3 Tips for Companies and Candidates for a Win-Win Offer

The Company:

Define what the role is worth to the organization.  Find out what fair market value for this position is as well.  Somewhere in between is the right number.  But don’t give a range unless you are really willing to pay that amount.
 
The Candidate:

Review your current salary history.  Determine the cost of your lifestyle.  Do not expect a company to “make up for your poor career salary history.”   If you receive an offer that exceeds any of your previous salary levels then consider yourself fortunate to receive that offer.
 
The Company:

Be sure to “sell” the benefits of working for your company.  We spend so much time “screening out” that we forget to “recruit” candidates.  But do not “oversell or misrepresent” the company and opportunity.
 
The Candidate:

If you like the company and the position, communicate those thoughts.  Let them know “what you can do for them.”     Don’t play “hard to get.”  Reassure them that you are wanting to add value.
 
The Company:

Move to offer quickly.  If you like the candidate and would like to bring them aboard, move quickly to extend and offer.  Expect the candidate to move quickly as well.  The time from final interview to offer should never be more then 3-4 working days.
 
The Candidate:

Before you accept an offer make sure that you are committed to starting within 2-3 weeks.  You should not start the process if you have a pending bonus or commissions due in the distant future that you are not willing to surrender.  If a candidate is not ready to start immediately, that sends a message.  Allow two weeks to resign and maybe a week to transition. 
 
These small tips should provide for a quality hire and a positive experience.