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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James Morgan •GREAT INFO -
Laurie Markoski •I liked this article. I had heard about this information but not all that was included in this article.
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NALAH BALA •Excellent Thought, keep it up.
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Unfortunately, employers are provoked by counter-proposals to their salary offer. Typically, they want to negotiate pay cuts between what is "preferred" and "required" for the job. It will never be necessary for me to compromise my qualifications with the combativeness of those that think less of me than I do myself. Good things don't come cheap, and any employer I work with will know this!
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wayne Bassett •I have been at my position for 12 years I've started at 10.50 per hour just to drive and assist the machine operators as needed over the years i have accumulated forklift certification to load and unload trucks so the machinist don't stop production also a lot of my deliveries are hand loading I check in stock and label jobs to be picked most my coworkers are older and lazy I feel i should be making more or about the same as a operator what do you think ?
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MOAZZEM KHAN •The article is very helpful for me and gives me proper awareness including some new ideas to proceed with the Employers. Thank s for all advise.
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Angienell Davenport •Thank you for the tips. They are very helpful.
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craig burton •Excellent information
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Douglas W. Palladino •Very Helpfull
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LEO CARR •Thanks for the article. the information was helpful and accurate!
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ERIC CHEERS •excellent article, it really did teach me some tips about negotiating. I like the article.
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Edward Aguilar •I think the statements are valid unfortunately in this economy the employers have the upper hand bluffing is good but if they have a bushel of resumes one better than the other, you really have to gamble to push too far
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TOBIAS SHILONGO •excellent information all noted!!!
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Michael Adhanom •Thank you and thank you for your time Catherine
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omiyms kaja •Thank you so much for the tips on salary and other benefits. They are very helpful,clear and short to the point.
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Cynthia M. •I found the article very helpful because I will be graduating college this fall.
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Adam Warfa •Thanks it is interesting.
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Eric Scott •Great topic and tips
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michael g •Thank you so much for the advise. Also does one's age make a difference? I have 20yrs experience in substance abuse and currently searching for a job, I am 57, that should I be looking at interms of my career(laid off)
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Mary Haught •Thank you for the valuable information. Very informative and helpful.
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CATHLEEN DAIVDS •Thanks this is really the most valuable info i received and i know now i am being underpaid
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Kehinde Oyederu •Informative and helpful.
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CONRADO MANZANILLA MANUMBAS •MANY THANKS FOR THE ADVICE
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WAYNE MACKLEN •Thank you for the advice!
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katlego charles •this is very important, it also boosts your confidence as an indivdual. gives your new employer confidence about your negotiating skills and the knowledge you have about the world out there.
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