Deciding What to Negotiate
Some things in a job offer are not negotiable. The healthcare plan, for example, has been negotiated with the insurer and is contractual agreement that cannot be broken just for you. However, if the problem with the health care plan is the cost of dependent premiums, you might be able to cover that cost with a commensurate pay increase.
The elements of an offer you can usually negotiate are:
Salary
Signing bonus
Performance bonuses, incentives or commissions
Date of first salary review
Schedule of on-going salary reviews
Paid time off
Start date
Relocation expenses
Commuting options
You cannot ask for more of everything. Negotiations are always a series of trade-offs and you will have more successful negotiations if you what you will trade for what.
