So you are finally at that stage where you don’t have to worry about resume writing and interviews?
Well, do not start celebrating yet!
There is one more consideration that you have to take into account now – the salary.
Have you been offered as much as you were looking for?
Is the offered salary more than your expectations?
Do you think that what you have been offered is not commensurate with your experience?
If you are being offered a salary that you believe is less than what you deserve, do not feel dejected.
A lower salary offer does not necessarily mean that you have to say no to the offered job!
It just means that you need to get your negotiation skills into action.
It does not matter if you are new to a company or an old employee asking for a raise – you have to know what you are worth.
See also: Salary Negotiation Letter
Top 10 Salary Negotiation Tips
1. Perform research about what people at similar positions are being offered. This way, you will know what you are worth and how much you should be paid. With this information, you can also quote how much a particular company in the same industry is offering.
2. If you have not yet been declared as the chosen candidate, do not jump the gun and quote a figure. Wait for an offer before attempting to negotiate your salary.
3. It is always a good idea not to mention a number first. This is because you may end up quoting a figure that is too high or too low thereby allowing an employer to either reject you for your unreasonable demands or hire you immediately on a pay scale not worth your experience or qualifications.
4. Try to aim high but be realistic. Everyone wants a high paid job but quoting a ridiculously high figure is a complete turnoff.
5. Attempt to clarify your interests. Remember that your compensation should not only be in the form of a salary. Make sure that you have figured out other points of value as well, such as stock options, bonuses, and funds.
6. If you are not sure about how much you want to be paid yet, delay the discussion for the time being. Your response can be akin to it not being about money or if I am good enough, I am sure we can come up with a workable solution.
7. Let the interview ended before you ask about compensation. If you happen to ask about salary information during an interview, it might seem like you are there only for the money. Wrong Impression!
8. Giving a salary range rather than a targeted amount is better as it offers employers a wide area to play in.
9. Use a precise number when quoting a salary. While giving salary ranges is all very well, providing an exact number such as $75,500 shows employers that you have done your research correctly and know what other companies are offering
10. Make a counter-offer once you have been made an offer. While employers do not take very kindly to many counter-offers at one time, negotiating once may result in you getting the salary you have asked for