The Puzzle: Blog

Congratulations!  You’ve just been offered a dream position at a top-choice school. Before you sign a new contract and close your search for the year, you may find yourself needing to enter a negotiation with your new employers.  How can you negotiate your offer to ensure both that you advocate for yourself appropriately and that you maintain a strong, respectful working relationship with your new administration?  Here are some FAQs.

1. Is it okay to negotiate?

Yes!  When you accept any new job, it is okay—and even encouraged—to negotiate your package.  It’s important for you to advocate for yourself and know the value of your skills and experience.  That’s expected in this day and age.

2. When should I back off?

One thing to keep in mind when you’re negotiating with schools is that their budgets are often more restricted than those in other industries, even when you’re seeking employment in a private school.  Understand that while a school may be able to rise a bit to meet you, it may not be able to offer you much more.

Use a cost of living calculator like this one to determine the true value of your new salary in a new area.  Make sure to view the number offered in context, and determine a number that would work for you.

Also make sure to infuse all salary conversations with respect and humility.  This is the start of what will (hopefully) be a long working relationship—make sure your tone is appreciative and understanding as well as confident.

3. What kind of questions can I ask the school?

It’s wise to ask questions regarding how your new school determines salary, so you can gauge your growth potential.  For example, how often do they have formal reviews?  Are salary discussions part of those reviews?  How are their salaries structured?  Some schools will offer salaries based on a formula (years of experience plus degree plus masters degree, etc.), while others will have a different system of assigning an appropriate salary.

You can also ask questions about cost of living in the area and any benefits included in the package (health insurance, life insurance, room and board, tuition remission, etc.).  Each of these “extras” could end up being a meaningful contribution to your net income.

4. How much can my Placement Associate help?

You should definitely feel free to speak with your Placement Associate to gauge whether your salary offer is competitive and reasonable given the job, your experience, and the local market.  While we cannot conduct a salary negotiation for you, we are always happy to offer advice and guidance and help you as best we can.

Image credit: Pixabay

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