Are you on the job hunt and getting ready to negotiate some offers? Or are you frustrated with your current salary and ready to up your game? Whatever position you’re in, knowing how to negotiate your salary like a pro is absolutely essential. Negotiating a salary can feel pretty intimidating, but if you have a plan, you do the research and you’re confident in your worth and what you can bring to the table – you’ll be good to go. Still nervous? No worries….here’s a look at some tips that will get you through the process like a rock star.
How to Negotiate Your Salary Like a Pro
Know exactly what you want before you start the negotiation process. Having a plan is a pretty significant step in the process and knowing what you want is half the battle. Before you go into a negotiation, make a list of your must-haves, the things you absolutely will not budge on. For some that’s a certain salary, but for others it’s anything from healthcare to vacation time. Whatever it is, know your bottom line.
Don’t be afraid to strut your stuff. Using previous projects or a portfolio of your work can help give a prospective employer a much clearer picture of why you’d make a great asset to the team. Offer to give the hiring manager a presentation or even offer a sample project. Concrete examples go a long way when it comes to showing your value.
Be transparent about other offers you have on the table. Leveraging other offers is a key piece of the puzzle when it comes to gently putting the pressure on. Making it clear that you have a decision to make will help sweeten the deal.
If you’re looking to negotiate your current salary…in other words, get a raise…book some face time with your supervisor to talk about it. Having an open and honest conversation goes a long way – rather than having Human Resources relay a message. It will be tough – but you can do it!
Be realistic by knowing the market. Doing your research on salaries in your market is essential for knowing what to aim for. Having concrete information about median salary information is also a huge bargaining chip if you’re trying to negotiate a raise in your current position. Do the homework – you may even find that you’re undervaluing yourself, something you definitely want to watch out for.
Don’t be afraid to go back to the hiring manager with adjustments to their offer. Just because someone makes you an offer, doesn’t mean you have to take it as is. You have every right to politely go back and let them know exactly what your needs are – after all, they want happy employees. No matter what isn’t sitting right with you – holidays, vacation time, salary etc. – there is nothing wrong with asking. And remember: everything is negotiable!
Have you had to negotiate your salary? How did it go?
