Notice for foreign working in China

Notice for foreign working/teaching in China

Ⅰ Prepararation before coming to China
The foreign cultural and educational experts shall complete the following two preparations before coming to China:

Mental Prepararation
The foreign cultural and educational experts shall complete sufficient mental prepararation before
Leaving for China. You might have visited some views and interests of one or more cities of China?
In very short period before, but the communication with Chinese and the understanding of Chinese culture and custom are far from deep. This time, different from the previous visit, you are supposed to live and word with Chinese for one or more yeas in a country where the history,culture,tradition and social system are entirely different from those in your own country. The people of China are hospitable. As long as you consciously blend yourself into Chinese people and treat yourself as a member of them, you will get further understanding of China and its people and may ever form an inseparable relashinship with China and Chinese people.

Material Prepararation
The foreign cultural and educational experts generally have the traveling experience and are aware
Of what kind of luggage and paraphernalia should be carried. Your host institution has prepared excellent living and working conditions for you. As is known to all, China is still a developing country. Except that some big-size and middle-size cities are in preferable conditions, the condions in romote areas in remote areas are much worse. However, in order to welcome the foreign experts, the host institutions have tried their best to make sure you are comfortable in life, convenient in work and have no latter worry. It is so good that the foreign experts have the mental preparations and are not overcritical in requiring the host institutions provide the same living and working conditions as in their own country.

Ⅱ The foreign cultural and educational experts shall provide the following materials to the host institution when applying for a job:

Personal Resume; Degree Certificate(copy); Recommendation letter written by professor of his country; Certificate of Teacher or relevant professional skill certificate; Evidence on marriage status; Health evidence(The foreign experts may ask for the Medical Examination Record of Alients made by ministry of Sanitation of China in the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country and do physical examination thereafter.) Notice:

According to the stipulations of Chinese law, the validity period of Medical Examination Record of Alients is 6 months. Therefore, the foreign experts should pay attention to the time for Medical Examination Record of Alients is valid within 30days desirable for handling of necessary formalities after entering China. Every item in the Medical Examination Record of Alients shall be filled in without blanks. The experts shall demand X ray film and original serology examination list of sexual disease and AIDS from the doctor,for after entering China,the sanitation and quarantine department of China will determine whether the Medical Examination Record of Alients is qualified according to the evidences.

Ⅲ After the foreign cultural and educational experts and the host institution formed the employment relationship, the uniform Standard Employment Contract made by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs shall be reached. In case the employment is by way of self-recommendation or other introduction, to ensure you are surely willing to take office in the institution, the host institution may require you render credit bail of ＄600-1000 in advance according to the stipulations of the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs. After receiving the bail, the host institution is ready to handle the formalities for you to enter China. After you take office or before the contract expires, the host institution shall return the bail to you. Some institution may provide you the out and home international airplane ticket, but you are probably expected to buy the international airplane ticket in advance, which shall be kept as the credit bail and may be reimbursed before the vexpiration of the contract.

Ⅳ According to regulationa of Chinese government, where the employment term of foreign experts is more than 6 months, the host institution is obliged to sent the Confirmation Letter for Foreign Experts(original piece, which proves the identity of the expert, to the expert themselves. Only when the invitation letter and the Confirmation Letter for Foreign Experts are possessed can the foreign cultural and educational experts apply to the Chinese embassy or consulate in his country for visa for working in China(Z);where the employment term is less than 6 months, visa for visiting China(F) can be applied by the invitation letter presented by the engaging unit.

Ⅴ According to stipulations of Chinese law, aliens who hold the working visa shall handle the Residence Permit for Aliens within 30 days after entry. If it exceeds the term, a fine of? RMB500 per day will be imposed. We hope the foreign experts settle down the residence permit within specified term and such unhappy things as being fined do not happen.
The handling of Residence Permit for Aliens shall be based on:
Valid passport (working visa)
Foreign Expert Certificate
Authentication Certificate issued by the sanitation and quarantine department that confirms the qualification of Medical Examination Record of Alients

Ⅵ Chinese government specifies that all the foreign experts engaged for work in China shall settle down the Foreign Expert Certificate so as to differentiate from the Occupation Certificate of Aliens acquired by the foreign employees from the department of labor. The Foreign Expert who hold the working visa or visiting visa may acquire the Foreign Expert Certificate. The
Foreign Expert shall return the Foreign Expert Certificate to the host institution when leaving China for the work in China has been completed. I n case the foreign experts want to keep the Foreign Expert Certificate as a memeria, the host institution may consent, but the certificate shall be concelled.

