Ex-Microsoft exec shares the 10 things to negotiate after a job offer

• Chris Williams is an expert at the nine-to-five lifestyle
• He spent seven years working as HR VP at Microsoft 
• The career expert has now shared 10 things you should negotiate 

A former Microsoft human resources vice president has revealed the 10 things you should negotiate every time you’re given a job offer so that you can get the best working conditions and benefits.

Chris Williams is an expert on the nine-to-five lifestyle and spent seven years working at Microsoft.

The Washington-based former executive has mastered the art of helping job seekers learn to negotiate for what they ‘deserve.’

Now, Chris has shared the key things you should ask for after receiving a job offer so that you could show a company your value and get what you wanted.

Chris Williams is an expert at the nine-to-five lifestyle and spent seven years working at Microsoft as the tech company’s HR vice president

While speaking to Business Insider, the corporate pro noted that you were most valuable when you received a job offer because all the company knew of you was their ‘anticipation for you.’

He explained the company that had given you an offer had worked extremely hard to narrow it down for you and even ‘argued’ over you – adding that you should use these things to your advantage.

The former HR VP noted that you should always remember that everything was ‘business’.

And Chris said that the best way to use this information was to negotiate 10 things with the company.

The first thing you should discuss with potential employers is a signing bonus, according to Chris.

He told the outlet: ‘The standard go-to negotiating point is the signing bonus. “This change is tough on me or my family. Can you bridge the gap?” Maybe request 10 per cent of your annual base as a one-time payment right away. Companies like these because they are one-time, not recurring, costs.’

Next, you should ask for a guaranteed first bonus, which would payable at bonus time.

And if you’re working off of commission, Chris suggested you ask for higher commission as well.

He has revealed the 10 things you should negotiate every time you’re given a job offer so that you could get the best working condition and benefits (stock image)

Next, Chris noted you should discuss working conditions – specifically working remotely.

More, more, more! The 10 things you should negotiate after getting a job offer 

• Signing bonus
• Relocation package
• Spousal benefits
• Remote work
• Guaranteed first bonus
• Higher commission
• PTO
• Healthcare benefits
• Unique ways to earn more compensation
• Company equity 

He said: ‘If you like working remotely and can excel at it, try advocating for more remote work and fewer in-office days. This can depend on whether other people on your team have this option, but you’ll never have more leverage than right now.’

And if you have to move for your job and aren’t given remote freedom then the HR suggested you negotiate a signing bonus.

‘Maybe ask for full coverage, not just a stipend, or ask about extended temporary housing,’ Chris recommended.

If your partner is moving with you for your job, the HR pro suggested you push for them to get benefits as well.

He added: ‘It’s not uncommon, especially with married couples, to ask for some kind of job assistance for their partner. Perhaps résumé assistance, job counseling, a headhunter, or some other benefit. It often helps to close the deal.’

Chris revealed that PTO is also something you should request more of, especially if a company doesn’t have ‘unlimited PTO.’

The former HR VP added: ‘Stock or stock options are a very common negotiating point, especially with more senior people. There’s a whole world of options (pun intended), but this is a frequent deal point. ‘

Another category that there was often flexibility in was healthcare. Chris suggested you asked for more benefits if you had ‘extenuating circumstances.’

The Washington-based former executive has mastered the art of helping job seekers learn to negotiate for what they ‘deserve’ – including a relocation package (stock image)

Lastly, you should ask for more money in unique ways.

He explained: ‘With senior roles, you can often get creative with compensation. You could try to arrange an incentive structure: If you’re brought in to solve a specific problem, you’ll get a set bonus if you solve that problem by a specified date. The options here are endless; I’ve even seen this with midlevel roles.

‘There are so many options to negotiate; there’s almost no excuse not to. And again, before you actually start the job is the best time to do it.’

He added that negotiations were ‘not fun’ and that while they may feel a bit ‘uncomfortable,’ they were crucial.

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