how hiring you will be the perfect solution.
Use your research to position yourself. Before the first interview, you found out as much about the company as possible. Use that information to position your skills and experience in terms of the company's needs.
Be enthusiastic-but not eager. A prospective employer certainly wants executives who are enthusiastic about the work. However, you don't want to seem too eager. If you give the employer the impression that this is the job you've always dreamed of having, they may feel they can pay you in job satisfaction, rather than money. Don't make them think you'd pay them for the chance to do this job!
Have alternatives, and let the employer know you have them. It's poor strategy to pin all your hopes on one possibility-- and not just because you're stuck if that possibility fails. You can negotiate with more confidence if you have a secure backup plan. Also, this can enhance your value in the employer's eyes, which can result in a more favorable employment agreement.
If you keep these ideas in mind during the interview stage, you're more likely to be able to negotiate an agreement that will mark the beginning of a positive employer-employee relationship.
Use your research to position yourself. Before the first interview, you found out as much about the company as possible. Use that information to position your skills and experience in terms of the company's needs.
Be enthusiastic-but not eager. A prospective employer certainly wants executives who are enthusiastic about the work. However, you don't want to seem too eager. If you give the employer the impression that this is the job you've always dreamed of having, they may feel they can pay you in job satisfaction, rather than money. Don't make them think you'd pay them for the chance to do this job!
Have alternatives, and let the employer know you have them. It's poor strategy to pin all your hopes on one possibility-- and not just because you're stuck if that possibility fails. You can negotiate with more confidence if you have a secure backup plan. Also, this can enhance your value in the employer's eyes, which can result in a more favorable employment agreement.
If you keep these ideas in mind during the interview stage, you're more likely to be able to negotiate an agreement that will mark the beginning of a positive employer-employee relationship.