Ⅶ According to stipulations of Chinese government, for the purpose of protecting the legitimate rights and interests of foreign experts in course of living and working in China,the foreign cultural and educational experts shall enter into the Standard Emplyment Contract uniformly made by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs with the host institution and definitely stipulate in form of contractual attachment the working assignment and qulity, the salary,treatment and other matters the two paties consider the Standard Contract has not covered. All these comprise an integral contract.

China 's Foreign Experts Certificates

1. The requirements for applying for the working permit:
The foreign experts who apply for the working permit in CHINNA should abide by Chinese laws and Regulations, with good health condition and have no criminal records and meet any of other requirements listed as follows:
(1) The foreign professionals and technical personnel or managers aiming at carrying out the agreements and treaties between governments and international organizations or economic and trade contacts in Hunan
(2)The foreign professionals employed to work in Hunan in the fields of education, scientific research, press, publication, culture, arts, sanitation, sports and so on
(3)The foreign advanced professional and technical personnel or managers employed to work in Hunan industry field as vice general manager or above level;
(4)The foreign representatives in the representative office of foreign experts organizations or talents intermediary agencies in Hunan that are approved by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs;
(5)The foreign professionals and technical personnel or managers who are specialized in certain technology or specialty and have special skills which are urgent needed in China and have been employed to work in the fields of economics, technology, engineering, trade, finance, accounting, taxation, tourism and so on. The foreign experts mentioned in article 2 and article 3 should be at least with bachelor degree or above and having more than five-year relevant working experience (the language teachers should be at least with bachelor degree or above and having two-year relevant working experience).

2. The materials for applying for the working permit:
(1) Forms of “The application of the foreign experts’ working in China” in duplicate
(2) Personal resumes written in both Chinese and English (including the educational background and working experience)
(3) The copy of the certificate of the latest educational level or the certifying documents of the professional qualification.
(4)The copy of the health certificate that is still effective within one year and given by foreign medical organizations authorized by Chinese embassies and consulates in foreign countries or by quarantine office authorized by Chinese government.
(5)For cultural and educational experts: the copy of the standard employment contracts printed by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs and signed by educational experts and employers.
For Economic experts: the copy of the employer’s appointment, agreement or contract provided by economic experts.
(6)The visa form in duplicate provided by authorized institutions
3. The procedures of applying for the working permit:
(1)Employers get into “the management system of foreign experts working permit in China” from the links of the web page of the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs --

Tips for Teaching Abroad

Here are some tips to help you avoid classroom culture clash in those heady first months of teaching abroad:

1. Be aware of cross-cultural communication styles. French students appreciate wit. Venezuelan students like boisterous rapid-fire exchanges. In Japan, where debate is not as valued as in the U.S., students appreciate long pauses in discussions and silent “think time” after you ask a question. “Hollow drums make the most noise” goes a Japanese proverb, and Japanese students are uncomfortable blurting out the first thing that comes to mind. American teachers, who are uncomfortable with silence, tend to anticipate the student’s words or repeat their original question—both irritating interruptions for the Japanese student.

2. Behave appropriately. When Judith Johnson asked 250 students at the Sichuan Institute of Foreign Languages in China what they liked and disliked about native speaker English teachers, the students’ main gripe was the informality of foreign teachers, who often seem to undermine their own authority by acting in undignified ways. In the U.S. teachers go on a first-name basis with students, sit on their desks, sip coffee, and even bounce off the walls without causing student discomfort or losing prestige. But these behaviors don’t export well.

3. Don’t worry if students seem unresponsive at first. Americans are used to participatory classrooms with plenty of teacher-student dialogue. Elsewhere, students are often trained to be silent, good listeners, and memorizers. In my classes in Poland, the Balkans, and Mongolia, students wore impassive classroom masks the first few weeks of class. It’s disconcerting to stand in front of a sea of blank faces, but expecting it reduces the shock. Introduce new concepts, such as discussion and role-play gradually. You’ll be surprised at how students will come to embrace the change.


