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Abstract

nd would align my efforts with the company’s success.</i> <b>If the employer has already listed stock options as a part of your compensation say:</b> <i>I’m so glad to hear you’ve put stock on the table here. Can we discuss how you decide the amount of stock and what opportunity there might be to increase that portion of the offer?</i></li></ul><h2 id="e317">Paid/Personal Time Off (PTO):</h2><ul><li>Negotiating additional days off can give you the work-life balance you crave, and time is a currency in itself. <b>How it can sound:</b> <i>I’d like to discuss the possibility of additional PTO. More time off would be highly valued.</i></li></ul><figure id="5511"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*iWvUlRekyDzmypWB5eqFtQ.png"><figcaption>Image Credit: Author’s illustration created in Canva. Offices with people working. Many clocks + calendars.</figcaption></figure><h2 id="1deb">Job Title</h2><ul><li>Sometimes, a better title can position you for future career advancement and salary increases. <b>How it can sound:</b> <i>Would there be room to negotiate my job title? A title that fully and accurately reflects my responsibilities and contributions could aid in my professional trajectory and set the stage for future growth.</i></li></ul><h2 id="d766">Work From Home</h2><ul><li>The flexibility to work from home can save on commuting costs and time, effectively giving you a raise by reducing expenses. <b>How it can sound:</b> <i>The option to work from home, even if only for part of the week, would be a significant benefit to me. Can you tell me about how you support workers who, like myself, are capable of being highly productive from home?</i></li></ul><h2 id="b637">Office Supply Stipend</h2><ul><li>If you’re working remotely or have a home office, a stipend to purchase necessary equipment can be a significant perk. This kind of stipend or budget can also be helpful to discuss during offer negotiation for others who will work in the office. <b>How it can sound:</b> <i>Since the role includes remote work, and a high level of autonomy, could we consider an office supply budget? I don’t want to be hampered by bureaucratic roadblocks as I look to set myself up with the supplies and equipment I need for success.</i></li></ul><h2 id="4b40">Commuting or Parking Costs:</h2><ul><li>These are everyday expenses that can add up, and having them covered or subsidized by your employer can represent substantial savings. <b>How it can sound:</b> <i>Covering commuting or parking costs would make a big difference for me. Is this something you can consider?</i></li></ul><figure id="e7b8"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*deyD25sbqOSUCPtxy3SHvA.png"><figcaption>Image Credit: Author’s Illustration. Created in Canva. Cars in parking lots.</figcaption></figure><h2 id="50cd">Relocation Costs</h2><ul><li>If the job requires you to move, having your employer cover the costs can alleviate the financial burden of relocation. <b>How it can sound:</b> <i>Relocating for the job is a big move. Would the company be willing to cover relocation expenses? </i><b>If the employer has already offered relocation expenses, you can say: </b><i>I’m so glad you helped with relocation. Have you offered the maximum you can in this category of compensation?</i></li></ul><h2 id="5c81">Continuing Education</h2><ul><li>In a rapidly evolving job market, opportunities for professional development can keep your skills sharp and your marketability high. <b>How it can sound:</b> <i>I’m eager to continue growing professionally. Could we include support for continuing education or certific

