Salary Negotiation Tips
Finding a job is difficult enough in itself, but finding a job that provides you with the right benefits and a great salary package is another ball game. Many of us will often take a job at its face value, not questioning or challenging anything that we’ve been offered. Remember, this is something that will take up the majority of your time; you have to be happy with the outcome, otherwise, you might find yourself on the job hunt again… Below, we’ve outlined some of our top salary negotiation tips for ensuring you’re receiving the remuneration you deserve.
1. Prepare Yourself
Doing your research is vital. In whatever industry or whatever role you’re being offered, going in blindly with a salary suggestion isn’t advised; you can’t expect to be on £20,000 more than the going rate, as employers will simply laugh in your face. Investigate similar roles that are being advertised and what kind of salary package they’re on. Have a look at industry statistics. Websites such as Glassdoor and Monster can help you do this. They’ll also help you look by geographical location too, as this makes a huge difference. Those of you applying for jobs in the south can expect to see higher wage packets than those up north. If your role is new within a company or industry, realistically think about what your skills and talents are worth and how they can add value to a company. If you’re a great people person, but work as a graphic designer, you can also showcase your pitching and selling skills to a potential employer, creating a new element to your role, adding more value to your skill set. Preparation is key and means you’re equipped with answers when they question your incentives for wanting more.
2. Ask For A Pay Scale Timeline
If it seems unlikely that you’re going to get the amount you want straight away, one of the questions you should ask at the job interview is scale timeline. This can work when you’re first being offered a job to when you’re actually in a role. Your employer will specify a certain time point when they might want to review your pay. This gives you the chance to prove yourself, record the work that you’ve completed, and go in prepared to showcase why you deserve a raise. If your employer can’t guarantee this, then it might be time to start looking elsewhere.
3. Give Yourself A Lowest Amount
You know your own value – and you also know how much you need in order to live comfortably and cover your bills. It’s important to set yourself an absolute minimum amount you’re willing to accept. This includes both knowing how much you’re worth and how much you need. Don’t be afraid if it’s a little higher than the going rate for the job you’re applying; have the confidence to go in with this, but make sure you can explain why.
4. Explain How Excited You Are
Before speaking about salary and negotiating, it’s always important to talk about how excited you are for the role and what it would mean to you to be offered the position. Regardless of salary, if this is the job you really want and you’re the best person for the role, then wage amount shouldn’t matter too much to the employer unless they’re on a tight budget. Unfortunately for some companies, they might not be able to afford you, even if you’re the best person for the role. This isn’t your fault, but just means they’ll value you more elsewhere.
5. Go In With Receipts
Back yourself up. This is more for when you’re currently in a role. Keep a record of all the amazing achievements that have happened during the year, whether you worked on a team that created something award-winning, or you bought in the most sales that quarter – however you record it, just make sure you have the receipts to illustrate why a pay rise is realistic. Keep a folder on your desktop with feedback from clients or ask customers to pass on any feedback to your manager. Don’t be afraid to have confidence in yourself.
6. Consider Other Factors
Although money is important, think about what the company could offer you in terms of other factors. That could be extra holiday days, a free gym membership, cycle to work scheme, or just clocking off early on a Friday. If you don’t think a pay increase is an option, employers usually happen to reward staff in other ways and a couple of extra days annual leave each year might be just what you need.
7. Don’t Mention Your Home Life
Caring employers will understand that many of us have families and mortgages and bills to pay for, but this doesn’t mean they’re going to give you a pay rise. Proving your worth and performing your job well are the most essential factors when asking for an increase – don’t go in heavy-handed with a sob story, as this will create an uncomfortable atmosphere for both you and your employer.
8. Understand Your Value
Be certain in yourself and your skills. Whether you’re just applying for a job or you’ve been in your role for a while, have the confidence to understand your value, as then your employer will be likely to see your value too.
9. Have The Courage To Walk Away
This is often left off work advice articles but is an important one to remember. If salary negotiations haven’t gone in your favor and you feel you’ve done everything possible to gain a pay increase, think about what this says about your worth at that company. Having the courage to walk away and find a job where you are valued is sometimes the most essential step to take.
10. Be Confident In Yourself
The most solid piece of advice we can give you is to ensure that you’re confident in yourself when asking for a pay increase or benefits negotiation. Perform your job and duties well, back yourself up, and know your worth.
Sources:
- A CEO gives 5 tips to winning your salary negotiation – Business Insider
- The Best Salary Negotiation Tips of 2017 – Glass Door
- How to Negotiate Salary: 37 Tips You Need to Know – The Muse
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