Into the Wild...Let the Hunt Begin #14

Take a seat in the waiting room.

So I'm waiting for my background check to clear at this school. When that clears, it is possible that an official offer will be around the corner. I'm in job LIMBO! I've been using that time to do more research on what I would like in an offer. I was already told what to expect for salary and it is wonderful. But money isn't everything, right? Unlike the popular rapper, Method Man, from the Wu-Tang Clan, cash does NOT rule everything around me. So I've been thinking about what else I might ask for when someone gives me an offer...

Negotiating is interesting. It's uncomfortable, but this is a big decision for all of us grad students out there. We should make sure we get the best deal we can, without being greedy of course. If I get an offer from a school, here are things I'd like to ask them, besides what the salary is:

- Professional memberships/conferences: ACPA, NASPA, NACADA... does the department pay for its employees' memberships or conference fees? If not, is there something we can work out, maybe not having to use vacation days to attend such events if I choose to pay my own way. Or do they offer enough vacation days per year already, so it wouldn't make much of a difference if I dipped into my vacation time for my own professional development? Basically, is there some kind of trade off for the lack of financial support?
- Opportunity for further education: Is tuition covered if I decided to enroll in a doctoral program that will contribute to the field? If not, do I have any other options for financial support, like scholarships or aid that I can apply for? I heard from a friend that a school they are interviewing with will not pay tuition, but instead they offer certain hours during the workdays where employees can leave the office to attend classes, without having to make it up!
- What is the office situation like for new employees? Will I have my own office or share an office? Do I inherit a computer or do they order a new one?
- Do I have to pay for a parking pass?
- Health benefits: what is required and what is optional?

Oh so many little questions. But when you get to this limbo, you might as well take the time to prepare your negotiation tactics. No matter where you are in your job search right now, eventually you'll get an offer and you'll want to be ready to ask important questions and negotiate if necessary. Why? Well, as SNL's lovable Stuart Smally would say, "You're Good Enough, You're Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like You!"