You are using a web browser we don't support. Please use the latest version of one of these browsers. REI San Francisco store 37° 46.344′ N 122° 24.246′ W WGS84 Where to find us Gear & clothing shops Ski & Snowboard shop services Have you visited the San Francisco, CA, store lately? Tell us what you think Classes, outings, and events at this REI store Whether you're an outdoor novice or a seasoned adventurer - we've got the outdoor class, outing, or event that's right for you. REI San Francisco provides outdoor enthusiasts in the San Francisco, California, area with top-brand gear and clothing for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, paddling, hiking, skiing, snowboarding and more. We’re a complete San Francisco-area bike shop, offering a full range of professional bike shop services to help keep you biking the Bay Area streets and trails year-round. Our ski & snowboard shop services will get your gear tuned up for the slopes. Looking to try a new activity before you buy?
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*10% is typical but not guaranteed. Your refund is based on eligible purchases, which exclude REI gift cards, services, fees, REI Adventures trips, REI Garage, and discounted items. It was on a calm, sunny Wednesday afternoon in San Francisco. The birds were chirping, people were bantering on the streets, and here I was, sitting in my room, literally shaking in my chair. I had just received a job offer for an engineering position in San Francisco, and in about fifteen minutes, I’d have to negotiate a job offer with the CEO of the company — a prospect that made me sick to my stomach. As much as I despised it, my friends told me I’d be leaving money on the table if I didn’t get on the phone and negotiate. I just had to suck it up and do it. There was one small hitch in that plan, though. I’m a terrible negotiator. Thankfully, I knew better than to try and enter into a job negotiation unprepared. After receiving the initial offer, I quickly read , based on the work of the Harvard Negotiation Project.
I then devoured as many blog posts as I could on negotiating salaries for an engineering position. I felt ready as I’d ever be, yet I was still nauseous and jittery. The phone rang and my heart dropped right into the pit of my stomach. I took a deep breath, picked up the phone and got started. Months later, I’m still ecstatic that I spent that ten minute phone call being completely out of my comfort zone. I’m just a normal guy with no special talent for negotiation, but my friends were right: I would’ve left money on the table had I not negotiated. Yes, it was stressful. Yes, I was sweating profusely while it happened. Yes, at one point in the conversation I was close to compromising on my hard limits. But I stuck to my guns and we reached a mutually agreeable salary number. During that phone call, three lessons carried me the farthest, and I’d like to share them with you. Consider these beginner level tactics, most of which also apply to other types of negotiation.
You can’t just barge into a negotiation asking for more money. Start off by reminding the recruiter how enthusiastic you are about the role. “Thanks again for this opportunity. I loved the team and am really excited thinking about the impact I can make on X or Y project.” As the conversation goes on, even if you’re not done negotiating, keep up the pleasantries by acknowledging progress and flexibility. For example, if the recruiter just agreed to raise your base salary, but only by a small amount: “I appreciate the flexibility, and this is definitely a step in the right direction. However, based on what I’m seeing in the market, I don’t think we’re quite there yet; what else can we do to have this make sense for both of us?” It’s difficult to ignore numbers written down on paper. For this reason, writing down your goals and limits can prevent you from conceding under pressure. If possible, keep them in front of you during the entire negotiation.
Never disclose these numbers to your potential employer. Even if they ask, it’s never in your best interest to reveal your salary requirements. Instead, be comfortable answering without actually disclosing anything. Patrick McKenzie answers that question with, “I’m more concerned at the moment with discovering whether we’re a mutual fit.” He then puts the onus on them to determine what that mutual fit is worth. Ramit Sethi, author of I Will Teach You To Be Rich, answers that question more directly. Said with a smile, “Now come on, that’s your job. What’s a fair number that we can both work from?” Alex Kouts re-emphasizes that he needs a number from them to help his decision making process. He replies with, “I’m actually comparing other opportunities right now, so if you could put something in writing to help me compare, that would help me with my decision.” It’s okay to make one or two salary counteroffers, but anything beyond that is pushing it.
Instead, move on to start date, stock options, vacation, re-evaluation cycle, and so on. In my case, after going through two rounds of salary discussions, we were able to agree on an extended start date and a six-month evaluation cycle, which ended up working in my favor after proving to the company the value I could bring. Minute for minute, negotiation has emerged as one of the most effective skills I’ve ever utilized. It’s important to note that unless you’re a freak of nature, negotiation is like a muscle: if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. To my keep my skills sharp, I recently took a class taught by Alex Kouts. Inspired by his instruction, here are three intermediate-level tactics that can level up your negotiation skills. (If you’re a newbie, I’d recommend starting with the beginner tactics above.) As you’re negotiating, it’s helpful to remind the other side that you have other opportunities you’re evaluating. If your goal is more equity, Kouts recommends including the following (don’t forget to reiterate your passion first):
“I need to evaluate this based on other opportunities I’m looking at and will get back to you shortly. As I’m doing that it would be helpful to know if there is any flexibility in the equity being offered?” If you’re a current employee, showing your value might entail compiling a list of your accomplishments since joining, which you can review with your employer as you make your case for a higher salary. This requires a good deal of empathy to get right. Kouts points out that most people are uncomfortable negotiating; if they can see the close of the deal and it’s favorable (i.e. it’s within their range for the position or sale), they’re less likely to continue putting up resistance. If you’re buying a car, mention that you’re buying it today, whether it’s with this particular salesperson or not. This may make him or her more flexible on price, since the sale is imminent. When negotiating a job offer, Kouts recommends including this with your counteroffer: “Again, I’m really excited about this.