Yes, you are allowed to negotiate the terms of your job offer in Kentucky. Not every employer will change their offer, but you are more than permitted to ask. In fact, too many employees fail to negotiate a better deal when the employer is ready and willing to do so. Many employers expect you to negotiate, and present their initial offer anticipating they will have to give more. Knowing how to negotiate though can be tough, so having an employment attorney at your side can make a major difference.
The employment attorneys at Abney Law can help you review and negotiate employment terms in a job offer. Let us review your offer, provide advice on your situation, and ensure your legal rights are protected throughout the hiring process.
Kentucky Is an At-Will Employment State
Kentucky is an at-will employment state. This means that, unless you are the exception, you and your employer are allowed to terminate your employment for any legal reason. This matters for job offers as well, because you need to know the expectations going into it. Your offer should clarify what is expected, what you are owed, and whether you are at-will or not. This gives you room to negotiate going into your employment.
You may worry that negotiating will jeopardize your job offer, but employers expect it. So long as you are reasonable and professional, most companies will consider your requests. This is especially true if you have significant experience or education in your chosen field.
What Job Offer Terms Can You Negotiate?
In Kentucky, you can negotiate nearly every non-statutory aspect of employment. Common negotiable terms include:
Salary and Compensation
What you earn is one of the first things to look towards. You can request something hiher than the initial offer. You can base that request on:
- Your experience
- Market data for similar positions
- Key responsibilities for the role
Kentucky law does not restrict salary negotiation. However, employers have to follow state and federal wage laws during negotiations and after.
Signing Bonuses and Incentives
Many Kentucky employers offer signing bonuses, relocation assistance, or performance-based incentives. These items are often flexible and can be negotiated even when salary is not.
Benefits
Benefits packages vary widely between employers, and many components are negotiable, such as:
- Health, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement plan contributions
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development budgets
Some benefit packages are company-wide, so there may not be much room to negotiate. For higher-level employees, benefits may be more individualized.
Work Schedule and Flexibility
More and more employers are willing to be flexible on when you get the job done. They might consider:
- Remote work
- Hybrid schedules
- Flexible hours
- Compressed workweeks
Even if the job is listed as in-office, the employer could be willing to change this for you.
Job Duties and Title
You can also seek clarification of your job titles, or even negotiate a different title. Perhaps you have more experience than the typical employee, and the title should better reflect that. You can also look at job duties and potentially negotiate those as well.
Non-Compete and Restrictive Covenants
Non-compete agreements and other restrictive covenants might also be a part of your offer. When you see these, know that you have the right to negotiate them. In fact, they must meet strict legal guidelines, and you should have an attorney review them before signing anything with these agreements within them.
Negotiate a Job Offer With Confidence in Kentucky
You can negotiate a job offer. Know what the terms are and focus your requests on the topics that are most important to you. Understand the market rate for your position and request any modifications professionally and courteously. Let the skilled employment attorneys at Abney Law review your case. Contact us today for a consultation.