Former Microsoft executive shares the 10 things you should ALWAYS negotiate when you land a job offer

A former vice president of Microsoft Human Resources has revealed the 10 things you should negotiate every time you get a job offer so you can get the best benefits and benefits.

Chris Williams is an expert on the nine-to-five lifestyle and worked at Microsoft for seven years.

The Washington-based former executive has mastered the art of helping job seekers learn to negotiate for what they “deserve.”

Now Chris has shared the top things to ask for after receiving a job offer so you can show a company your value and get what you wanted.

While you’re talking to Business insiderthe business professional noted that you were the most valuable when you got a job offer because the only thing the company knew about you was their “expectation for you.”

He explained that the company that made you an offer had worked extremely hard to refine it for you and even “argued” about you – adding that you should use these things to your advantage.

The former HR VP noted that you should always remember that everything is “business.”

And Chris said the best way to use this information was to negotiate ten things with the company.

According to Chris, the first thing you should discuss with potential employers is a signing bonus.

He told the outlet, “The standard negotiating point is the signing bonus. “This change is tough for me and my family. Can you bridge the gap?” Maybe apply for 10 percent of your annual basis in one go. Companies like this because it is a one-time and non-recurring cost.’

Then you need to ask for a guaranteed first bonus, which will be paid out during the bonus time.

And if you work without commission, Chris suggested that you also charge a higher commission.

Chris then noted that you need to discuss working conditions, especially remote working.

He said, “If you enjoy working remotely and can excel at it, try advocating for more remote work and fewer days in the office. This may depend on whether other people on your team have this ability, but you will never have more influence than you do now.”

And if you have to relocate for work and don’t get remote freedom, HR has suggested you negotiate a signing bonus.

“Maybe ask for full coverage, not just a stipend, or ask for longer temporary housing,” Chris recommended.

If your spouse moves with you for work, the HR professional suggested that you insist that they also receive benefits.

He added: ‘It is not uncommon, especially among married couples, to request some form of employment assistance for their partner. Maybe CV help, job advice, a headhunter or some other benefit. It often helps to close the deal.’

Chris revealed that PTO is also something you should ask for more of, especially if a company doesn’t have “unlimited PTO.”

The former HR VP added: ‘Stocks or stock options are a common negotiation point, especially among senior people. There’s a whole world of options (pun intended), but this is a common deal point. ‘

Another category that often showed flexibility was healthcare. Chris suggested you ask for more benefits if you had “extenuating circumstances.”

Finally, you should ask for more money in unique ways.

He explained: ‘In senior roles you can often get creative with compensation. You could try arranging an incentive structure: if you’re brought in to solve a specific problem, you’ll get a set bonus if you solve that problem by a certain date. The options here are endless; I’ve even seen this in mid-level roles.

‘There are so many opportunities to negotiate; there is almost no excuse not to do it. And again, before you actually start the job is the best time to do it.”

He added that the negotiations were “not fun” and that while they may feel a bit “awkward”, they were crucial.