4. Relax and enjoy yourself. Happiness in the classroom is contagious


Certain topics may be taboo for cultural reasons: Most Americans don’t want to discuss their salaries or religious beliefs; Japanese may be disinclined to talk about their inner feelings; the French think questions about their family life are rude.


Nor should you expect students to ask questions in class if they don’t understand something. A former student of mine told me: “In China, a student who asks questions is considered a pain in the neck.” Check understanding by asking students to paraphrase or write questions they have in groups.

5. Choose topics carefully. In the 1980s in totalitarian Yugoslavia I made the mistake of asking students to debate the pros and cons of capital punishment. A painful silence fell over the room. What discussion was possible, someone pointed out to me later, when the government’s position was clear? There are still many countries in the world where people are hesitant to voice opinions because of a fear of reprisal. If you’re conducting a classroom debate, remember that there’s a distaste for Western-style argumentation in Middle-Eastern societies, and in Japan it’s offensive for an individual to urge others to accept his opinion.

6. Avoid singling students out. Our society fosters a competitive individualism which is clearly manifested in our classrooms. American students are not shy about displaying their knowledge. In classrooms outside the U.S., however, showing solidarity with classmates and conforming to the status quo is often more important than looking good for the teacher. In Turkey and Montenegro students told me they disliked volunteering answers too often because it made them look like show-offs and attracted the evil eye of envy. This holds true in Japan and China, too, where proverbs express the cultural idea in a nutshell: “The clever hawk hides its claws” and “The nail that stands up must be pounded down.”

If you want to play a game, make the competition among groups rather than among individuals. If you need to discipline a student, do so in private.



7. Present a rationale for what you do in class. Your pedagogy is going to be very different from what students are used to. They’ll conform much more eagerly to new classroom content and procedures if they understand the benefits.

8. Don’t ask, “Do you understand?” In China and Japan, students will nod yes, even if they’re totally lost, in an attempt to save face for the teacher. Even in a country as far west as Turkey, yes often means no.

9. Expect the best of your students. They’ll be serious about learning English because their economic advancement often depends upon mastering it.

10. Dress right. Jeans, sneakers, and just-out-of-bed hair may be okay for teachers in the U.S., but in many parts of the world, a neat appearance counts far more than credentials. In Korea dark clothes lend an air of authority. Red is to be avoided at all costs. In Morocco female teachers don’t wear pants, sleeveless blouses, or short skirts.

Questions You Can Ask Using Past Tense Verb

Directions: Ask your partner the questions below. Write his or her answers on the lines provided. Use complete sentences.
1.       Did you watch TV last night?
2.       Did you eat pizza last week?
3.       Did your sister visit you yesterday?
4.       Did your mother go grocery shopping two days ago?
5.       Did you pick blueberries a week ago?
6.       Did your friends call you the day before yesterday?
7.       Did you get a birthday present last month?
8.       Did your classmates study for the test last Monday?
9.       Did you go to church last Sunday?
10.   Did your children play at the beach last Summer?
11.   Did you spend too much money on clothes yesterday?
12.   Did your neighbor clean his backyard last week?
13.   Did your son believe in Santa Claus when he was a child?
14.   Did you barbecue for the whole family last weekend?
15.   Did you pass your driving test three days ago?
16.   Did your parents tell you not to smoke?
17.   Did you finish your work on the time yesterday?
18.   Did you watch your favorite show last night?
19.   Did you cut your finger while you were cooking yesterday?
20.   Did your boss give you a raise last month?
21.   Did you ask for permission to leave the meeting an hour ago?
22.   Did you meet your employer five minutes ago?
23.   Did your co-workers greet you with a smile last Tuesday?
24.   Did your mother bake a lemon cake yesterday?
25.   Did you go to Hawaii last year?

Health Insurance while teaching english in China

We recommend that you have some form of health insurance while teaching english in  China.

