You have received your job offer to work abroad. Congratulations! You have passed the process of interview with the employer. You review your JO and are wondering about the final salary offer. You are aware that when you negotiate, the agency who offered it to you may need to check with the employer. 

The act of negotiating is daunting. Intimidation is one reason most will just stick it out on a meager salary. Some take the leap and get an in, but the rest do the same and fall flat. The latter can fall into the traps of salary negotiation mistakes and not get what they want. 

Also read: What Makes a Company Great? Discover 5 Best Green Flags

So whether you are a jobseeker in the midst of getting hired or an employee yearning for a promotion, negotiation is an interpersonal life skill to adapt and learn. Need to be more thoroughly convinced? Here are several benefits to learning about the art of negotiation. 

Also read: Is Your Salary Too High Or Low? Compare With JobStreet Explore Salary

How to negotiate salary offer

Yes, we hear you. It can be intimidating to step into the office or put your foot down on the salary you want versus what they offer. 

But just like everything else in life, you cannot always be saying “yes,” especially if it is something you do not agree to. So believe us when we say that there are several benefits to doing salary negotiations. Especially it is the primary reason why you are taking the risk of leaving the country for greener pastures, and salary is of crucial importance. Here are some of them now:

1. You can learn more about the average industry rate.

When employers usually give you an offer, the benchmark is usually that of what the industry it falls under is offering. If you are a neophyte to the industry, you can understand the average pay for the role you seek. Save for some perks and non-monetary remuneration, the rate is the same, especially for entry-level positions. Check also how much is your take-home pay, deductions to your salary, if any, and in some countries, if there are tax deductions. It will not hurt to check since you are putting a lot on the line on your decision to work abroad. 

2. Check your work contract

Benefits included? Is your work visa being paid by whom? Important to check these. If not in your contract, don’t hesitate to ask the following:

• Site - are you going to work on-site? Where is your work location?
• Accommodation - is this provided by employer?
• Transportation - will you be provided a shuttle or transportation to the site?
• Leave benefits - how many days for leave? Whether it’s sick leave or vacation leave, it is equally important to ask about your rest day. Some forget to include this in the contract. If there’s vacation leave, who’s going to pay for your plane ticket back home?
• Insurance - is there an accident insurance? Or any type of insurance, whether life, travel or accident, it is important to ask about this type of security working abroad. While you are at it, it is important to ask who will pay the premium for it. 

3. Know if the company is worth the work. 

Face it; you will be spending most of your time in the office (or wherever applicable). You have to know if the place you are investing most of your life in is worth it. If you are working for low pay and are unable to seek the salary you are worth receiving, it can help you re-think working for a company that does not see your worth. 

Do not be afraid to negotiate as an OFW. Communicate with utmost professionalism. They chose to hire you, and your intent to ask these questions or negotiate could also mean a lot to employers that you are interested in the position and are showing you are committed to working for them. 

Update your profile then #SEEKBetter jobs on our website or download the JobStreet app on the App Store or Google Play. 

Once again, check out Explore Salary to see how yours compares to industry standards.  

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