The way in which you present your requests during salary negotiations has a dramatic impact on whether you get what you want from an employer. Be firm, but flexible, self-confident, but not arrogant or demanding, and sell your skills and knowledge in a way that appeals to the employer’s concern about the bottom line.
Let me give you a few tips on how to negotiate your best salary yet…
1. During negotiations, be enthusiastic, polite, and professional.
Let the employer know by your tone of voice and your demeanor that your goal is a win-win solution. If you are too pushy or adopt a “take-it-or-leave-it” attitude, the employer may get the impression that you’re not that interested in the job and withdraw the offer.
2. Start high and work toward a middle ground.
Ask for a little more than you think the employer wants to pay and then negotiate a middle ground between the employer’s first offer and your counter-proposal.
3. Be creative.
Look beyond base salary for ways to boost your income. For example:
- Holiday days. If new employees must work for 6 to 12 months before receiving paid holidays, ask that this restriction be waived.
- Early salary review.
- Bonuses. In addition to requesting a sign-on bonus, you may be able to negotiate a performance bonus.
As you negotiate, remind the employer how the company will benefit from your services. Let’s say, for example, that the employer balks at giving you $8,000 more in compensation. Explain how you will recoup that amount and more for the company. For instance:
“I realize you have a budget to worry about. However, remember that with the desktop publishing skills I bring to the position, you won’t have to hire outside vendors to produce our monthly customer newsletter and other publications. That alone should produce far more than $8,000 in savings a year.”In other words, justify every additional money or benefit you request. Remember to do so by focusing on the employer’s needs, not yours.
Tips 5-7 and Complete Careerealism article
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