Notice Period Negotiation: Can You Discuss Terms Before Accepting a Job Offer?

Dear seniors,

It is palpable that every employer will have policies on terms of serving the notice period in different situations, which they mention in the appointment letter. My question is, at the time of accepting the offer, can the notice period clause be negotiated with the employer? Does it differ from company to company whether to be open for such negotiation or has it been in practice that the employer decides the notice period and such policies are rigid?

Please advise.

Many thanks.

I think the question seems to be a little bit odd. How do you expect a prospective employer to relish a probable employee's move to negotiate the terms of the exit clause before accepting the offer of appointment?

I echo Umakanthan's sentiments. You are walking on thin ice here. While accepting an offer, the employer would expect your keenness and loyalty towards the job. Negotiating an exit might backfire. Policies are essentially fixed unless reviewed during the HR Audit, which a firm may initiate annually. Hence, creating an exception for you is quite a far cry. Every organization offers a buy-out for the notice period. Therefore, that remains your option in case you don't want to serve the entire duration. I request you to understand that, rather than questioning the declared notice period.

However, the choice is yours. If you are convinced you should identify a different notice period, it's up to you. Wish you all the best!

Negotiating notice period is a fundamental mistake. It clearly shows a planning to quit.

Yes, if the notice period is unusually long, then the question may come up, otherwise asking this question can lead to complications.

My views are somewhat different from others. Blindly following conditions without understanding their implications cannot prove an executive to be a good decision-maker. There is a vital difference between "cannot be" and "should not be." Acceptance of one-way conditions without weighing the pros and cons cannot always be good for an employee.

Advice on Negotiating Skills

My advice: You must show your negotiating skills if you truly have them. This can be seen as one of the positive qualities of a candidate if they can convince the opposite party with their negotiating skills. Any offer clause can be negotiated if you can convince the employer.

Regards

With regard to comments by learned member Shri Dhingra - it is possible to negotiate any condition provided you are in such a position - qualification, special experience, niche knowledge, etc.

An average job seeker cannot easily do such negotiations - you have not yet come into the company, and you are negotiating on exit time periods.