Options

ations in my compensation package?</i></li></ul><h2 id="a6ad">Project Placement</h2><ul><li>Having a say in the projects you take on can ensure you’re working on assignments that are meaningful to you and can help you grow professionally. <b>How it can sound:</b> <i>Being part of projects that align with my skills and career goals is important to me. Could we discuss how I might have input into project assignments?</i></li></ul><h2 id="6b4a">Start Date</h2><ul><li>Negotiating a start date that suits you better can give you time to rest and recharge between jobs, making you more productive when you start. <b>How it can sound:</b> <i>Having a start date that aligns with my current commitments would allow me to transition more effectively. Could we settle on a start date that gives me sufficient time to wrap up my current projects, fully tend to personal responsibilities associated with this job change, and then also come on board fully prepared</i>?</li></ul><h1 id="2943">Conclusion</h1><p id="b993">As you approach employment offer negotiations, remember that the conversation is about more than just salary. It’s about crafting a role that supports your career trajectory, personal growth, and work-life balance. With this checklist in hand, you’re equipped to explore the full spectrum of benefits that contribute to a truly comprehensive employment package.</p><p id="27e8">Incorporating these non-salary components into your negotiations can make sure that your full range of compensation is well tailored to fit not just your financial needs, but your professional and personal goals as well. Use the example dialogues provided as a starting point to articulate your requests confidently and clearly. By doing so, you are not merely accepting a job offer — you are shaping your future.</p><p id="1e66">Remember to learn to ask simple questions. Short questions. And to pause for responses. Make the employer fully respond to each of your questions. The easiest way to do that is to just patiently pause after each question.</p><p id="db16">Negotiations are the stepping stones to an engaging and fulfilling career path. Whether it’s securing a starting bonus, ensuring your ability to work from home, or setting up professional development opportunities, each point discussed is a stride towards an arrangement that aligns with your aspirations.</p><p id="4bc2">Always remember, your worth extends beyond the numbers on a paycheck. It encompasses your skills, your potential, and your well-being. When you negotiate with this holistic perspective, you affirm your value and set the stage for a rewarding career. So, go forth with this checklist, and negotiate not just for a job, but for the career and life you envision.</p><figure id="3b8b"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*JT1k7FCfjnpna2ADgCmqWg.png"><figcaption>Image Credit: Author’s Illustration crated in Canva. “Money” spelled with tech-related textures and icons.</figcaption></figure><h1 id="4951">Thanks For Reading</h1><p id="84a3">Are you ready to learn more about careers in data science? I perform one-on-one career coaching and have a weekly email list that helps data professional job candidates. <a href="https://coaching.adamrossnelson.com/">Contact me to learn more</a>.</p><p id="1897">Thanks for reading. Send me your thoughts and ideas. You can write just to say hey. And if you really need to tell me how I got it wrong, I look forward to chatting soon. Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/adamrossnelson">@adamrossnelson</a> LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnelson/">Adam Ross Nelson</a>.</p></article></body>

Non-Salary Employment Negotiation Checklist

Use this as a checklist next time you are in a position to negotiate an employment offer

Embarking on employment negotiations often revolves tightly around the anticipated paycheck amount. Yet, wise negotiators understand that true compensation transcends the mere base salary.

Amidst the fervor of salary talks, it’s commonplace to miss out on the array of additional benefits that can considerably amplify the overall value of an employment package. Enter the realm of non-salary negotiation points: the vital yet frequently disregarded elements that carry as much weight as the salary figure.

Image Credit: Author’s illustration created in Canva. Three data science candidates speaking about salary and employment offer negotiations by phone.

In addition to listing out these non-salary items, this article will also provide sample dialogue you can use to practice, rehearse, and anticipate how the conversation with the recruiter or hiring manager may sound or feel to you.

General Advice on Negotiating These Points

Less is more. Keep your sentences short. Know ahead of time what you’re going to say. Say that. Say nothing more. Say it. Then pause. Wait for a response.

For example here is how it can start.

Candidate: I’m so happy for this offer and an opportunity to talk about it. I have some questions about non-salary compensation. Is now a good time for those questions?

Employer: Sure, what did you have on your mind?

Once you raise the topic, move on to the suggested dialogue below.

Starting Bonuses

A lump sum offered when you sign your employment contract can help bridge the gap if the offered salary is lower than expected. An upfront payment could help bridge any gap you may have hoped for from a higher salary offer. How it can sound: I understand the base salary is set. Could discuss a starting bonus to compensate?

Retention Bonuses

These bonuses are designed to keep employees at a company for a longer period. Discussing retention bonuses can show your commitment to staying long-term while also securing additional compensation. How it can sound: I’m excited about the long-term prospects here. Could we explore a retention bonus structure? If you could tell me about bonuses you offer in this category, I’d be so glad to hear about those now. After hearing about the topic a follow-up could be: Do you ever pre-arrange and schedule those at the time of hire?

Performance Bonuses:

Tying bonuses to performance metrics can be a win-win, incentivizing excellence and potentially increasing your take-home pay. How it can sound: I’m confident in my ability to contribute to the team’s success. Can we set up performance bonuses tied to specific achievements?

Equity

In startups or publicly-traded companies, equity or stock options can be quite lucrative that sometimes outweigh the value of a higher salary in the long run. How it can sound: Given the growth potential of the company, I’d be interested in discussing equity options. Participation in stock or options could be a significant part of my compensation package and would align my efforts with the company’s success. If the employer has already listed stock options as a part of your compensation say: I’m so glad to hear you’ve put stock on the table here. Can we discuss how you decide the amount of stock and what opportunity there might be to increase that portion of the offer?

