Got a Job Offer? Negotiate!

This post is not specifically about Cayman but all expats are coming to the Cayman Islands for a new job. This means some negotiating for salary will need to occur. Most expats are eager to jump at the first offer they get because they really, really want to move to the Cayman Islands. Here are a few reasons why you should always negotiate:

1. You don't ever want to be earning less then someone who is doing the same job as you. Quite a few people (especially men, according to Lean In) will almost always negotiate so you would be at a distinct disadvantage if you did not.
2. By not negotiating, you indirectly show your prospective employer that you don't think you are good enough.
3. The best time to negotiate is before you sign the contract. In most places I have worked for, getting raises was next to impossible once I was already working for them.


The worst case scenario is they will say no. They will not rescind their offer just because you asked for more. 
4. You will be stuck with the deal you made for at least a year but probably for longer. That’s a long time on a reduced salary.
5. Even if the first job you come in on is a fixed salary that is non-negotiable, chances  are quite good that you will want to move on to another job down the lime. Although moving companies can be stressful as there is a waiting period between jobs where your work permit has run out while you still wait for offers from the new job, it’s a perfect opportunity to negotiate. Remember, you came in with a unique skill, so the potential employer is as desperate to employ you as you are to get a job. It’s a tedious process to have to re-interview new candidates and re-advertise positions.
6. The employer will low-ball you as they expect you to negotiate. If you don’t, they will consider that a win.Imagine if you went into a clothing store and they told you the price was 50-60 dollars for an item, would you really offer them any more them 50?

Another tip about negotiation is that salary is not the only aspect on the table. If the employer genuinely cannot up the salary, see if they can up the vacation time. The majority of companies in the Cayman Islands offer 4 weeks to start. There are a few that only offer 2 weeks.  You can also ask about training/conferences/certifications. This works very well for the IT field as we constantly need to keep up to date on our knowledge. Remember this benefits your company as much as it benefits you so hopefully you have an employer with that mindset.

Even once you get the job always keep these tips in your back pocket. When you are getting rave reviews but the company cannot afford to give you the raise you are looking for they can always give you a few more vacation days or other types of incentives.