One of the most stressful areas of landing the job you want is dealing with the salary negotiation. Many job seekers fear this part of the job search process because it can be awkward and it could cost you the job. Two things could happen if you don’t handle it properly, you could price your way out of the job or sell yourself short on what you deserve as a professional.
In order to avoid these two undesirable scenarios, let’s be ready to negotiate by applying the following tips.
- Don’t get ahead of yourself – do not talk about salary or benefits until you get the actual job offer and make sure the employer brings it first.
- Employer’s needs –identify the needs of the employer during the interview and express to the employer the benefits and advantages you offer that backs up the additional $5K you are asking for by using examples on how you prior accomplishments met the needs of previous employers.
- Remain professional and enthusiastic – if you are too pushy you can come across as arrogant to the employer and this can cost you the job.
- Always be prepared – know your salary range prior to the interview in case the employer offers you the job right after.
- Know your competitive edge – research ahead of time on sites like glassdoor.com or salary.com and know the range for that specific position and job market. Not all job markets are equal when it comes to salary.
- Start high and take it from there – when asking for a bit more you have room to negotiate and you can work your way backwards until you reach your target salary. When making the salary request, await the employer’s answer by remaining silent until they respond.
- It is not all about the salary – if the job is the right fit, be ready to negotiate other perks or benefits if the employer is unable to meet your range. For example, you could negotiate flexible time off, sign-in bonus, additional vacation days, or working from home.
- Demonstrate your value – when negotiating, add value to each request by showing the company why you would be an asset and the reason for the salary request.
- It is OK to say “No” – if the job offer does not meet your needs, don’t be afraid to say “No” to the job offer. Sometimes this can open the door for more negotiations.
Take the stress out of the salary negotiation by incorporating these tips and practice as much as you can with friends and family until you feel fully confident.
“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” – Dale Carnegie
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