Most workers aren’t comfortable asking for higher pay when they’re moving to a new job and have an offer in front of them. Perhaps, most don’t want to jeopardize the opportunity if the salary seems reasonable. After all, the job hunting scene is also not easy to navigate. But remember, if you have specialized skills and a good track record, there’s no harm in negotiating an offer. Here are a few helpful tips which can assist you in tactfully negotiating the salary you desire.
Get to Know Salary Trends in Your New Role
Before you begin negotiations, you must have already done your research on the compensation landscape in your field of expertise. Do salary comparisons on your role and experience levels in your area. Apart from researching pay scales on websites online like Glassdoor or Salary, you can network and ask former or current employees. You can negotiate more confidently if you stay informed.
Highlight Strengths to Show Why You Deserve More
Avoid throwing a higher number when you’ve received the offer for a new job. Instead, explain why you deserve more by highlighting your skills and strengths. Build your case by pointing out the benefits the team will get with your track record. Provide concrete examples such as seminars attended, certifications, specialized workshops, and significant contributions in your previous work. All of this will show how your experience will boost the company’s bottom line. This will help you build a solid case for why you are worth more.
Factor in Benefits and Other Company Perks
Most people focus only on salary figures and bonuses. This is a big mistake because other elements can be negotiated to make you feel appropriately compensated other than monetary value. For instance, instead of giving you a higher pay grade, the employee may be more amenable to giving you the following:
- Extra vacation days
- Flexi hours
- Work-from-home days
- Health insurance coverage
- Retirement savings plans
- Career development opportunities with certifications
Assess the terms on the table so you can carefully weigh the job offer. Although the company may be unable to give you a significant salary increase, the positions could come with more perks and benefits.
Establish a Connection with the Person Doing the Negotiations
If you want to confidently ask for better pay, it would help establish a personal rapport with the person you’re communicating with. Although you may have limited exposure to that person doing the negotiations, try your best to develop some personal connection since this would make them feel more empathetic to your situation. Do your homework and check LinkedIn profiles to find out what makes the person tick. You can also observe their office to look at pictures or potential hobbies, so you have something to bond over. A successful negotiation starts by knowing your audience.
Practice Your “Spiel” Before the Negotiation Starts
As the famous adage goes, practice makes perfect. If you want to appear more confident as you negotiate, practice what you intend to say. Have several scenarios in your head with the hiring manager. You can also practice with a friend or mentor. This will help you answer any unexpected questions and project more confidence as you speak about your salary. Money conversations may be uncomfortable, but with practice, you can nail it and negotiate a good salary that would make you happy.
Featured image courtesy of Pexels/Sora Shimazaki
