Salary negotiation is one of the most important conversations you will have while taking your first job. Having a good salary package and incentives motivates you to put in 100% of your efforts. Salary negotiation is a very important skill that will help you in the long term. It takes time to master this skill but following a few steps and practising will help you to get a better package. Here are a few tips you should keep in mind before negotiating with your hiring manager.
1.Keep Patience
Take it slow. Make sure you know what each part of your salary means before you talk about it. Don’t rush into saying yes or no to the job offer. Even if they want an answer quickly, it’s okay to ask for a day or two to think. Look at the numbers and see if they’re what you were hoping for. Do not hesitate to ask any doubts you have about salary breakup so you can take an informed decision.
2.Make sure you research thoroughly.
Before starting your salary negotiation, make sure you know the current pay standards in your industry. Understand what’s typical for your job, qualifications, and experience level. You can ask experienced people in your network or check websites like Glassdoor and Indeed for average pay scales. This information will help you justify your salary request when you write your negotiation email.
3.Practise with a trusted friend
Practice with someone you trust. It boosts your confidence and helps you see what you can do better. Try it with a friend who can give you good advice. You could also record yourself or talk in front of a mirror to practice. Consider joining a public speaking group and join a masterclass on public speaking which will improve your confidence. Once you step out of your comfort zone when the stakes are not high you can also experiment on how you can present yourself. This will ensure you won’t fumble in the main interview.
4.Get Your Key Points Ready.
Get ready to talk about why you think you should get a higher salary. Before you talk to your employer, think about these questions: Why do you believe you deserve more money than what they’re offering? Put together a few key points to discuss, and try to be specific. You could mention:
- Achievements from your past jobs, like goals you reached, money you made for the company, or any awards you got. If you can, use actual numbers.
- How many years you’ve worked in the industry, especially if you have more experience than they asked for.
- Any special skills or certifications you have, especially if they’re really needed in your field.
5.Be Confident
Be sure of yourself. How you speak during negotiation is just as important as what you say. When you’re confident, the employer will trust your feedback more. Remember, you’re bringing valuable skills and experience to the table, so your pay should reflect that. If you believe the initial offer doesn’t match your worth based on your research and personal value, have confidence in asking for more. Further, be mindful of your hand gestures, body language and tone of voice.Avoid looking nervous and keep eye contact.
6.Pay attention to what your employer has to say
Before you speak up, let them share their thoughts first. For example, they might tell you the salary they’re offering or explain why they can’t give you a raise. This gives you a chance to prepare your response and be ready for any outcome, even if it’s a “no.” So, remember, listening to your manager is just as crucial as making your own points during negotiations.
7.Showcase your skills and achievements.
When you’re starting out and discussing your salary, it’s key to explain why you’re worth more to the employer. You can talk about what you’ve achieved and how it benefited past employers. For instance, if you’re going for a job as a social media coordinator, you might mention a successful campaign you ran during an internship, including what you did, how you did it, and what happened as a result.
8.Never overlook the importance of being likable.
It might seem obvious, but it’s crucial: People will go the extra mile for you if they genuinely like you. Anything you do in a negotiation that makes you less likable decreases the likelihood that the other party will strive to give you a better offer. It’s not just about being polite; it’s about handling the tensions that naturally arise in negotiations. For instance, you want to ask for what you deserve without seeming greedy, point out flaws in the offer without coming across as petty, and be persistent without being annoying. Negotiators can avoid these pitfalls by assessing how others are likely to perceive their approach, perhaps through practice interviews with friends.
9.Avoid imposter syndrome
When you feel like you’re not good enough for a job, that’s called imposter syndrome. It’s crucial to know your skills and worth when you’re talking about salary. Showing confidence in your resume, cover letter, and interviews can stop you from downplaying your achievements because of imposter syndrome. Being sure of yourself can help you show off your talents.To overcome imposter syndrome, one should self reflect on all the success and accomplishment he/she has achieved over the years. Don’t underestimate your value and present your skills firmly.
- Ask Questions
To start the negotiation, ask questions to learn what the other person really needs and wants. Simple questions like “What’s most important to you?” can help you understand them better and find solutions that work for both of you. Don’t forget to remain calm and patient throughout the process because arrogance will have a negative impact on your profile. Keep in mind that your goal should be to reach a win-win situation.
11.Take a look at other factors that come with the job offer.
While salary is important, it’s not the only thing to consider when deciding on a job offer. Other benefits like insurance, allowances, and leave policies also play a big role in job satisfaction and can have long-term advantages. When negotiating, you can also consider other forms of compensation like flexible work hour which will improve your work-life balance. You can also ask for access to industrial conferences which will help you in building a strong network.
12.Keep a record of the discussion.
If you find yourself negotiating your salary over a phone call with HR, it’s crucial to follow up with an email requesting confirmation. Emails allow you to express your thoughts formally and politely. Additionally, you might overlook some important information during the call that could help justify your request. Sending an email also gives recruiters time to consider your request before responding, rather than having to reply immediately during the call.
Don’t be scared to ask what you deserve. Your current income will affect your future salary negotiations too. Do your research properly and show confidence. Consider all the aspects of the job and take an informed decision. Remember a well informed decision will help you in long term too. Best of luck!!
