CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After crafting your perfect resume for weeks, you finally receive a job offer. It's an exciting time! But there are some things you should know before you sign on the dotted line.
WCNC Charlotte spoke with an expert who shared some negotiation tips to help you get ahead so you’re not left asking, where's the money?
If you have received a job offer and are considering accepting it, experts suggest taking a moment to reflect before making a decision.
"Because the first thing we need to do is know our worth, know, who we are, know what we have to offer," Jamie Johnson, career advisor from the University of Phoenix, said.
To let us know how WCNC Charlotte can help you get ahead in 2024, email us at newstips@wcnc.com.
Johnson said it's not only important to do your research while applying for a job, but it’s also important to do your research after you’ve actually landed the position.
"Know the company," she stressed. "Be prepared, know the region, know what you want, and of course, be prepared to negotiate."
She said you have to know your worth and be confident in the number you’ve chosen.
"Don't be afraid to go with the higher number, but be reasonable by your research," she said.
If you’re afraid you might lose out on the job for pushing back on your salary? Johnson said if you never ask, you’ll never know.
"But if you do your research, and if you can find somebody within the company who can give you the inside information about their salary levels for that position, and you've done everything you can, and you realize that the number you're offering is absolutely reasonable," Johnson said.
Besides money, Johnson said companies will offer other perks that could sweeten the deal for you.
"What if they're offering remote, and that's really what you wanted or the tiebreaker, there's something in there," she explained.
Now let’s say you're giving your company a number and they just won't budge. Johnson said to look for other ways to negotiate, like a sign-on bonus or extra vacation days.
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" If you need help, reach out to WCNC Charlotte by emailing money@wcnc.com.
WCNC Charlotte's Where's The Money series is all about leveling the playing field in the Carolinas by helping others and breaking down barriers. WCNC Charlotte doesn't want our viewers to be taken advantage of, so we’re here to help. Watch previous stories where we ask the question “Where’s the Money” in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.