Career Planning

A Life planning after Graduation

Whatever you decide to do after you’ve graduated, remember there is no right or wrong path to take. You have a whole career in front of you, so take the time to do what’s right for you.

If you’ve finished your university degree or will be graduating soon, congratulations! After years of studying and assessments you are now a fully-fledged graduate. Now that you’re armed with all the learning’s from your course, you may be wondering what your next step should be.

What’s the difference between a job and a career?

A job is the occupation that you have at any given point in time. A career refers to your working life over time, and could include a single job that you stay in for many years, or a series of successive jobs within the same field.

Continue your studies- Another option is to continue your studies at university, by enrolling in Masters course. This could lead to a higher income in your desired field, and also will help strengthen your resume when it comes time to apply for jobs.

Get a job in your field of study- Of course you may just be ready to take the leap and get a full time job. After all you did study quite a few years to acquire the necessary skills.

Intern or gain some work experience- However, sometimes finding a job isn’t always smooth sailing and can be particularly hard if you don’t have much on your CV. That’s where internships and work experience placements can come in handy, giving you that hands on experience employers are looking for.

Become a freelancer- Depending on which degree you did, you may even be able to do freelance or contract work.

Benefits of career planning

Figure out your goals: It becomes easier to figure out personal objectives and goals through career planning. It is always better to chase your goals instead of working aimlessly.

Save time and energy: Career planning helps you avoid going after a profession that does not align with personal goals and abilities. The earlier you plan, the better it is.

Make confident choices: Career planning puts you in the driver’s seat in your career journey and lets you make confident choices for your future endeavors.

Focus: You will be able to determine a clear path to follow with the help of career planning. It helps you avoid feeling lost and lets you focus on the right aspects.

Step 1: Get to know yourself

Identify your vision, values, interests, skills, traits and abilities. It will help you decide what you want from your next career move.

Complete a self-evaluation

The first, and sometimes most difficult, step of career planning is to make an informed decision by understanding yourself and what you want to do. For this, you will need to consider your personality, strengths, weaknesses, values, interests, talents, aptitude and goals. You can determine these things by creating a self-evaluation list that includes the following questions:

1. What do I enjoy doing the most?
2. In what do I excel?
3. What are the things that motivate me?
4. What are the things I dislike doing?
5. What strengths do I have?
6. What are my weaknesses?
7. What type of lifestyle do I want?
8. What kind of work-life balance do I want?
9. Do I want to work in an office or outside?
10. What is my desired salary level?
11. Am I an extrovert or an introvert?
12. Do I enjoy frequent interactions with other people?
13. Do I work better on my own?
14. Do I want to do work that makes a positive difference to society?
15. Do I want a career that brings me social prestige?
16. What can I do with my educational qualifications and experience?
17. Do I have the time and money to get the necessary qualifications and develop new skills?
18. Do I have leadership qualities?
19. Do I have creative and enterprising qualities?
20. Am I able to handle responsibilities?
21. Am I able to bounce back from failures and setbacks?
22. Am I able to stay calm and focused in stressful situations?
23. Am I willing to relocate for the job?
24. Am I willing to work night-shifts if the job calls for it?

Step 2: Explore your occupational options

Explore your options and gather information about them. What choices do you have? What does each one involve? Are there other options you haven’t thought about?

Conduct career research

After you have figured out your interests, aptitude and strengths, research different types of careers that could potentially suit you. You can research each job separately and gather information about the educational qualifications, skills, training and experience necessary for assuming that role. You can find out what the work responsibilities are, what the work environment is like and what advancement opportunities are available. Additionally, you can gather information about the position's salary levels and benefits. It can also help to discover the advantages and disadvantages of that profession.

Step 3: Get ready by evaluating your career options

Evaluate your career options. Decide which ones are best for you at this stage of your life. Look at the pros and cons of each option. Consider the challenges you may face and how you can handle them.

Assess your options

After gathering the relevant information about the shortlisted careers, do an honest assessment of how well-suited you are for them. Carefully consider if you can sustain your interest in the job long-term, if you can handle the daily responsibilities of the position and if it can provide you with the lifestyle you want. Determine if you have the time and resources to get the necessary education for your selected career.

Step 4: Take action to achieve your career goals

Develop a plan to make your options a reality. Identify the short-term and long-term steps that you need to take. Create deadlines for the completion of each step. Identify things you can do to stay motivated. Then take the steps you've identified.

