Questions about the job
1. “May I please have a job description?”
This question verifies the job you’re being hired to do is the job
described during the interview process—and is a job you’re capable of
doing.
2. “What is the start date?”
This is a way to reaffirm that the offer is serious. Most people want
you to start immediately but will be disappointed if you agree to do
so. If you leave your current employer in the lurch, the concern is that
you might do the same to this company someday. If you’re switching jobs
rather than coming off unemployment, build in time to close out your
existing job and take a vacation.
Questions about the company
3. “How and when will I be evaluated, and will there be an increase on the basis of that evaluation?”
These questions separate out when you’ll be evaluated and when you’ll
be eligible for a raise. Those two events are often, but not always,
linked.
4. “Regarding benefits, please provide the details—when do they start?”
If your current employer’s health coverage will end before you’re
covered by the new employer’s plan, you can negotiate for the new
employer to pay the cost of extending your old policy under COBRA.
Questions about the offer
5. “Thanks—is this a firm job offer?”
Demonstrate that you’re professional, polished and polite by saying
thank you, and immediately follow to make sure that you really have just
been offered a job.
6. “Is this salary negotiable?”
Once the salary offer is revealed, it never hurts to ask if they’ll
put more money on the table. If they say no, you can move on to
negotiate other items.
7. “Is this base only?”
Asking if the figure you’re offered is total compensation or base
compensation lets the interviewer know you’re interested in the details
of bonuses and stock options, and it opens up other questions about
bonus opportunities.
8. “Will I get the offer in writing?”
Don’t accept an offer that isn’t in writing. Not everyone is honest.
If you quit a job based on the verbal promise of a new job that then
falls through, you’ll have no job and no recourse.
9. “Will there be a sign-on bonus?”
If they say no, your response is, “OK, I’m just asking.” Just because
the pay isn’t negotiable doesn’t mean other aspects of the job aren’t.
Ask for flextime, telecommuting or anything else that’s important to
you.
10. “When would you like an answer?”
Never accept a job offer on the spot. In our society, you’re
perceived as more effective if you’re thoughtful. Plus, stalling gives
you time to consider your negotiation strategy. You can say, “This is a
great job, and I really want it, but in my experience, I’m better off
thinking about it and coming back to you.” Never say you need to discuss
it with your spouse—you want to appear confident and capable of making a
decision on your own.
As you ask these 10 questions, keep in mind that in addition to
gathering necessary information, you’re showing your new boss that
you’re a good negotiator. “
