Yay, you got the job! What do you do next, accept the offer? Suppose it is too low for your skill level? What if another company offered you more, but you like this company better? What I am asking may be overwhelming, but no fear, Britney’s advice is here. There is one answer to all of those questions: negotiate your salary! I am here to give you the rundown on how to negotiate your salary offer, so you won’t miss out on an opportunity to earn a higher income. Salary negotiations are a critical part of the job searching process. It is the opportunity to further show the interviewer why they chose you for the position. Employers will learn to respect you when they see how much you respect your craft. Negotiating a higher salary can come with more responsibility, leading to promotions shortly. After reading this blog, you should learn the basics of negotiating and hopefully feel confident about asking for a better offer.
What does it mean to negotiate and why does it matter?
Negotiation is an everyday occurrence. Whether we realize it or not, we negotiate daily. The goal of negotiating is to overcome some sort of “obstacle” that two parties can agree on. Negotiating is an art because it involves strategically communicating to accomplish a person’s goal effectively.
Job searching is an exhausting process. Once people finally receive an offer from one of the many positions they applied for, they immediately accept because they are just grateful for the security of a job. Many people accept an under-valued offer because they do not want to come across as “difficult” or they genuinely don’t know that they can negotiate for a better offer. Negotiating your salary is important to earn a higher income, further your career, and prove your value to yourself and your future employers. Underestimating yourself gives others the green light to underestimate you.
Negotiation skills are important to acquire because it improves communication skills. Verbally, we are learning how to get our point across by carefully choosing what and what not to say. We are also learning how to think quickly on our feet. Non-verbally, we are learning how to read others’ body language to use to our advantage. We are also learning how to improve our non-verbal cues because we can’t negotiate successfully without convincing body language. Negotiating can help improve decision-making skills because you have to know when to keep going or when enough is enough. Below is more in-depth information on the benefits of negotiation skills.
https://www.leaderonomics.com/articles/leadership/benefits-good-negotiation-skills
Real-Life Example
The tweet shown above is a great example of why you should negotiate your salary. Now, while the messenger could’ve done things in a better way that resulted in a better outcome, the lesson behind this is still valuable. Negotiating your salary can have you earn more than you thought you would. Many departments may have a higher budget than you think they do. Even if you think what you are asking for is a long shot, your future employer may not think so. When you know what skills you can provide to help a company’s growth, don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve.
How to Negotiate Your Salary
- Research
Upon interviewing for a position in a certain industry, it is important to research that field. Regarding salary, you should come into your interview knowing the minimum you can earn and the maximum money you can earn. This will show your future boss that you know what you are talking about and fighting for. Here is a great website you can go on to find out your worth and what employers are paying in your job field. https://www.salary.com/
2. Fight for yourself
It is not enough to just counter your offer with a higher amount. Prove and explain why you deserve the increased amount. Garner the respect of your potential employer. Showcase your skills and strengths. Tell them why choosing you for that position and giving you more money than they offered you is the best choice that company will ever make. This is the opportunity to highlight everything great about yourself that will show them how you can be the best at your job. Be honest about everything.
3. Discuss other options
Sometimes it is not just about salary. Obtaining certain benefits may be more important than earning a higher salary. If there is not enough money in the budget to offer you a higher salary, or the employer just won’t budge, discuss perks and benefits. Remember, negotiation is about giving and taking. Health insurance, 401k’s, or benefits like unlimited PTO can be better than a $10k salary increase. “Working from home and working while traveling or working on a different schedule can be more attractive to some people than a higher salary.” (2022). There will be times when offering those perks will be less costly to the company than offering you a larger salary. It is critical to determine what means more to you. Here is some more information on job benefits https://www.betterup.com/blog/best-job-benefits.
4. Know when to stop
You do not want to miss out on a great opportunity by pushing your negotiation too far. Salary negotiations can be intense and the last thing you want to do is upset your employer by asking for something completely absurd or dragging the conservation too far along.
5. Ask for everything in writing
Congratulations, you successfully negotiated the best offer for yourself. Now, ask for your complete offer in writing. If there are any problems in the future, written documentation will help settle any misunderstandings.
Tip
Practice body language! Think as if you are playing a card game and don’t want anyone to call your bluff. Employers will see right through you if your posture or gestures are not showing self-confidence.
Closing
Ambition is a desirable trait. Bosses will gain further respect for you when you go the extra mile. Don’t be afraid of being “too difficult”. Never be scared to ask for what you deserve; closed mouths don’t get fed. Your salary is how you can afford to take care of yourself and your family, don’t allow others to sell you short. Remember, negotiations are about to give or take. Give in to the best your employer can offer you. Take nothing less than what you are worth.
For more information on job search tips visit https://www.ourfirstjobsearch.com/!
Sources
Liu, J. (2022, February 4). What to say if you aren't offered enough money in a salary negotiation. CNBC. Retrieved February 26, 2022, from https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/04/what-to-say-in-4-different-salary-negotiation-situations.html
How to negotiate your salary. Glassdoor Career Guides. (2022, February 17). Retrieved February 25, 2022, from https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guide/how-to-negotiate-your-salary/
Malholtra, D. (2022, February 14). 15 rules for negotiating a job offer. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved February 25, 2022, from https://hbr.org/2014/04/15-rules-for-negotiating-a-job-offer
Prossack, A. (2018, February 13). The benefits of everyday negotiations. Forbes. Retrieved February 26, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashiraprossack1/2018/02/13/the-benefits-of-everyday-negotiations/?sh=257b94ec3a9e
Half, R. (2022, January 10). How to negotiate salary after you get a job offer. How to Negotiate Salary After a Job Offer | Robert Half. Retrieved March 18, 2022, from https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/salaries-and-skills/be-ready-for-salary-negotiations-with-these-8-tips