Salary Negotiation For Out-Of-State Jobs

Negotiating acceptable salary and benefits for a nonprofit job is hard enough; it's even more difficult when you are applying for an out-of-state job.

While it's most common to look for work in the area in which you live, it can be beneficial to look for out-of-state jobs as you will be expanding your opportunities. Relocating for a job takes a lot of time, effort, and money, however, and that will have to be taken into account when negotiating a salary.

Ensure that your new paycheck will cover your new situation by following these steps before your salary negotiation:

• Know the Location: Costs of living will vary depending on location. For instance, it's a lot more expensive to live in a big city like Manhattan than it is to live in a rural town in Vermont. Adjust your salary demands based on this information.
• Know Your Situation: You must consider all aspects when negotiating with the employer. Who will be paying for the move? How hard was it to sell your home? What area of town are you going to live? These are things that will factor into your needs.
• Research: Salaries vary by geography, so make sure you know the average going rate for similar jobs in the area. Once you have a good idea of the range, go onto a site like LinkedIn and ask people in the area if your demands sound acceptable.
• Demonstrate Your Worth: Employers don't like to pay more than they really have to, so be ready with specific examples from your career to prove that you deserve the salary you request.
• Plan B: It's entirely possible that the employer simply will not budge on its initial offer. If that's the case, see if they can do anything else to make your life easier, such as bonuses or relocation packages.