Stages of Career Development

Stage # 1. Exploration:

1. Abilities- Ability is something you do well such as a competence, talent or capacity. Not every ability is supported by an interest.
2. Interests-An interest is something that motivates and energizes you. Not every interest is supported by a talent or ability.
3. Personal Relationships-Think about the importance of your personal relationships; people who care about you and support your personal growth and development. Who are the people that you admire and why? What are their special interests and attitudes that have had a positive effect on your life?
4. Values-Clarifying your most important values is critical for your personal and professional fulfillment. When your values are in sync with your work and life you feel most satisfied and happy.
5. Ideal Position- Finally, it is helpful to picture your ideal work situation. You will perform better and be happier if you are in the type of work environment that suits you best, working with the kinds of people you get along with, and doing activities that play to your strengths.
6. Join a Professional Organization - Professional meetings and events are good sources for learning about careers and meeting professionals with whom to set up an informational interview.
7. Broadcast your Interest - Tell everyone you know and meet what it is you are exploring and intending to do. You never know who might share a good information source or introduce you to a helpful resource person!
8. Test it Out! - Seek internships, part-time/temporary positions, or summer jobs that give you the opportunity to try something new, experience a work environment that you are curious about. This may affirm an interest or show you that it’s not a good fit.
9. Attend Events - Seek campus and/or local events such as employer information tables, career fairs, conferences, organizational open houses, and networking socials. Use these opportunities to speak with people about your interests, various job roles and industries, and practice your networking skills.
10. Shadow a Professional - With someone in your network, you might be able to "shadow" (i.e., follow) a professional for a day or two to observe what it's like working in that industry and role. Set up an informational interview with them first.
11. Leverage Social Media - Whether you search Twitter or Instagram using a #hashtag or the “Upcoming Events” feature on Facebook, social media can help you locate events, blogs, business accounts, or people you’re interested in. As you are exploring, always make sure your social media presence is presentable for future employers! Use your network to identify and contact professionals in areas of interest to you.

The exploratory stage is the period of transition from campus to corporate / college to work, that is, the period immediately prior to employment. It is usually the period of one’s early 20 s and ends by mid-20 s. It is a stage of self-exploration and making preliminary choices.

Stage # 2. Establishment:

This career stage begins when one starts seeking for work. It includes getting one’s first job. Hence, during this stage, one is likely to commit mistakes; one has also the opportunities to learn from such mistakes and may also assume greater responsibilities. He/ she accept job challenges and develop competence in a speculating area. He/she develops creativity and rotates into a new area after three-five years.

Stage # 3. Mid-Career:

During this stage, the performance may increase or decrease or may remain constant. While some employees may reach their goals at the early stage and may achieve greater heights, some may be able just to maintain their performance. While the former may be called ‘climbers’, the later ones are not very ambitious though competent otherwise. During this stage, an employee tries to update himself/herself technically and develops skills in coach¬ing others. He/she may rotate into a new job requiring new skills.

Stage # 4. Late Career:

This stage is usually a pleasant one because during this stage, the employee neither tries to learn new things nor tries to improve his/her performance over that of previous years. He/she takes advantage of and depends on his/her reputation and enjoys playing the role of an elderly statesperson. He/she may shift from a power role to one of consultation. He/she starts identifying and developing successors and may also start activities outside the organisation.

Stage # 5. Decline:

Since it is the final stage of one’s career, it ends in the retirement of the employee after putting up decades of service full of continuous achievements and success stories. As such, it is viewed as a hard stage.

Steps in Establishing a Career Development System

There are four steps in establishing a career development system. They are- (i) needs — defining the present system, (ii) vision — determining new directions and possibilities, (iii) action plan — deciding on practical first steps, and (iv) results — maintaining the change.

Step 1 – Needs:

This step involves in the conducting a needs assessment as a training programme.

Step 2 – Vision:

The needs of the career system must be linked with the interventions. An ideal career development system known as the vision links the needs with the interventions.

Step 3 – Action Plan:

An action plan should be formulated in order to achieve the vision. The support of the top management should be obtained in this process.

Step 4 – Results:

Career development programme should be integrated with the organisation on-going employee training and management development programmes. The programme should be evaluated from time to time in order to revise the programme. Career development is essential to implement a career plan. Career development consists of personal improvements undertaken by the individual employee, training, development and educational programmes provided by the organisation and various institutes.