There are several points that you might want to keep in mind:

In better paying TESOL markets, your employer may offer health benefits as part of your compensation package. Thoroughly

investigate what this policy will entail to make sure it will suit your needs.

If you have recently graduated from college or university, you may still be covered under you parents insurance. Other policies

cover child dependents until they reach a certain age.

plan to stay with your current health insurance company? you should find out if your coverage will be affected by traveling or

living overseas. Some companies do not allow policy holders to live overseas. Others raise the monthly payments or the

deductible when you are abroad. Additionally, you may be required to pay any health costs in another country up front, and

will only be compensated after you have filed a claim with your health insurance provider.

If you have a visa and a work permit, you may be covered by the national health service of the country in which you are

working. However, you should make sure that you are eligible for this care, and that it will be sufficient for your needs.
You may be able to find adequate and relatively inexpensive private health care plans or HMOs in the country in which you are

working.

If you are planning to stay abroad for less than a year, you may want to explore “Travelers Insurance” - specialized insurance

for traveling and living abroad for short periods of time.

Some companies offer comprehensive health plans specifically designed for teachers and other educators. If you are eligible,

these types of policies may also be a good choice.

Answering Questions of Salary

Discussing salary is a touchy subject in any job interview -- what if you ask for too much or not enough? Here's how you can navigate the salary question and position yourself to make more money, before and during the job interview.

First, when replying to classified ads that ask for salary requirements or a salary history, do NOT to answer directly. Because, any answer will hurt your chances.

Remember that a typical classified ad can produce hundreds of resumes. And a fast way to make that pile smaller is to weed out applicants who are either too expensive (over-qualified) or too cheap (under-qualified).

So, in your cover letter, it would simply say: "My salary requirements are negotiable." This shows you've read the ad, but are choosing to dodge the issue. On the contrary, it gives them one LESS reason NOT to call you.

What about salary questions in the interview? These require advance planning.

You can say: "Well, I'd like to make as much as other employees with my qualifications." (Here you can repeat 2-3 of your most valuable skills or achievements, just to remind them how qualified you are.) Then add: "And what is a typical salary for this position?"

Another strategy is to avoid a specific salary ... and name a pay range instead. Say: "I was thinking of a salary in the $25,000 to $35,000 range," (with $25,000 being the lowest amount you'd accept). That way, you can name a higher figure, if they try to pin you down, yet still be able to retreat to a point that satisfies you.

Finally, information is power here. If you can back your salary request with a list of average salaries you've obtained from the Internet or from phone calls, you'll enjoy greater leverage in your negotiations.

Tips for Requesting a Raise

You probably think you deserve a raise. But does your boss think so?

Here's how to go about convincing your boss that you're really worth more than you're being paid.

First, you must realize that doing a great job is NOT a good enough reason to justify a raise. Your employer EXPECTS you to do a great job. Your performance must be "over and above" what other employees in similar positions are doing. And you can't rely on your boss to recognize your true worth without help from you. If you don't ask for one, you may never get a raise.

So here's what you do. First, make a list of your specific accomplishments that EXCEED the job you were hired to do. Make your list as specific as possible. Provide a detailed record of how you've beaten goals, taken on additional responsibilities, and contributed to the organization's success in ways that were significant.

Second, do some research; find out what others in similar positions at other companies are making. If it's more, you definitely want to have this information to back up your request. (If it's less, don't mention it and be satisfied with what you're earning!)

When you have your ammunition ready, wait for the right time to ask your boss if you can talk with him about your performance. Timing is critical! You want to talk to him when he's in a GOOD MOOD. If he's in a bad mood, distracted by work problems, or otherwise not very approachable, WAIT. It doesn't matter how eager you are to request your raise. If your boss is not in a good mood, you'll just be wasting your time.

Once you've determined the timing is right, tell your boss that you would appreciate his considering giving you a raise, based on your "above and beyond" performance. Say you've taken the liberty of writing out your accomplishments for his easy reference, and give him your list. Then mention (if appropriate) what employees in similar positions are earning at other companies, and give him the data to back it up.

Do not mention a specific salary figure that you'd like to earn. This is the beginning of a negotiation process, and your first step is to convince your boss that your request deserves consideration. Once you pass that hurdle, be prepared to suggest a RANGE, such as a 3-5% increase.

