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Negotiation is a common part of the hiring process and can include salary, time off and more. Best practices vary by industry, so understanding what is typically negotiable in your field is important in setting realistic expectations. Here are some tips to help you navigate the negotiating process after receiving a job offer.

Let them make the first offer.

Allow the employer to present their initial offer. If they ask you what salary you were considering, say that you expect to be compensated equivalent to the role’s responsibilities and ask what the starting salary is for that role. If their initial offer is not representative of your desired salary range, experience level and other salary positions in your field and location, negotiate.

Do your homework.

Before you negotiate, start by researching salary trends in your profession to determine the average starting salary. Examine the existing organizational structure to better prepare for future conversations about upward mobility, performance reviews, merit cycles, etc. Negotiations should be based on a formal, written offer letter that details the terms of the offer.

Focus on your value, not your worth.

When negotiating a job offer, it's crucial to shift the focus from solely monetary compensation to the broader value you bring. Highlight how your skills and experience are a benefit for the company. Project confidence in your abilities and maintain a professional demeanor throughout the process.

Be flexible and strategic.

Look beyond base salary to consider the overall compensation package, including benefits, growth opportunities and work-life balance. Be flexible about the type of compensation you’re willing to negotiate. If you have multiple offers, leverage them to enhance your negotiating position with each company.

Bonus tip: Reputable career websites like the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale offer salary insights to help you determine the starting salary in your profession. SHRM.org also has a lot of information on pay equity and transparency, what an employer is allowed to ask you during an interview and other helpful interview insights.

For more information and detailed strategies on salary negotiation, consider exploring these resources:

• How to Negotiate Your Salary: 10 Tips to Earn More
• 13 Rules for Negotiating a Job Offer

Getting ready to start your job hunt? Searching for a job can take time. These strategies will help you build a foundation for success and stay positive.

Join a professional association.
Professional associations provide platforms to connect with others in your industry and build your reputation in your field. This can lead to mentorship, collaboration on projects and job leads. Many professional associations also maintain job boards that list positions that may not be advertised on popular job sites. Joining associations also shows potential employers that you are committed to your field and engaged in ongoing professional development.

Leverage your existing network.
Reach out to faculty, alumni and professionals in your industry for advice or referrals. These individuals are already in your field of interest and can point you to hidden job opportunities and industry-specific resources.

Make new connections.
Utilize LinkedIn to build and maintain relationships while highlighting your expertise and academic achievements. Connect with alumni and faculty, as they may have leads about open positions and/or networking events. Attend conferences, workshops and industry events to explore subfields and interact with industry leaders. Set up informational interviews with people working in fields and at organizations that interest you to gain job role clarity, learn about company culture and obtain referrals.

Leverage your academic experience.
As a graduate student, you possess a unique advantage: your advanced education. Highlight the transferable skills you developed in your graduate classes, such as research, analytics and communication skills. Be prepared to explain how your academic experience translates to value in a non-academic setting. Frame your graduate research, practicums and academic experiences as relevant and valuable to potential employers.

Utilize job boards.
Use job board websites, such as LinkedIn and Handshake, to see which employers are hiring. Handshake is available to graduate students and can be a great resource to see which employers are currently hiring recent graduates. Industry-specific job boards can be found on the Career Center website.

Be patient and persistent.
The job search can take time! Staying positive, persistent and patient can help reduce negative feelings associated with job searching. Try not to be discouraged by rejection, as those moments can become learning opportunities to improve your applications. Remember that the Career Center is always here to help you connect with numerous resources at your disposal.

Landing an interview is just the beginning. Here are three ways to make sure you make a great first impression and set yourself apart from other candidates.

1. Know yourself and your story.

One important difference from when you were an undergraduate is the depth of your academic coursework and experiences. Employers will expect you to incorporate knowledge and examples from areas such as specialized coursework and research projects that reflect this advanced level of expertise.

Reflect on your experiences and think about how you can demonstrate ways that your graduate education — such as your academic journey, internships and any relevant coursework — is related to the position’s responsibilities and requirements as well as your career goals.

2. Demonstrate professional growth and development.

Employers will also expect that you have made intentional career decisions, have acquired a better understanding of your career and have experience in leadership roles. They need to feel confident that candidates are ready to manage a higher level of responsibility independently.

Be prepared to discuss how your relevant internships, research and mentorships will make you successful in the role. Highlight leadership positions, professional development experiences and/or projects that showcase your teamwork skills, strategic planning abilities and leadership experience.

3. Research the program, institution or job position.

With your experience, you know you have potential. Now it's time to ensure that employers see it. Make sure you understand their mission and learn about their goals, values and areas of expertise. Describe your career path, goals and commitment to your field — and align those goals with the job or program to ensure that the employer knows you see them as a vital component to your career growth.

Helpful resources:

• Big Interview: Record yourself answering questions and receive expert feedback on your delivery, content, and overall performance. You can access Big Interview through PirateNet.
• VR Mock Interview: These simulations can help you get comfortable with the virtual interview format and practice your responses in a realistic setting. Schedule an appointment for a VR Mock Interview with the Career Center through Compass.

Joining and being an active participant in the right professional association can help you achieve career success in a number of ways. Here are five benefits of membership in an association.

1. Networking opportunities.

Associations provide a platform to connect with professionals in your chosen industry as well as fellow graduate students, which can lead to valuable mentorship, job opportunities and collaborations.

2. Professional development.

Many associations provide workshops, conferences and webinars that can enhance your skills and knowledge on topics relevant to your field — such as industry trends, new research and career advancement.

3. Access to exclusive resources.

Professional associations often offer exclusive resources like job boards, industry publications and discounts on professional certifications. These resources can be invaluable as you transition from academia to the professional world.

4. Advocacy and representation.

Joining a professional association allows you to be part of a community that advocates for the interests of graduate students and your field. This can include advocating for fair wages, better working conditions and increased funding for graduate programs.

5. Leadership experience.

Serving on an e-board for a professional association is a great way to enhance your leadership skills, build lifelong connections and be seen as an expert in your field.

Beyond classroom academics, graduate school offers many opportunities to start achieving your career goals, even before you’ve earned your degree. Here are five tips for maximizing your graduate school experience at Seton Hall.

1. Network efficiently.

Establish connections with peers, professors and professionals in your field. These connections can lead to valuable opportunities in the future. For instance, joining professional organizations related to your field or attending industry events will expand your network significantly.

2. Seek practical experience.

Pursue internships, part-time roles or volunteer positions aligned with your field of study. These experiences not only enhance your skills but also provide valuable insights into real-world applications. For example, working as a research assistant for a professor or interning at a relevant company can give you hands-on experience in your area of interest.

3. Engage in workshops and seminars.

Participate in workshops and seminars to supplement your academic learning. These events offer interactive and engaging ways to acquire new knowledge and skills. Additionally, they provide opportunities for networking and exchanging ideas with peers and professionals.

4. Create a career plan.

Set clear short-term and long-term goals for your career and regularly assess your progress. Having a well-defined plan helps you stay focused on developing the necessary skills and competencies for your desired career path. For example, setting a goal to gain proficiency in a specific programming language within six months can guide your learning efforts and career trajectory.

5. Maintain work-life balance.

Dedicate time to socialize and engage in activities outside of your academic pursuits. Building a strong support system with friends and family can help prevent burnout and maintain overall well-being.