The six stages of modern career development are:

1. Assessment
2. Investigation
3. Preparation
4. Commitment
5. Retention
6. Transition.

Stage # 1. Assessment:

In the Assessment Stage, you are getting ready for your life’s work. This stage is characterized by unawareness, in that you are not sure what your values, strengths, and weaknesses are. You start to feel as though you want to know more about yourself and make a conscious effort to get in touch with who you really are.

Stage # 2. Investigation:

In the Investigation Stage, you are researching what work exists in the world. This stage is characterized by feelings of confusion, in that you are not sure what career options exist for you. You may feel overwhelmed with all of the jobs and opportunities that exist as you begin the process of researching the modern world of work. But if you approach this stage with a positive frame of mind, you will find that you will learn about many possibilities you may have never considered. The key characteristics of this stage are researching the world of work and conducting informational interviews with people in your chosen field.

Stage # 3. Preparation:

In the Preparation Stage, you are still getting ready to do your life’s work. This stage is characterized by gaining knowledge and experience and setting goals and adopting a success- oriented mind-set

Stage # 4. Commitment:

In the Commitment Stage, you will feel confident that you have figured out what you are meant to do. Sometimes people have known all along what they were meant to do but could not commit to the process of making it happen, for whatever reason. At this stage, more than ever, you must focus your energy and keep your eye on the target. The key characteristics of this stage are conducting a job search and negotiating and accepting a job offer.

Stage # 5. Retention:

In the Retention Stage, you will feel comfortable in your career field, as you will now have figured out how things work in your industry. You will want to remain committed to your career by continually updating your skill set and staying current with industry standards. This stage is characterized by providing first-class customer-service skills and building a professional network.

Stage # 6. Transition:

The Transition Stage is characterized by feelings of discomfort in that you are unsure of what you will be doing next (and/or if you will be happy). In this stage, you will learn to make conscious changes in your career direction.

Self assessment

Learn more about who you are and what you want out of life. It’s important to know your: Strengths

Work & life values
Decision-making style
Interests
Sources of motivation
Geographic preferences

Career exploration (beginning and middle of your program)

Learn more about the career paths you are considering. Be sure to explore:

Different employment sectors that offer careers that interest you (academia, corporate, non-profit, government, self-employment, etc.)
A variety of job titles and responsibilities
Salary and job outlook information

Job market preparation (middle and end of your program)

Start preparing yourself for the job market. Do what it takes to feel confident about your: Job search plan

Cover letter
Interviewing skills
Résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
Portfolio
Negotiating skills

Job search preliminaries (9–12 months prior to degree completion)

Look for employment using a variety of strategies.
Asking professors, classmates, alumni, colleagues, and contacts for referrals
Connecting with and joining professional organizations
Applying to campus, general, and niche job boards
Attending career fairs and similar events

Transition to a job/start a career (end of your program)

Prepare to exit the university and start another adventure.
Thank those who helped you in your academic success and your job search
Read books, attend workshops, and participate in groups related to the transition process
Start your new job
Reflect on your job responsibilities, work environment, standard of living, relationships, mental and physical health, and leisure activities

Resumes & Cover Letters

The resume is a professional marketing tool to introduce you to potential employers for internships, volunteer roles, and on- and off-campus job postings. This written presentation, and sample of your personal writing style, must be concise and error-free to make a positive first impression. The resume should highlight relevant information including:

Your relevant experience (paid and unpaid)
Your skills and achievements
Your education

The types and number of experiences students have will vary, but a resume cannot always include everything. In fact, it should not be a summary of everything you have ever done. Your resume should highlight the skills and experience that are most important and relevant to the types of positions you are targeting.

Creating a Cover Letter

Composing a well thought out cover letter will help make a positive first impression with employers. The cover letter is an essential document used to introduce you to an employer. Ideally, your cover letter is a response to the job description and should reflect back to the employer your demonstrated ability to do the job. It accompanies your resume when you submit it for consideration for a position opening. It must capture the attention of the employer, encourage a close look at your resume, and match your qualifications with the job requirements.

The Purpose of a Resume

The purpose of a resume is to generate interviews. Ask yourself, "What are potential employers looking for?" Do some research, and analyze the job descriptions to be sure you are emphasizing what is most important to the potential employers. Remember that a resume will be read or skimmed in approximately 10 to 15 seconds by a recruiter or manager at the screening stage - that is all! Consequently, a professional resume should be clear, direct, easy to read, and include the critical information that presents you the best it possibly can for the position you are applying for.