If you've presented a good case and you know from your research that you are worth more than you are being paid, chance are good that you'll obtain your raise. But it depends on many factors, least of which may be your boss's desire to keep you on his staff. He may agree that you deserve a raise and desperately want to give it to you, but this may not be a decision he has the authority to make. Plus the company's budget is another important factor. Depending on how well things are going, there simply may not be enough in the coffers to pay you what you're worth.

If for whatever reason you are unsuccessful in obtaining a raise, you'll need to decide what your next step should be. If you love your job, you may be willing to continue working there. If not, be prepared to start looking elsewhere if a higher salary is your top priority.

Negotiating Salaries - Negotiating the salary you deserve...

Most of your job hunt should be a win-win process - you are seeking a good employer in your chosen field, while recruiters are seeking good candidates who will fulfill important functions within their organizations. A good match benefits both.


This is not true when it comes to negotiating salaries. Salary negotiation is where your goals conflict directly - your goal should be to get the best salary possible, one that captures a fair proportion of the value you can deliver. The recruiter's goal is to recruit you as cheaply as possible without you feeling exploited.


You can just 'roll over' and accept what you are offered or a small increment on what you are already being paid. If you do this, then you lose. For example, if you do not negotiate you may lose $5,000 a year for 5 years - think of what you could do with $25,000!


By doing a little research and playing the negotiation game, you may find that you can substantially increase the salary you are paid.


Putting Yourself in the Best Position

An important part of the negotiation occurs before the negotiation starts.
Firstly, it is useful to have other recruiters interested in you - this gives you the power to walk away if the recruiter's offer is too low. If you have been active and organized in your job hunt, you should have plenty of interviews arranged - if you do, then make sure that the recruiter you are negotiating with knows. This will put pressure on him or her to make a good offer.


Remember also that recruitment is an uncertain and judgment-based activity. Companies often do not know whether they have made the correct decision until the new recruit has been doing the job for several months. Where potential recruiters can see that other people are interested in you, this gives them confidence that you must be a good candidate (and that you are therefore worth more).


Secondly, make sure that you research the sort of salaries that are on offer in the industry. Look at the employment section of the industry magazine and visit sites to help you to understand the salary ranges that are offered for the job, and help you to understand what are good and bad offers. If you can, research the salaries of people at the next level above you and at the next level below you. It will cause you and the employer real problems if you are paid more than your boss. Similarly, you will not be pleased if you find that you are paid less than people working for you!


Thirdly, think through how rare your skills are, and how many people have the skills the recruiter's needs - the more uniquely you meet these needs, the more power you have in the negotiation.

When Is It Appropriate?

Let's face it. Most of us would rather face a Survivor tribunal than negotiate salary.

The temptation is to accept or reject the offer as it is presented rather than to negotiate terms. But what if you are given an offer by an organization that has truly impressed you, that meets all of your needs except salary or benefits? If you accept it, will you do it with no regrets or hard feelings, especially if it means you have to share living quarters while your friends are working a similar job in a similar location for more money? If you cannot answer that question with a strong "yes," then it is probably time to negotiate.

  Negotiation is easier if you remember that its purpose is to reach an agreement. Consider it as a method to reach a situation that both you and the employer feel good about.

The Job Offer

When you receive an offer, express your interest in the company and enthusiasm for the job.  If the company representative does not offer the information, ask about their benefit package. Take notes. It is easier to have a written offer in hand, but that is not always possible.

Ask for at least 24 hours after receiving the offer to make a decision, although you can ask for more if you are interviewing with other organizations.  Tell the recruiter your career means a lot to you and you want to be very sure you are making the right decision.

After you have reviewed the offer carefully, decide which points you would like to negotiate.

Anticipate objections such as
"You don't have enough experience."
"The budget won't permit it."
"That is the maximum we pay for this position."
"That is what we pay new hires."
The Negotiation

Start with a positive statement about your appreciation of the offer and interest in the position, then indicate that you were hoping to receive at least (name your figure) in salary, or whatever you are negotiating.
If you have other offers at a higher figure, you can mention them at this point, or use information from your research to back up your request.
Ask if your figure is a possibility.

