3 Actions for a Harder Working Resume
|
Posted By: Dwain Celistan on February 12, 2024 The highlight of the interview process is its culmination in a job offer. To get here, the candidate has successfully navigated through many hurdles: resume review, phone screen, multiple interviews, references checked and perhaps a psychological test. These events typically transpire over weeks and in many instances months. The hiring process is not complete until there is an agreement between the organization and the candidate. This final step is as important as any of the prior steps for both parties. The goal is to secure a win win agreement between an organization and a candidate. This can be a delicate part of the process especially when there is a substantial gap between the offer made by the organization and the expectations that a candidate has for the role. A candidate can manage their side of the job offer negotiation by doing four things: Prepare for the negotiation in advance of receiving an offer. By defining expectations in advance of an offer, it allows for the candidate to do so absent emotional baggage that may occur in the interview process. An approach to help a candidate prepare is to lay out the current state (or most recent for someone in transition), an acceptable offer and an ideal offer across key dimensions. You might also include a column for a “good” offer. A chart that can be used is as follows: Pre Offer Preparation Current Acceptable Good Ideal Salary Bonus % Sign on bonus Long term comp Car Relocation Other perks Know your priorities (using the chart above) in advance. This will enable you to address the areas that are of greatest concern or opportunity for enhancement. Your priorities should guide evaluation of the offer. By pre-planning, you have a basis for evaluating the offer in a rational and less emotional manner. By knowing your priorities and staying with them, you can keep your negotiations on the right items. Importantly, don’t revisit areas after you’ve reached agreement, or introduce new points of concern later in the negotiations. Maintain a positive balance on your comments. In your call to the organization following receipt of the offer, lead with the positives. An example of a good start to the conversation, the candidate can begin with an appreciation for the offer, the opportunity to join the team and the potential to add value. Beyond those broad positives, add the positives of the elements of the offer—base, bonus potential or some other item. Once done, now transition into the 1-2 areas that you’d like revisited. Share with the organization the areas that are not in line with your expectations. It is also an opportunity to introduce items that may not have been a part of the offer—perks, sign on bonus, car allowance, etc. Lastly, keep the list small and focus on the areas that are most important. This will increase the likelihood of advancing the issue to a point of acceptance. If an element is a “deal breaker”, it is worthwhile sharing that with the organization to know its importance. Follow up quickly and respond within 48 hours. If you have another opportunity that is coming to closure, you may adjust this timing, but as you near a week, you become less attractive to the hiring organization. Avoid allowing the negotiation process to extend beyond one week. This becomes less attractive to the hiring organization. In summary, for effective negotiations prepare in advance, know your priorities and handle promptly. Dwain Celistan is a retained executive recruiter, coach and speaker. He has authored “5 Simple Steps to Achieving Your Dreams” and “You’re Hired! Actions to Get and Keep the Job You Love”. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Dwain Celistan
Managing Partner, Global Diversity Practice Leader, DHR International Loyola Univ, New Orleans class of 1980 Member Since February 2024 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Career Content
 |
Top 12 Monthly Moments to Send Greeting Cards 🌷Sending a greeting card each month is a easy way to stay connected, celebrate special moments, and brighten someone’s day. With so many national holidays and fun moments throughout the year, there’s a ...more
Shykeria Lifleur • 184 Views • March 6th, 2026 |
 |
Why do athletes earn millions while teachers and nurses struggle?Photo: A balance scale shows an athlete on one side and a teacher with a nurse on the other, highlighting societal inequality.
A society reveals its values through the people it rewards. When a p ...more
Joel Savage • 401 Views • March 3rd, 2026 |
 |
How AI will change real estate: A keynote by Chris Kelly
Stackpoint
2,178 followers
3mo
Real estate is about to be repriced around AI readiness. If you don’t yet have a strategy, start here. This keynote by Stackpoint co-founder and GP Chris Kelly la ...more
How May I Help You NC • 412 Views • March 2nd, 2026 |
 |
Minute with a Muskie: Jack & Suzi Hanna class of 69’Passion for animals, dedication to teaching, and a great sense of humor. That’s the recipe that made Jack and Suzi Hanna two of the most well-known, well-respected and well-loved conservationists ever ...more
How May I Help You NC • 455 Views • March 1st, 2026 |
Popular Career Content
 |
PAID, federal internships with the Federal Diversity Internship Initiative!The Washington Center Federal Diversity Internship Initiative Now is your chance to apply for paid fall internships with the Federal Diversity Internship Initiative! This is your once-in-a-lifetime op ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 42,231 Views • June 14th, 2017 |
 |
Today's Success Tip: Joachim de Posada says, Don't eat the marshmallow...yetWe were invited to the National Association of African Americans in Human Resource's reception held at the
Atlanta Marriott Marquis during the SHRM conference, and the gift/tip we walked away with w ...more
How May I Help You NC • 41,159 Views • June 29th, 2012 |
