Salary negotiations often go beyond a number. When creating your ideal compensation package, think of different negotiable aspects of an employment offer that will make your package whole. We have shared a list of negotiables to include while discussing salary.

Sign-on Bonus

A sign-on bonus is an easy negotiable to ask for to make your salary whole. Some companies have budget restraints for salary, so getting creative with a sign-on bonus can help fill in the salary gap for the first year. Sign-on bonuses typically have stipulations, including payback if employment is terminated during a specified time and not receiving the bonus until 30+ days of work are complete.

PTO

Paid time off might be a flexibility for the employer. Asking for more PTO will give you more freedom to do what you want during the year.

Title

A different title may not seem like much but sometimes certain titles can grant you an opportunity down the road. You will want your title to still coincide with your responsibilities so be reasonable when asking for a better title.

Location

Given the current state of affairs, asking for flexibility in work location is almost standard now. Create a hybrid schedule to a full-time WFH schedule to present, and be sure to include your plan for workspace, security, and ability to access the proper tools to make it work.

Schedule

Your work schedule might be negotiable. Creating a schedule that suits your personal needs and is still cohesive with accomplishing your daily work can be a great way to increase the value of your compensation package.

Child Care

Assisting in covering the cost of childcare can be a huge bonus. The cost of child care can average to 10% or greater of your family income, so calculating a number to represent a reasonable amount can be another negotiable to make your total compensation package feel whole.

Health

Creating a compensation package that includes additional health-related items can be a bonus. Consider asking for a paid gym membership, health savings account, parental leave, or mental health days to your total package.

Education

Tuition reimbursement is another item you can negotiate during salary talks. Whether you are earning a degree or certifications, you can ask the employer to reimburse the cost. Some employers may cover the total cost, while others will only pay a percentage. Either way, you will benefit for years to come by building on your knowledge.

Equity

Asking for equity or options is another negotiable to increase your overall income. Although you won’t see the cash benefits right away, you do have the ability to increase your payout for a later date. 

Retirement

Retirement negotiations can be tricky due to legalities, but it’s worth asking. If a 401k is offered, ask for the company to increase their match amount. It may not currently put money in your pocket, but it can make a difference later down the road.

DIVERSANT can help

DIVERSANT is the largest minority-owned IT staffing firm in the US. Our dedicated recruiters and account executives have successfully negotiated competitive compensation packages for their consultants. Contact us today to help you with your job search.