If the representative says it is not, ask if there are other ways you can achieve your goal, such as company assistance with housing or a car, an earlier salary review, a signing bonus, or different options on benefits so you can take home more.

Hopefully, the representative will be able to offer something you can accept.
Sometimes, the company policy is set and negotiation will not work. Your answer should be ready because you have already anticipated this. Either thank the representative for considering you and express regret that you cannot accept the offer, or accept the offer because of other things offered.
Even if your negotiations do not succeed, you have learned an important skill that will help you in the future.

Salary and Negotiation Tips

Answering Questions of Salary

Discussing salary is a touchy subject in any job interview -- what if you ask for too much or not enough? Here's how you can navigate the salary question and position yourself to make more money, before and during the china esl job interview.

First, when replying to classified ads that ask for salary requirements or a salary history, do NOT to answer directly. Because, any answer will hurt your chances.

Remember that a typical classified ad can produce hundreds of resumes. And a fast way to make that pile smaller is to weed out applicants who are either too expensive (over-qualified) or too cheap (under-qualified).

So, in your cover letter, it would simply say: "My salary requirements are negotiable." This shows you've read the ad, but are choosing to dodge the issue. On the contrary, it gives them one LESS reason NOT to call you.

What about salary questions in the interview? These require advance planning.

You can say: "Well, I'd like to make as much as other employees with my qualifications." (Here you can repeat 2-3 of your most valuable skills or achievements, just to remind them how qualified you are.) Then add: "And what is a typical salary for this position?"

Another strategy is to avoid a specific salary ... and name a pay range instead. Say: "I was thinking of a salary in the $25,000 to $35,000 range," (with $25,000 being the lowest amount you'd accept). That way, you can name a higher figure, if they try to pin you down, yet still be able to retreat to a point that satisfies you.

Finally, information is power here. If you can back your salary request with a list of average salaries you've obtained from the Internet or from phone calls, you'll enjoy greater leverage in your negotiations.

Tips for Requesting a Raise

You probably think you deserve a raise. But does your boss think so?

Here's how to go about convincing your boss that you're really worth more than you're being paid.

First, you must realize that doing a great job is NOT a good enough reason to justify a raise. Your employer EXPECTS you to do a great job. Your performance must be "over and above" what other employees in similar positions are doing. And you can't rely on your boss to recognize your true worth without help from you. If you don't ask for one, you may never get a raise.

So here's what you do. First, make a list of your specific accomplishments that EXCEED the job you were hired to do. Make your list as specific as possible. Provide a detailed record of how you've beaten goals, taken on additional responsibilities, and contributed to the organization's success in ways that were significant.

Second, do some research; find out what others in similar positions at other companies are making. If it's more, you definitely want to have this information to back up your request. (If it's less, don't mention it and be satisfied with what you're earning!)

When you have your ammunition ready, wait for the right time to ask your boss if you can talk with him about your performance. Timing is critical! You want to talk to him when he's in a GOOD MOOD. If he's in a bad mood, distracted by work problems, or otherwise not very approachable, WAIT. It doesn't matter how eager you are to request your raise. If your boss is not in a good mood, you'll just be wasting your time.

Once you've determined the timing is right, tell your boss that you would appreciate his considering giving you a raise, based on your "above and beyond" performance. Say you've taken the liberty of writing out your accomplishments for his easy reference, and give him your list. Then mention (if appropriate) what employees in similar positions are earning at other companies, and give him the data to back it up.

Do not mention a specific salary figure that you'd like to earn. This is the beginning of a negotiation process, and your first step is to convince your boss that your request deserves consideration. Once you pass that hurdle, be prepared to suggest a RANGE, such as a 3-5% increase.

If you've presented a good case and you know from your research that you are worth more than you are being paid, chance are good that you'll obtain your raise. But it depends on many factors, least of which may be your boss's desire to keep you on his staff. He may agree that you deserve a raise and desperately want to give it to you, but this may not be a decision he has the authority to make. Plus the company's budget is another important factor. Depending on how well things are going, there simply may not be enough in the coffers to pay you what you're worth.

