MiddletownJournal.com

If you've managed your job search effectively and successfully interviewed, apply the same winning format to the final step of the process: negotiating the job offer. You've worked too hard getting to the bargaining table to commit a gaffe and trash your fine efforts at the crowning event.

Successfully negotiating a job offer requires that you avoid the five cardinal mistakes that cause a potentially sweet deal to sour.

— Quickly accept first offer. As attractive as the package may seem and as eager as you are to get the job, allow yourself at least a day to review the package and consider your decision. Is the offer essentially acceptable? Are there elements you need that are not included? Are the job and the organization the right fit for you? Now is the time to address these issues, not later.

— Negotiate by phone. Unless the company is an airline flight away, always discuss the offer in person. Presence adds a dimension you can't achieve by phone.

— Play hardball. You've obviously impressed the employer enough that the firm's degree of interest gives you some bargaining leverage but don't assume you can run the table and dictate the terms. Rejecting an offer and notifying the company, "It's not enough" can prove a fatal act. Whatever the package, respect the employer's intention, convey a cooperative attitude and work to improve the deal.

— Ask if the offer is negotiable. This substantially weakens your position. Studies conducted by the Society for Human Resources Management indicate a majority of the hiring managers consider offers negotiable and expect applicants to bargain.

— Accept offer on salary and benefits merits. Look beyond the basic components. Discuss tuition reimbursement and training, if applicable, and no-cost perks such as office/work station, telecommuting, parking and, if you need more time, the start date.

Bellbrook resident Steve Stromp is a professional career consultant, lecturer and writer. Contact him at sstromp@sbcglobal.net.