While there are many possible ways to structure your resume, here are common formats that can be tailored and adjusted as needed:

For undergraduate, graduate students

Header (Name, email, city, state, LinkedIn profile you have one)
Education (can include Activities, Honors/Awards, and Study Abroad)
Experience or Academic Projects (research or lab experience)
Experience
Community Service
Skills (Computer, Foreign Languages, other)
Certifications & License
Professional Associations (if applicable, such as student memberships)

The format should be organized and easy to read so that employers can quickly skim your resume. Employers are looking to find relevant information about your skills and experience that fit their job opening. Instead of describing your experience in paragraphs, use a bulleted format which will make it much easier for employers to find details. Use bold and capitalized letters for the subheadings of your resume. For your header, make sure to bold and capitalize your name and use a larger font size (14-16 pt.). The goal is to have your name stand out at the top of the entire document.

Typically recent university graduates, both undergraduate and graduate, will list “Education” first and then “Experience”. One of the determining factors is deciding what makes you most marketable to prospective employers. A new graduate, including career changers with an advanced degree, can emphasize up-to-date coursework and recently acquired knowledge about the field, while experienced professionals can stress their recent accomplishments in a work environment.

Most recent university graduates will be able to keep their resume to one page. However if you find you have numerous part-time jobs, several internships, leadership roles, and extensive community service, you have the option of expanding onto a second page. With a two-page resume, the first page should include the most relevant experience leaving the second page for sections such as professional association memberships, publications, conferences, etc.

An “Objective” section is usually not required on your resume since you can state your customized objective in your cover letter when applying for a specific job posting. Since job titles vary, even in the same industry, you may not want to have such specific wording since it will not match all the types of jobs you will be applying for during your job search.

Brainstorm your accomplishment statements by using the CAR approach:

Challenge - Challenge you overcame, problem you solved, or opportunity you saw to improve something. What was the specific situation you encountered to resolve?

Action - Action you took to address the challenge. What are the steps you took to improve the situation?

Result - Results and positive outcome of the actions you took. What was the benefit for the employer after you implemented this improvement?

Make sure your resume highlights your accomplishments - not just your duties or responsibilities - so that the reader can tell that you were successful at what you did!

Past Successes - recall the details of what you've done well in the past, ask people who are familiar with you and refer to letters of recommendation, performance reviews or supervisors' reports describing the quality of your work. Ask yourself, "Have you. . ."

Avoid using common action verbs such as "Responsible for", "Duties included", "Worked with" and "Assisted."

Accomplishment Statement- Distinguish yourself! When you are ready to write your accomplishment statements, make sure you stand out! Take a close look at the wording and then tailor your own personalized resume with your specific skills and achievements. Select and highlight those skills which are most relevant to the type of jobs and employers that interest you most.

Summary Statement-The “Summary statement” is an optional section on the resume for those job seekers with previous professional experience. In general, the more experience you have - i.e., the longer you have been in the workforce - the more likely it is that you would include a “Summary Statement” on your resume. After your name and contact information, the summary is the first piece of information a hiring manager sees at the top of the resume. It gives the resume reader a concise introduction to you and should include your area(s) of expertise, industry background, computer knowledge and specific industry skills, personal traits, and values.

A “Summary Statement” allows the resume screener, at a quick glance, to focus on the top third of your resume and find the most relevant information to help determine if you are a good fit for the job opening

Skills- In your resume, you may want to include a section that lists your specific hard skill areas used during paid jobs, volunteer activities, internships, and leadership roles on campus. Hard skills include computer and software skills, ability to use social media, language proficiency, and other unique skills that you bring to the table that other candidates may not.

Electronic Resumes

These days the resume is as often an electronic document. This requires you to be aware of different considerations, such as the use of keywords to make sure your resume stands out in an electronic scan, when your resume will be read only by a computer and not a person. This typically happens in larger organizations at the initial screening stage, when many applicants apply for each job opening and the employer needs to narrow down the pool to those whose qualifications meet their needs. In addition, if an employer asks you to file your job application electronically on their site's application form, many times they will request your resume along with it. In this case it is critical that you follow each employer's specific instructions on preferred format, such as Word, ASCII-text, PDF, or HTML version.

Curriculum Vitae

Occasionally some employers, especially academic institutions, research institutes, and international employers, will ask job applicants for curriculum vitae (CV) instead of a resume. Unlike the concisely written resume, the CV is a very detailed, multi-page document. Additional sections include educational background with degrees plus teaching assistant positions or scholarships; thesis/dissertation title; research projects; fluency in foreign languages; professional licenses/certifications; professional journal publications and books; conference presentations; grants (awarded and pending); professional references; consulting experience and professional boards or executive committee positions; and more.