If for whatever reason you are unsuccessful in obtaining a raise, you'll need to decide what your next step should be. If you love your job, you may be willing to continue working there. If not, be prepared to start looking elsewhere if a higher salary is your top priority.

Negotiating Salaries - Negotiating the salary you deserve...

Most of your job hunt should be a win-win process - you are seeking a good employer in your chosen field, while recruiters are seeking good candidates who will fulfill important functions within their organizations. A good match benefits both.


This is not true when it comes to negotiating salaries. Salary negotiation is where your goals conflict directly - your goal should be to get the best salary possible, one that captures a fair proportion of the value you can deliver. The recruiter's goal is to recruit you as cheaply as possible without you feeling exploited.


You can just 'roll over' and accept what you are offered or a small increment on what you are already being paid. If you do this, then you lose. For example, if you do not negotiate you may lose $5,000 a year for 5 years - think of what you could do with $25,000!


By doing a little research and playing the negotiation game, you may find that you can substantially increase the salary you are paid.


Putting Yourself in the Best Position

An important part of the negotiation occurs before the negotiation starts.
Firstly, it is useful to have other recruiters interested in you - this gives you the power to walk away if the recruiter's offer is too low. If you have been active and organized in your job hunt, you should have plenty of interviews arranged - if you do, then make sure that the recruiter you are negotiating with knows. This will put pressure on him or her to make a good offer.


Remember also that recruitment is an uncertain and judgment-based activity. Companies often do not know whether they have made the correct decision until the new recruit has been doing the job for several months. Where potential recruiters can see that other people are interested in you, this gives them confidence that you must be a good candidate (and that you are therefore worth more).


Secondly, make sure that you research the sort of salaries that are on offer in the industry. Look at the employment section of the industry magazine and visit sites to help you to understand the salary ranges that are offered for the job, and help you to understand what are good and bad offers. If you can, research the salaries of people at the next level above you and at the next level below you. It will cause you and the employer real problems if you are paid more than your boss. Similarly, you will not be pleased if you find that you are paid less than people working for you!


Thirdly, think through how rare your skills are, and how many people have the skills the recruiter's needs - the more uniquely you meet these needs, the more power you have in the negotiation.

When Is It Appropriate?

Let's face it. Most of us would rather face a Survivor tribunal than negotiate salary.

The temptation is to accept or reject the offer as it is presented rather than to negotiate terms. But what if you are given an offer by an organization that has truly impressed you, that meets all of your needs except salary or benefits? If you accept it, will you do it with no regrets or hard feelings, especially if it means you have to share living quarters while your friends are working a similar job in a similar location for more money? If you cannot answer that question with a strong "yes," then it is probably time to negotiate.

  Negotiation is easier if you remember that its purpose is to reach an agreement. Consider it as a method to reach a situation that both you and the employer feel good about.

The Job Offer

When you receive an offer, express your interest in the company and enthusiasm for the job.  If the company representative does not offer the information, ask about their benefit package. Take notes. It is easier to have a written offer in hand, but that is not always possible.

Ask for at least 24 hours after receiving the offer to make a decision, although you can ask for more if you are interviewing with other organizations.  Tell the recruiter your career means a lot to you and you want to be very sure you are making the right decision.

After you have reviewed the offer carefully, decide which points you would like to negotiate.

Anticipate objections such as
"You don't have enough experience."
"The budget won't permit it."
"That is the maximum we pay for this position."
"That is what we pay new hires."
The Negotiation

Start with a positive statement about your appreciation of the offer and interest in the position, then indicate that you were hoping to receive at least (name your figure) in salary, or whatever you are negotiating.
If you have other offers at a higher figure, you can mention them at this point, or use information from your research to back up your request.
Ask if your figure is a possibility.

If the representative says it is not, ask if there are other ways you can achieve your goal, such as company assistance with housing or a car, an earlier salary review, a signing bonus, or different options on benefits so you can take home more.

Hopefully, the representative will be able to offer something you can accept.
Sometimes, the company policy is set and negotiation will not work. Your answer should be ready because you have already anticipated this. Either thank the representative for considering you and express regret that you cannot accept the offer, or accept the offer because of other things offered.
Even if your negotiations do not succeed, you have learned an important skill that will help you in the future.