Paid/Personal Time Off (PTO):

Negotiating additional days off can give you the work-life balance you crave, and time is a currency in itself. How it can sound: I’d like to discuss the possibility of additional PTO. More time off would be highly valued.

Image Credit: Author’s illustration created in Canva. Offices with people working. Many clocks + calendars.

Job Title

Sometimes, a better title can position you for future career advancement and salary increases. How it can sound: Would there be room to negotiate my job title? A title that fully and accurately reflects my responsibilities and contributions could aid in my professional trajectory and set the stage for future growth.

Work From Home

The flexibility to work from home can save on commuting costs and time, effectively giving you a raise by reducing expenses. How it can sound: The option to work from home, even if only for part of the week, would be a significant benefit to me. Can you tell me about how you support workers who, like myself, are capable of being highly productive from home?

Office Supply Stipend

If you’re working remotely or have a home office, a stipend to purchase necessary equipment can be a significant perk. This kind of stipend or budget can also be helpful to discuss during offer negotiation for others who will work in the office. How it can sound: Since the role includes remote work, and a high level of autonomy, could we consider an office supply budget? I don’t want to be hampered by bureaucratic roadblocks as I look to set myself up with the supplies and equipment I need for success.

Commuting or Parking Costs:

These are everyday expenses that can add up, and having them covered or subsidized by your employer can represent substantial savings. How it can sound: Covering commuting or parking costs would make a big difference for me. Is this something you can consider?

Image Credit: Author’s Illustration. Created in Canva. Cars in parking lots.

Relocation Costs

If the job requires you to move, having your employer cover the costs can alleviate the financial burden of relocation. How it can sound: Relocating for the job is a big move. Would the company be willing to cover relocation expenses? If the employer has already offered relocation expenses, you can say: I’m so glad you helped with relocation. Have you offered the maximum you can in this category of compensation?

Continuing Education

In a rapidly evolving job market, opportunities for professional development can keep your skills sharp and your marketability high. How it can sound: I’m eager to continue growing professionally. Could we include support for continuing education or certifications in my compensation package?

Project Placement

Having a say in the projects you take on can ensure you’re working on assignments that are meaningful to you and can help you grow professionally. How it can sound: Being part of projects that align with my skills and career goals is important to me. Could we discuss how I might have input into project assignments?

Start Date

Negotiating a start date that suits you better can give you time to rest and recharge between jobs, making you more productive when you start. How it can sound: Having a start date that aligns with my current commitments would allow me to transition more effectively. Could we settle on a start date that gives me sufficient time to wrap up my current projects, fully tend to personal responsibilities associated with this job change, and then also come on board fully prepared?

Conclusion

As you approach employment offer negotiations, remember that the conversation is about more than just salary. It’s about crafting a role that supports your career trajectory, personal growth, and work-life balance. With this checklist in hand, you’re equipped to explore the full spectrum of benefits that contribute to a truly comprehensive employment package.

Incorporating these non-salary components into your negotiations can make sure that your full range of compensation is well tailored to fit not just your financial needs, but your professional and personal goals as well. Use the example dialogues provided as a starting point to articulate your requests confidently and clearly. By doing so, you are not merely accepting a job offer — you are shaping your future.

Remember to learn to ask simple questions. Short questions. And to pause for responses. Make the employer fully respond to each of your questions. The easiest way to do that is to just patiently pause after each question.

Negotiations are the stepping stones to an engaging and fulfilling career path. Whether it’s securing a starting bonus, ensuring your ability to work from home, or setting up professional development opportunities, each point discussed is a stride towards an arrangement that aligns with your aspirations.

Always remember, your worth extends beyond the numbers on a paycheck. It encompasses your skills, your potential, and your well-being. When you negotiate with this holistic perspective, you affirm your value and set the stage for a rewarding career. So, go forth with this checklist, and negotiate not just for a job, but for the career and life you envision.

Image Credit: Author’s Illustration crated in Canva. “Money” spelled with tech-related textures and icons.

Thanks For Reading

Are you ready to learn more about careers in data science? I perform one-on-one career coaching and have a weekly email list that helps data professional job candidates. Contact me to learn more.

Thanks for reading. Send me your thoughts and ideas. You can write just to say hey. And if you really need to tell me how I got it wrong, I look forward to chatting soon. Twitter: @adamrossnelson LinkedIn: Adam Ross Nelson.