World Stock Watch

Negotiating the Dream Job: Getting the Paid Time Off You Deserve

When it comes to negotiating a new job offer, many of us focus on the salary, but there’s more to consider. Your job title, start date, signing bonus, and paid time off (PTO) are all up for grabs. For Sherri Carpineto, a senior director of operations and career coach, PTO is a non-negotiable.

Understanding Your Needs

Carpineto emphasizes the importance of knowing your must-haves versus your nice-to-haves. This applies not only to benefits but also to the role itself. What do you need and want from your job, team, boss, and company? When it comes to PTO, consider your personal circumstances. Do you need time off for religious events or to care for a family member?

Negotiating Strategies

If the initial PTO offer is unsatisfactory, Carpineto suggests three negotiation strategies:

Leveraging Your Current Benefits

If you’re currently receiving a certain number of PTO days, use that as a benchmark. Explain to the recruiter how this has contributed to your success and why you need similar benefits in your new role.

Calculating Your Needs

Determine how many days off you require based on your personal circumstances. Consider your health needs, family obligations, and other factors that may impact your work-life balance.

Industry Standards

Research the average PTO allotment in your industry and use that to inform your negotiation. If possible, look at the PTO policies of competitor companies to demonstrate that your request is reasonable.

Unlimited PTO: What’s the Catch?

If a company offers unlimited PTO, don’t assume it’s a free pass. Ask about the average amount of time employees take off and whether there are any minimum requirements or “quiet periods” when taking time off is discouraged.

Prioritizing Your Benefits

Remember, negotiation is about finding a mutually beneficial agreement. Be clear about your priorities and what you’re willing to compromise on. By doing so, you’ll be more likely to land a job that meets your needs and sets you up for long-term success.