Negotiate a Job Offer

Research is the foundation of a successful negotiation. Knowing your market value and the employer’s context gives you leverage.

• Know Your Worth: Use tools like Glassdoor or Salary.com to research salaries for your role, industry, and location. Cincinnati’s cost of living is lower than coastal cities, but roles in tech, engineering, and healthcare (popular among UC grads) often command competitive pay.
• Leverage UC Resources: Visit the Bearcat Promise Career Studio (TUC 310) for salary data and job negotiation workshops. Check Handshake for upcoming events. Lindner College of Business Career Services offers tailored advice for business majors.
• Understand the Employer: Research the company’s size, industry, and financial health. Major employers like Western & Southern or Medpace may have more room for benefits negotiation, while nonprofits might offer additional time off.

A job offer includes more than salary. Assess the full package to identify what’s negotiable and what matters most to you.

• Salary: Compare the base pay to your research.
• Benefits: Review health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, or tuition reimbursement (ideal for UC students considering grad school).
• Perks: Look for signing bonuses, relocation assistance, remote work options, or professional development stipends.
• Career Growth: Consider opportunities for mentorship, promotions, or skill-building, especially for UC co-op alumni transitioning to full-time roles.

Pro Tip: Your co-op experience is a powerful bargaining chip. Highlight it to justify a higher offer.

Approach negotiation as a collaborative conversation, not a confrontation. Preparation is key to making a compelling case.

• Practice Your Talking Points: Emphasize your UC education, co-op experience, and relevant skills. Example: “My co-op at GE Aviation strengthened my project management skills, which I’m excited to bring to this role. Based on market research, I was hoping we could discuss a salary closer to $X.”
• Be Specific: Propose a salary range backed by research. For example, if the offer is $60,000 but market data suggests $65,000–$70,000, ask for $68,000.
• Stay Positive: Frame your request collaboratively: “I’m thrilled about this opportunity and want to ensure the package works for both of us.”

UC Resource: Schedule a mock negotiation with a Career Coach (add link) to refine your approach.

Timing your negotiation is critical to maintaining professionalism.

• Wait for the Offer: Don’t negotiate during the interview. Wait for a formal, written offer.
• Respond Promptly: Acknowledge the offer within 24–48 hours. Example: “Thank you for this offer. I’m excited about the role and would like a few days to review the details. Can I follow up by [date]?”
• Know the Deadline: Most employers give 3–7 days to respond. If you need more time, politely request an extension.

When negotiating, be professional, concise, and confident.

• Start with Gratitude: Thank the employer and express enthusiasm.
• Be Clear and Confident: State your request with evidence. Example: “Based on my co-op experience at Siemens and market data, I was hoping we could discuss a base salary closer to $70,000.”
• Consider Non-Salary Items: If salary is fixed, explore bonuses, flexible hours, or extra vacation days. Example: “If the salary is set, is there flexibility for a signing bonus or additional professional development support?”
• Stay Professional: Focus on the value you will bring to the company, not personal needs (e.g., student loans).

Local Connection: Highlight your commitment to the local community and familiarity with area employers to strengthen your case.

Be ready for any outcome: acceptance, a counteroffer, or a decline.

• If They Agree: Thank them and confirm next steps.
• If They Counter: Compare the new offer to your priorities. You can accept or make a final counteroffer.
• If They Decline: Ask why (e.g., budget constraints) and explore other negotiable items. If you are willing to accept the offer regardless, accept graciously.

Request an updated offer letter reflecting all negotiated terms (salary, benefits, start date, etc.). Review it carefully before signing.

Reflect on what worked and what didn’t to improve for future negotiations.

• Connect with UC Alumni: Use the UC Alumni Network or LinkedIn to connect with Bearcats in your industry for advice.
• Stay Confident: Negotiation is a skill that improves with practice. Your UC education and co-op experience give you a strong foundation.