Networking

Making social connections is key in your professional and career development. This social web (online and in-person) of trusted contacts, i.e. your “network”, gives you an advantage in your career. Your network is one of your most valuable assets.

What is Networking?

The process of creating, building and growing this web of professional relationships is called “networking”. Networking is about cultivating relationships over time. It is the process of making connections with people and gathering new information to expand your knowledge about career options, opportunities, and jobs. In making connections, you are naturally exchanging insights and mutual contacts. You can think of this as asking for AIR (Advice, Information and Referrals). This is valuable at every stage of your career development. Networking is about learning how initiate, engage and follow up on conversations - it is not a one-way street.

Benefits of Networking for Job search - Career exploration - One of the best sources for gathering information when deciding on a major or career direction is talking with people in a role that interests you

70-80% of job seekers find their jobs through social contacts. As few as 20% land their jobs through the traditional "reactive" job search method, namely, applying for posted positions on job boards or want ads.
Nearly 80% of available jobs are never advertised. You can uncover this "hidden job market" through networking. By connecting with people in your network, you will start to learn more about jobs or opportunities that might not be broadcasted widely. The more contacts you make, the more likely you are to tap into these hidden opportunities.

LinkedIn and Social Media

Using LinkedIn and other social media platforms can dramatically expand your networking reach and make it possible to connect with formerly unreachable professionals. Employers are increasingly using social media for recruiting purposes. It is becoming common for recruiters to initiate contact with potential candidates by searching on LinkedIn for people with the qualifications they seek.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is one of the most influential professional networking websites. It provides you a platform for managing new social connections, job searching, exchanging information, blogging, conducting career research while also demonstrating your professional brand to potential employers. With upwards of 400 million members representing 200 global areas, LinkedIn can expose you to far reaching networks

LinkedIn's purpose is to leverage your career development process. Since it's "who you know" that counts in networking and job searching, LinkedIn makes professional connections visible so that you can ask the right questions with key people and make clear career and job search decisions.

Below are examples of how to use LinkedIn:

• Building and maintaining your professional profile and online brand
• Building contacts with people with similar interests for career exploration, job search and potential informational interviews and job leads
• Researching companies
• Sharing information and advice with professionals in your field
• Posting references from supervisors, colleagues, and clients
• Finding job openings
• Finding contacts you know at organizations of interest to you
• Recruiting for potential candidates and screening them before interviews

Social Media as a Networking Tool

If you want to build connections, you can also locate people on social media platforms beyond LinkedIn. Through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, you can build your network in three major ways: 1) connect and interact with people you want to meet; 2) follow accounts that market and host professional/community events, and; 3) join online professional development or community groups where resources are posted.

Following Up

Effective networking means building a relationship over time by keeping in touch regularly and exchanging information, advice and contacts. Be sure to:

Send a thank you note within 24 hours mentioning what was particularly beneficial from your meeting.
If the individual seemed to genuinely want to help you, set an appointment with yourself on your calendar to make a follow-up call or e-mail to the contact. Then do it!
Keep your contacts informed. If your original contact referred you to someone who was helpful, send him/her a quick note with that information.
Reflect on what you learned from the meeting, what else you need to know, and determine a future plan of action.

Expressing Gratitude

After making a new connection, it is critical to send a follow up thank you note to express appreciation for that person’s time. This can be sent through email, LinkedIn, or text message, if appropriate.

After the Interview: Formal Thank You Notes

After an interview, always send a follow up thank you to an employer 24-48 hours after the interview. Often job seekers forget to thank employers for their time. Those who do follow up not only impress employers with their manners but take advantage of another opportunity to have their name stand out among other candidates. Those who do not follow up risk either being forgotten or, worse, viewed negatively for failing to show continued interest in the opportunity and appreciation for employer’s time.

Interviewing & Negotiating

If you are invited for an interview you are already seen as a qualified candidate, so the interview is your chance to further convince an employer that you would be a valuable asset to the organization. Consequently, your performance in an interview will be the deciding factor in earning you a job offer. Research, preparation, and practice are the keys to a successful outcome

Negotiation is the process in which two parties come to an agreement concerning the terms and conditions under which they are willing to do business. Negotiating involves using good communication skills - listening and speaking - as well as the ability to avoid making a false assumption about what the other party wants or is thinking.

