As a response to the global pandemic and its effect on the job market, Michael Helbling launched the JOIN Program in March. The program was designed as a way to unite analysts and data scientists and help secure jobs during the pandemic.
Helbling has served as a board member for the Digital Analytics Association since 2018 and is the owner of AJL Analytics and co-host of the Digital Analytics Power Hour podcast.
As part of the JOIN Program, Jen Yacenda has hosted weekly Q&A Zoom sessions focused on helping analysts polish their resumes, learn how to negotiate offers, and fine tune their LinkedIn profiles. This week, I had the privilege to attend one of these meetings. Here is what I learned from Michael Helbling:
Negotiating Offers
By the time a company extends you an offer, they are already excited about you. At this point, they believe in the value that you can add to the team.
Helbling told our group that it is okay to ask for more money. He advised us not to fall into the trap of “appearing like a team player” by not asking. However, when you ask for something, be sure you have a reason why. Think of these reasons ahead of time.
Some companies say their best offer upfront and don’t play around, so always be appreciative of what a company offers you. Companies should offer up a reason for offering a lower starting point. If they cannot increase your initial salary, think about alternatives that still have value to you, maybe ask for an extra week of PTO instead. Finally, as you negotiate, always maintain enthusiasm for the role and the company.
What surprised me most about Helbling’s approach was his insight into how companies view individuals who negotiate the first offer. If you ask for more money, and you do it well, he told us, the company will respect you for it. They might even trust you with more responsibility right out of the gate if you show that you are aware and unafraid. By demonstrating to the company that you know your value in the negotiation stage, you send the signal, “I’m a person you can trust.”
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