Have you heard the expression “If you do not have the salary you deserve, you get what you’ve been able to negotiate”? That is the harsh reality. Reflect for a moment about your current salary. How much do you earn? How much do you think you should earn in your next job? Remember: your negotiating skills play a key role in getting the salary you want and deserve.
Here are some tips to help you successfully negotiate your salary:
Have patience.
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Wage bargaining is tricky yet essential. Be prudent and do not make the mistake of bringing up this subject too early and in an overly aggressive manner. First, you need to know your situation perfectly. Does the company have an urgent and compelling need for a professional of your credentials? How badly do you want that job? Be certain of your objectives before you plan your approach.
Learn.
To conduct a successful negotiation, it is important that your case is based on data and facts, and not assumptions or vague statements. You need to know the reference wage for the specific function and job level, as well as the industry. Although it is not always easy to access the necessary data, these will ensure reasonable and realistic expectations and demands.
Be precise.
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If your goal is a high salary and above average benefits, you must have strong arguments and you must be able to demonstrate that you deserve these. Present facts and figures — such as instances of successfully concluded negotiations and commendable project leadership. In short, state everything that will prove that you’re a leader and that you’re of great value to the company. And make sure you say it explicit – that you want higher pay (or above average benefits, whatever the case may be).
Play fair.
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Contrary to what many people think, wage bargaining is not a war between the candidate and the company. Success is not based on stubbornness but in knowing how to combine professionalism, respect, and good negotiation skills. Keep in mind that the ideal outcome is that both parties reach a satisfactory figure. Knowledge of the needs of the company will give you a substantial advantage in negotiating. Find out about the work culture of the company because it will give you clues. Familiarize yourself with the wage policy. All these data will provide a very good starting point for negotiation.
Be realistic.
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Try putting yourself in the company’s position. Would you hire someone with your credentials for the same salary? Are your expectations realistic vis-a-vis the labor market situation, the workplace, and the industry? Never lose sight of the bigger picture.
The ability to negotiate is always important at work. Wage bargaining is an excellent opportunity for you to test your potential as a negotiator.
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