Types of Interviews

The type of interview you have can vary. Job offers are seldom made after just one interview so you may experience several different types. Keep in mind that each new person you see is meeting you for the first time and in most cases hasn't been briefed on the information you've shared with others.

Initial screening Interview: a personal 1:1 interview conducted by the hiring manager. These interviews are often used as a first round of vetting to determine who the best candidates are to come in for in-person interviews.

In-Person Interview: can be done as a first, second, or even third round of interviewing. Primarily conducted by the hiring manager and others at the company that the position works closely with. They may include series interviews (speaking individually with several people in a row), or a panel interview (speaking with several people as a group).

Before the Interview

Research- The first step in preparing for an interview is to learn as much as you can about the organization, the job, and the interviewer.

Check out the organization's website, their social media presence such as a LinkedIn or Facebook page.
Google the organization's name for any recent news articles.
Use your personal network and talk to people to gather additional information.

Preparation-The next step to ensure your interview success is to anticipate questions and prepare to answer them. By preparing ideas in advance you'll avoid fumbling for answers during the interview; instead, you'll come across as poised, focused, and confident! Here are some tips for how to best prepare for an interview:

Prepare questions that you will ask during the interview. Asking questions demonstrates your sincere interest in the position, and is a helpful tool for gathering information you need to determine if this position/company is a good fit.

Practice- Practicing your answers aloud can be very helpful because the person who most effectively presents his or her skills is often the most successful in an interview. It's one thing to think about what you are going to say and another thing to actually say it and receive feedback.

During the Interview

Dress appropriately- The outfit you choose to wear won't get you the job, but it could limit your chances of getting an offer. An interviewer's attention should be on what you say, not what you are wearing.

Be Aware of Your Non-Verbal Behaviors- The positive impression you make in an interview is not just determined by what you say and what you wear. The way you behave can also work to help or harm the impression you’re making. Remember these key tips when heading into an interview - over time they will become second nature:

A firm handshake conveys energy and enthusiasm non-verbally
Maintaining good eye contact shows interest and that you're listening
Good posture enhances your confidence
Leaning slightly forward when seated indicates interest
Speaking with a strong voice level and inflection conveys enthusiasm

Before Negotiating

While many aspects of the job, such as benefits and start date, may be negotiated, most people are concerned with salary. However, being asked during the interview process "What are you looking for in terms of salary?" is not a signal to begin negotiating. The negotiating actually begins when you have been made a job offer.

Here are 4 steps to take before negotiating:

Acknowledge the offer

• Thank the employer and express enthusiasm for the offer and the opportunity to work with the organization
• Request the offer in writing and set up a time to reconnect to discuss it

Complete your due diligence

• Confirm in your own mind that the job is a fit with your interests, skills, goals, and values;
• Ask the employer for the position’s salary range, if not already provided
• Research your market value and salary ranges for similar positions, industries, company sizes, and geographies

Know where you’ll draw the line

• Understand what trade-offs you’re willing to make, especially from receiving additional benefits like paid time off, sick time, employee discounts, flexible schedules, options for working remotely, etc.
• Know the minimum compensation you can or will accept
• Consider these factors in your review of the offer

Schedule an in-person meeting with your prospective supervisor

• It is preferable to meet directly with the hiring manager, but some companies may require you to negotiate with HR
• Set an expectation of a positive win-win outcome

During the Negotiation

Remember, this process is meant to foster a discussion. Approach this process with a flexible mindset and avoid making assumptions about what you think the company is thinking/going to say. Here are 6 strategies to use during the negotiation:

1. Approach the discussion with openness, honesty, and flexibility; this is a chance to build a relationship - not go through an adversarial contest
2. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the offer and the opportunity to contribute to the organization; by emphasizing the positives you’re more likely to gain support
3. Clarify the position and it’s responsibilities; make sure you and the employer are on the same page about the role, tasks, and expectations for this position
4. State up front all the issues you’d like to discuss; avoid surprises and address the issues one by one in order of priority
5. Focus negotiations strictly on the situation at hand; emphasize your skills, experiences, and industry trends as they apply to the new position and the organization’s needs
6. Suggest alternatives on important issues; know where to compromise, keep a positive tone regardless of the outcome, and if negotiations get stuck try asking “how can we make this work?”

Concluding Negotiations

Once you’ve reached an agreement, request confirmation of new terms in writing, as well as any time you’ve asked for to review the updated offer. It can also be helpful to once more reiterate your interest in the position and joining the organization.