The key to salary negotiation is preparation. Don’t go into salary negotiations without knowing the facts. Be aware of your skills and all you have to offer a new employer. Once you’re confident with your skills, do a little research into your profession.
Research your market worth. Look on salary websites to figure out the basic range for your position. Also ask friends who may have similar positions as you. If you know the salary range for your job then you have an advantage in your salary negotiations. You will also know how high you can reasonably go.
Try not to talk about salary during the interview. Wait and gauge the interest the employer has in your background and personality. If the employer wants to proceed to the next level they will give you an offer.
Understand the employer’s view. An employer’s allegiance is to the company. They will try to find the best person to fill the position for the least amount of money. Unfortunately, this is how most employer’s think. They will usually state a salary range calculated for your position that will be in line with their budget.
If you feel like the offer is way below market rate, get out. Don’t waste time on employers that want to get a breadth of skills on the cheap. Look for good companies that understand the normal range of salaries. Once you find a company that’s willing to pay a normal salary for your position, you can push for a little more.
State your case. Yes employers have a budget. If you really want to negotiate for a higher salary you must state a very good case. Illustrate to the employer that your skills will be an asset to the company. Yes they will be paying more for your services up front, but in the long run you’ll be saving them money by working efficiently.
Don’t forget to balance the salary with the benefits. If an employer offers you a salary that is lower than expected, ask what benefits are being offered. Some companies pay the full amount of insurance premiums. Add that number to your salary. Does the company provide perks such as free lunch or a free gym membership? Add those costs to you salary.
If the benefits raise your salary to an acceptable level, think about the offer. Will you be happy in the position? Is there a chance for promotions or other career growth in the company? How is the working environment? Do other employees seem happy? These are all questions you need to ask when considering an offer. You don’t want to jump from job to job. Take the time to review your options before taking the big leap.
About the Author:
Review more industry related articles by Catherine Zandueta at CareersandEducation.com. Catherine Zandueta is a feature writer and often covers topics related to Campus Degree Programs and Career advice.
How to Negotiate your Salary
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Angela C. •I want to get paid employment!!! All my jobs were volunteering. What can I do to put myself
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Darius D. •
I find this to be valuable questions that will prepare me for my future job offers!
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Michael C. •
What I'm running in to is employers not wanting to pay the legal minimum wage for an auto mechanic with tools. In the state of California, that is double the state's minimum of $10/hour, which is $20/hour. They want to pay $13 or less... I can't take care of my family on that! Last time I saw legal wages was a few years ago. It's a tough market!
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@Steve thanks for your comment/question. Moving from one region to another can be tough and the salary will probably be different. What you need to know is if the cost of living in the new region will support the wage you are currently receiving. If the job posting is indicating a salary that is far below what you are receiving now, you aren't going to get your current salary. Even trying to use justifications as to why you need it - will probably be a no. So do your research and come up with a viable salary range that you can live with and then you will know whether or not to ask for more. But honestly, if the job posting includes a salary range, you aren't going to get more. Remember, the company has a budget also.
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Steve A. •
Informative, you should touch on a course of action when relocating to a region with salaries in your current field that are far below your wages in your current location. Is it okay to ask for a similar salary?
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Linda H. •
Good advice!
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Very good information and a reminder that we don't have to take that job when the employer does not recognize the value of our skills or our experience.
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Good help!!!Thaks you
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BARUN B. •
helpfull
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@Ifedi you could check www.salary.com to get a good idea as to the salary range for the position and location.
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ifedi i. •
As an international job seeker for physiotherapy jobs in Chicago, pls, can u give me a range of the salary one can expect?
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Good help. Thanks!!
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Vicki P. •
Just FYI after reading this fellow Nurses beware HCR ( South Point) has high turnover & lower salary than most .
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@Brandon - maybe that's not the right company for you. It would be great to find a union job but I know how hard those are to come by. Look for a company with minimal turnover and a wage that is enough to live on. Don't forget about networking to find that perfect job for you.
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brandon w. •
when a company has high turnover and no union with very low wages what would you recommend?
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Marie C d. •
Thx a lot
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thank you, is good to know
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Mark S. •
Helpful to know.
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Jermaine S. •
Very helpful! Thank you!
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Jerry W. •
This is a great tool to use for pay negotiations. Thanks.
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tony l. •
Thanks
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Viviene H. •
Very helpful tips. Thanks
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Marylou G. •
I agree that this information is helpful. I am now 64, pushed to retirement at 62. I don't feel I am ready to retire and have been looking and applying for 2 years. I was employed in mental health for over 25 years with no retirement, no insurance or IRA and now due for hip replacement in July. After July, I will again be looking for employment as now retirement is out of the picture when paying for insurance. Thank you for the information.
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geemu d. •
Very helpful. Thanks
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Irma L. •
Thanks for the useful tips.🌺
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