If you are thinking about a career move of some kind – promotion campaign, lateral move, new job, career change — it’s prime time to negotiate. Too many professionals think of negotiating only when a job offer is at stake (or maybe a promotion). That’s narrow-minded thinking. Any career activity – even just starting to explore options – is a good time to incorporate negotiation.
That doesn’t mean quitting on the spot or giving your boss an ultimatum. I’m talking about negotiating for the projects you want or for more resources in your role or to present at the next executive meeting or to ask for a sabbatical or to ask for a raise right now, not just at the next review cycle. You also can negotiate with that annoying colleague to stop interrupting your work or the needy colleague to ask someone else for help.
Negotiating well is one of the most important career skills. I coach my clients to negotiate significantly higher job offers and titles and other key offer terms. My best negotiation strategies are covered in Module 7 of Behind The Scenes In The Hiring Process, my online course with 48 video lessons on all aspects of the job search – from identifying what you want to negotiating and closing the offer.
