4) Offer Evaluation & Negotiation
Negotiating without jeopardizing visa prospects
Many international students are afraid to negotiate because they think the company will take the offer away. This almost never happens. Never make it about 'I need more money.' Make it about the market. Say: 'I am so excited to join. Based on my research for this role in [City], the market rate is slightly higher. Can we get closer to $[X]?' Negotiating for a higher salary actually helps your visa. The U.S. government wants to see that you are being paid a 'Prevailing Wage.'
In the US, it is not enough to do good work, people need to know you are doing good work. This isn't bragging, it's keeping your manager informed.
- Send a weekly "Snippet" email to your manager. List: 1) What you finished this week, 2) What you are doing next week, and 3) Any "blockers" stopping you. This makes your manager's life easy and proves you are productive.
- Own your mistakes. If something goes wrong, tell your manager immediately and bring a plan to fix it.
Free Resource: 10 SECRETS to Increase Your VISIBILITY at Work
Resources
Record your progress
Mark this subsection complete to track your progress.