How to Neogiate during a Job Interview

In yesterdays case studies class we learned some invaluable tips about how to neogiate during a job interview to make sure you get the most out of your job and salary. Professor Shelton covered some of the basics that any college student should know when going on the hunt for their very first job.

• First and foremost everyone always wants to know is how much should they expect to make and what to say to that question if an employer asks how much do you expect to make? $35,000 is the average first year salary that a college graduate in PR should expect to make. Now if an employer ever asks you the question " How much do you want to make" Professor Shelton gave us some invaluable advice never answer it, or say neogotiable, but do not give a actual amount.


• We also discussed what a 401K is. We learned that is it important to know what your benefits are and whether or not the company offers a 401K retirement plan is. The best plan is one that matches you. For example if you put 5% of your paycheck into your retirement plan and then your company does the same so therefore 10% of your money is really going into the plan. You also, want to know whether or not your plan is vested and when does it become vested. Majority of companies become vested after one year which means that after one year the money in your fund is yours.


• It is important that you also ask how often do you get paid because there are several different ways that a company can pay whether it be biweekly, bimonthly, monthly, etc. Looking at the package that they offer you is important as well. The package is the number of days off, number of vacation days and sick days. Also, do they roll over and can you bank them or at the end of the year do you lose what days you do not use.

• Lastly, you need to look into the health care package they are offering and whether or not you are going to opt into this plan. When looking at the health care package you need to see what your premiums and deductibles/co pays are going to be. This is important to understand because part of you health care costs will be left up to you majority of companies do not cover all of your insurance. Therefore, the remaining costs are deducted out of you salary before you even receive your paycheck. In addition you will want to know when your benefits will kick in and what are their offers for vision and dental. An important note is if they offer the dental you want to take the dental.

Remember these are only the basics you want to remember when in that job interview, it is still important to go and do your own research and make a list of the questions that you want answered during the interview.