How to Negotiate Your Salary for Your Next Job
Filed Under Career
One of the most exciting parts of getting a new job is finding out your new salary. However, instead of just accepting the salary that an employer offers you, you can actually negotiate for a better salary. Most employers expect some negotiation when it comes to salary, especially for management positions and above. If you are interviewing and expect a job offer, you should look over these tips for salary negotiation so you are prepared to ask for what you deserve.
Be sure that you are the only person that the company is considering for the position before you start to negotiate salary. If you are still among a group of top applicants, your request for a higher salary may knock you right out of the running. However, if you are the only candidate left the employer will be more willing to listen.
When you first get the salary offer, be sure to look over the offer carefully. If you receive it in written form, be sure to look at details about future raises and any bonuses that may be part of the package. In some cases, once you’ve evaluated the growth of the company and the entire package, you may not need to ask for a salary increase.
However, if you do want to counter with a different offer, be sure that you research the market and know what is possible for your position in your area. There are many online resources that will help you determine what your pay should be.
You should position your salary negotiation from your strengths. Decide whether you are better talking things out face to face or if you should do it over the phone. Alternatively, you could write down a proposal and deliver it to the company.
Don’t worry if your new employer immediately rejects your request for salary negotiation. You can ask about other benefits besides pay in order to compensate for the lower salary. You can negotiate telecommuting time, extra vacation days or a signing bonus. Alternatively, you can ask your employer if the issue can be revisited in six months once they can see your job performance.
If the salary they are offering is significantly lower than what you can live on, don’t be afraid to walk away. Although in this economy it seems like turning down a job is a death sentence, you would be surprised by how many employers will call the next day to offer you your requested salary. If you are the right candidate for the job, the employer may be willing to raise your salary after sleeping on the decision. Even if they aren’t willing to pay more, it’s much better to find a job that will pay you what you are worth than to be stuck in a job where you can’t make ends meet.
Salary negotiation is a complicated issue, but with preparation and practice you can get the salary that you want.
John Murray is owner of a cover letter website. If you’re looking for cover letter examples, tips, or help visit his website:
http://www.careergoldonline.com/cover-letter-examples.html
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