Best Practices For Negotiating Job Benefits

Most job seekers only negotiate salary. And they leave money on the table as a result. Here are 9 other things you can ask for in a job offer: First, let's start with some context on when to use these options. Let's say you want a $120k base. The company offers $100k and won't budge. That's a $20k gap! If you accept? You miss out on $20k. But if you bring other options to the table? You can close that gap. That's where these alternatives come into play. Option #1: Bonuses Bonuses are great ways to put more dollars in your pocket. They're also an easier sell because the company only pays out if you meet or exceed expectations. Extra credit if you can negotiate accelerators for beating your goals. Option #2: Equity Equity can also lead to more $ in your pocket, but the risk / reward variance is larger. You need to do your due diligence on the company first. If you feel like they have a clear path to IPO / acquisition / growth? Go for it. Option #3: Paid Time Off Working less while getting paid is the dream, right? That's what more PTO gets you. But that's not all. The company owes you for PTO you've accrued. If you leave the company with unused days? They send you a check for that time. Option #4: Job Title Job titles are arbitrary unless you can snag a "tier leap." Tiers include: IC, Manager, Director, VP, and C-Level. If you can negotiate your title up a tier? You'll be eligible for more senior roles down the road. That'll boost your future earnings. Option #5: WFH Stipend Want to upgrade your home office? Or have the company cover some of your internet costs? Or get out of the house with a stipend for a co-working space? All of those are things that you can (and should) ask for if you're going to be a remote employee. Option #6: Commuting Costs Going back to the office costs time and money. Transportation, gas, and parking usually aren't free. You can ask companies to help cover them. Option #7: Continuing Education Learning new skills and honing existing ones is an easy way to increase your value as an employee. Why not do that on the company dime? Ask if the company has a budget for continuing education or if they'd be willing to create one for you. Option #8: Mentorship There's no better way to accelerate your growth than to learn from the best. But you probably didn't think you could negotiate that, did you. Well, you can! Don't be afraid to ask for time with certain leaders and individuals as part of your package. Option #9: Relocation Costs Do you have to move for this role? That's expensive! It'd be one thing if the company totally blew you away with their offer. But if we're negotiating? Don't be afraid to make up the gap by asking for a relocation stipend. So, next time you're negotiating for a new role? Don't stop if the company won't budge on base. Use some of these options to boost that offer value!

"We will pay you $75K this year and $110K next year.” I’ve helped candidates negotiate six-figure salaries, remote flexibility, and better perks. Even when employers initially resisted. Well... negotiations often hit a standstill when both sides are holding firm. The employer won’t budge, and the employee doesn’t want to compromise. So how do you move forward without losing what matters most? 1️⃣ Understand their WHY. Your employer isn’t just being difficult. They have reasons, maybe budget constraints, company culture, and managerial oversight. If they insist on in-office work, maybe they’re worried about productivity. If they push back on salary, maybe they’re balancing multiple hires. 2️⃣ Reframe the discussion. Instead of saying, "I can only do remote", say "I’ll provide daily Loom updates to showcase my work and keep communication transparent." This way, they don’t feel like they’re losing control. They’re gaining certainty. 3️⃣ Propose a step-up structure. If they claim they can’t meet your salary, introduce a phased increase: "What if we start at $75K now, with a structured raise to $110K next year based on performance?" Now, you’re giving them flexibility while ensuring you get the pay you deserve. 4️⃣ Negotiate beyond salary. If they won’t budge on pay, shift the focus. More vacation? Training budget? Performance-based bonuses? There are multiple levers to pull. The goal isn’t to win. It’s to walk away happy. No one gets 100% of what they want, But the best negotiators ensure both sides leave with a deal that feels fair. If your negotiation is stuck, shift from demands to solutions. That’s how you break the deadlock.

I didn’t know that I could negotiate more than my salary. Don’t limit negotiations to salary alone. Other components of a job offer that can provide additional value: Bonuses A structured bonus can significantly boost your earnings, rewarding you for achieving specific performance targets. Equity Equity can offer substantial financial rewards in the long-term, though it carries a higher risk compared to fixed income. Paid Time Off More paid time off can improve your quality of life and provide you with well-deserved breaks. Job Title An enhanced job title can increase your professional standing and open up future career opportunities. Professional Development Seek opportunities for the company to fund your professional development through courses or certifications, enhancing your skills and career prospects. Flexible Working Conditions Negotiating the flexibility to work remotely or adjust your working hours can lead to a better balance between work and personal life. Consider these negotiation options to maximize your total compensation and job satisfaction. What have you negotiated or wish you had negotiated before accepting a new role?