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The thrill of starting a new job can be a time filled with many different emotions: 

• Excitement 
• Happiness
• Anxious
• Nervous 
• Hopeful  
• Confident 
• And many others 

However, before you start a new position in the dental field or any other field, you must go through the hiring process and be offered a position through a job offer; often, this comes in the form of a letter that details: 

• Compensation
• Benefits
• Job responsibilities
• Hours 
• Other aspects of the offer 

Today, we will go over seven rules of negotiating a job offer and landing your dream position! 

Let's get started . . . 

7 Rules for Negotiating a Job Offer and Landing your Dream Position 

You have the power to take a job offer from good to great! 

How? 

The first step would be to know what you are looking for and what type of culture you want to be a part of. 

The second step would be to remember to discuss a few points of interest before signing the offer letter.

And . . .

 Even if you're tempted to say "YES!" automatically, it's worth the time to take a step back and look before you leap. 

Once the job is on the table, the key is to have a well-thought-out negotiation approach. 

Here are seven things you should be mindful of before you take your next job and sign a contract:

1. Know Your Worth in the Marketplace

This is when your knowledge about the company, the position, and the industry will come in handy. 

One of the most important goals in negotiating is to avoid selling oneself short by accepting a "lowball" offer only to acquire the job.

 However, you don't want to go too far and price yourself out of a job.

Job seekers, especially those with little experience, find it difficult to bargain in a competitive job market. 

It's critical to thoroughly comprehend what your abilities and education are worth in the business marketplace. Still, you should also keep your expectations in check and be realistic since what you want now may not be possible.

2. Don't Play Hardball

While you want to be firm during the discussions, avoid being overbearing. 

If you begin a negotiation by telling your potential employer that other companies are making you "better" offers, intending to swing them your way, be aware that they may not reciprocate. 

 Negotiating your first job offer is tricky, but as long as you're humble and strategic, it's essential to make any requests known.

 Even for professionals in their first job or going inter an entry-level position, many employers expect some salary negotiation at this stage.

3. Make Sure You Understand Your Job Responsibilities

What exactly does your new position entail? 

What are the working hours and objectives? 

Understanding expectations now will enable you to deliver excellent work that meets or exceeds the needs of your potential employer. 

It's also beneficial to know your job title. 

 If you're entering a position where the title has already been decided, you might be content.

 If not, look for companies that have employment with similar responsibilities and see what job titles they use. 

You might be able to negotiate a new job title that better fits your professional objectives. However, at this stage in your career, be flexible with job titles. What matters most is the experience.

4. Play the Long Game

While unemployment rates are high, job applicants seeking for their first job will have little experience to draw on. 

If you're having trouble finding work and the job market is struggling, it would be a good idea to take a "reasonable" offer to get your foot in the door and then review in a few months when things have settled down. 

This will provide you with the necessary experience to pursue your desired job when the time comes.

5. Focus on Growth and Skills

It sounds appealing to get immediately into a high-paying career after a difficult financial year in college.

 However, this isn't always the case.

 Don't underestimate the value of accepting a job offer at a growing company or dental office.  

Generally, there will always be great growth potential and the possibility to gain transferable skills, far exceeding what you would find in more traditional organizations.

6. Expect to Be Told No

Many companies have set rates for entry-level employees, and you won't be able to negotiate your first job offer—salaries "are what they are."

 If this is the case, consider if you'd be satisfied with the proposed income for the next year or two.

 Is the current offer a good fit for the time being, taking into account external circumstances such as unemployment, the job market, and your skillset?

 If that's the case, accept gratefully and leave your mind open to alternative possibilities as time passes. 

Remember that salaries aren't the only item that can be discussed or negotiated! 

You can negotiate: 

• Tuition reimbursement 
• Work flexibility,
• Additional PTO
• Prospective relocation reimbursement 
• Child care assistance 
• Pet-friendly workplace policies 
• Paid volunteer time/days
• 401K Matching. ...
• Student Loan Repayment Plans
• Fertility Benefits 
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) 
• HSA employer match contribution
• Discounts on Travel + Ridesharing
• Discounted Family Cell Phone Plans

However, there's a chance that employers would refuse to negotiate and keep to their original offer.

7. Don't Be Afraid to Say No.

 Don't be afraid to say no if the job offer falls short of your expectations.

If you've considered the job offer and decided to respectfully decline, be professional. If this is your first offer in months, though, you should probably accept it. 

Job offers may be few, especially during difficult economic times, so getting started now may be your best shot. 

Who knows, it could end up being a terrific opportunity. If not, it can always be used as a stepping stone.

The Bottom Line

Negotiating a salary is an important part of the employment process. 

You may help employers better grasp the value you give by taking the time to explain why you believe you need more money. 

The more you negotiate, the better you'll get at it and the easier it will become. By using the above tips to negotiate your salary and benefits, you can walk into the conversation confident, prepared, and ready to secure the pay and benefits you deserve.

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