When you receive an offer, you do not need to give an answer immediately. You may ask for a day or two before giving your final decision.  Consider whether the offer is fair and provides a good opportunity.  Review information on evaluating a job offer.

If your first choice job offer is not competitive based on your research regarding typical salaries in the field, you may want to discuss this with the person making the offer. Be diplomatic and do not push the employer too far, because you may talk yourself out of an offer. This gives the employer the opportunity to tell you about salary progression or special benefits or to offer to explore whether the salary could be increased. Alternately, it may occasionally be possible to negotiate other benefits, such as vacation, moving expenses, etc.

Some employers will make identical offers to all new college hires, or will differentiate slightly within a salary range. These differences usually are dependent on experience, so be sure to describe relevant experience which differentiate you.

If you choose to negotiate, be tactful and prepare to base your case on accurate information and salary data. Remember, you are in a more powerful position now than after you have accepted the offer, but do not be demanding, or you may find that the offer has been withdrawn.

• Research salaries for comparable positions (in the same geographic area if possible).
• Prepare to discuss how your skills and experience demonstrate your value to the organization.

An employer does not know which new employees will prove to be successful. They may choose to reward performance in the future with raises or promotions.  This may be a good time to ask questions like:

• What are the promotional opportunities for this position?
• How will my performance be reviewed?
• When will my performance be reviewed?  Will this include a salary review?

If you are accepting the offer, you can confirm your acceptance verbally and then follow up with a written confirmation letter. Express your appreciation and enthusiasm for the opportunity! Restate your understanding of the offer including salary, start date, time, location and any perks that were negotiated.

If you are declining the offer, inform the recruiter verbally and follow up with a letter that thanks the recruiter for the opportunity. Stay positive and do not burn any bridges. You do not want to close the door on the possibility of working with that employer or recruiter in the future.

• College Grad.com – job offer negotiation for recent grads
• Quintessential Careers Salary Tutorial Quiz
• Salary Negotiation Do's and Don'ts
• Salary Calculator

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