We’ve all applied for a job that might look amazing on paper, but the figure doesn’t really inspire any excitement. If you’re worried that you’re giving up a good opportunity for a better salary, or selling yourself short, or simply would like a raise for your time, we have a few tips to help you out. It’s important that you negotiate a salary when taking a new job to ensure you are compensated equally over time at the role. However, it’s considered an impolite thing to talk about salary, much less ask for more, so we’ve got some tips to help you get what you’re worth.
Do Your Research
To avoid an incident of egg on your face while negotiating the best salary and asking for a price far from what your skills and role would indicate, do some research. Research typical pay ranges for the role, company, and geographic location. Look at sites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and professional associations for benchmarks. Take a look at the company website and other roles advertised to find out about the company’s benefits offerings and how they compare to industry standards.
Timing is Key
You want to be careful about when you broach this subject. For instance, bringing it up while in the interview will make you look like you’re only interested in one thing and might even cost you the job. The ideal time to negotiate is after receiving a job offer, but before accepting.
Another tip is to have the negotiation conversation over the phone or in person, not via email, so as to convey your position with body language and build rapport with your potential employer.
Know Your Worth
Make sure you and your potential employer know what they’re getting if they hire you or if they give you a rise. While negotiating the best salary, highlight your relevant skills, experience, and the value you bring to the role. Quantify accomplishments that demonstrate your qualification for higher pay, but don’t just state a number – build a case using data and examples. Put together a portfolio you can point to as a way to back up your ask.
Negotiate the Full Package
Remember that negotiating the best salary isn’t just about the number on your payslip. Salary is just one component – also look at bonuses, equity, benefits, time off, etc. A good way to make the most of a lower-than-expected number would be to ask for extra benefits. Think about what’s most important to you, like higher base pay, better insurance, gym memberships, free parking, or mileage, etc. and request them if you’re offered a price that’s lower than you’d like. Plus, make sure to get all these terms finalized and in writing before accepting.
Additional Tips
- Don’t accept the initial offer.
This is Negotiating the Best Salary 101. They’re not going to give you the best they can do right away, because where’s the room to negotiate in that? And they’re hoping you go as low as they offer.
- Propose a range rather than a single number.
You can make things easier on them by offering a range so that you put across that you are flexible and that you know your worth. However, don’t make the lowest number less than you would accept if you came to it.
- Have a minimum “walk away” figure in mind.
Instead, have a minimum amount that you would not accept. It’s an important reminder to you and the employer that if they can’t meet it, they aren’t worth your time and skills.
- Get multiple offers, if possible, to create leverage.
This is always preferred, obviously, but not always possible. If you’re in a position where you’re fielding various offers, by all means, let them know. You might just start a bidding war for your skills.
Conclusion
Remember what your skills and experience is worth when you are considering what jobs and salary to accept. It’s important for your career to be paid what you’re worth, even beyond needing a decent salary in a Cost of Living Crisis.