In doing my bible study time I thought, if Abraham could negotiate with God, we should be able to effectively negotiate with employers.
While I understand this is a big jump, to go from biblical to employment skills, the point stands that effective and respectful negotiation skills is key in a job search process.
When I read Genesis 18, Abraham attempted multiple negotiations with the most-high God in stating:
“. . . .will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?”
“. . . what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five people?”
- What if only forty are found there?
- What if only thirty can be found there?
- What if only twenty can be found there?
- What if only ten can be found there?
The Lord answered each time, For the sake of fifty, forty-five, thirty, twenty, or ten, I will not destroy it.
Even God Might Negotiate!
Understanding when and how to negotiate job offers or salaries is an essential part of the job search process.
Key Tips when Negotiating:
-
Do not lead as if you have alternative offers unless you really do
-
While God is patient, humans are not, there is not always room to negotiate
-
Prove your value and reasoning in requesting more money
Overall, the emotional and psychological strain of negotiating wears most people down therefore they are not willing to do it appropriately. Just remember, very few companies try to get away with paying as little as they can. There are some cheap companies out there, but even they know that they get what they pay for. If they “low ball” you, don’t take the job.
Being able to effectively negotiate with employers, when appropriate, is an essential part of the job search process that should not be dreaded or anxious, when done tactfully.
