Most employers expect candidates to negotiate salary when offered a job. Salary negotiations can help candidates get the compensation they deserve.
If you feel that the salary included in a job offer does not align with your education, skills, and experience, you should negotiate for greater compensation. Securing a higher salary helps support your desired lifestyle and lifetime earning potential. These suggestions can help.
Follow these guidelines to negotiate your salary and get the compensation you deserve.
Analyze the Value You Provide
Focus on your education level, licenses and certifications, skills, years of industry experience, and years of leadership experience. If any of these areas exceed the minimum requirements for the role, you may be able to negotiate a higher salary than the one offered.
Conduct Market Research
Use salary research tools from Indeed, Glassdoor, Salary.com, SalaryExpert, or the Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine an appropriate compensation amount for the job. Focus on the average salary for the job title and your experience level in the job’s geographic location. Then, use this data as a baseline for your salary negotiation and to justify your request.
Prepare Your Talking Points
Focus on why you believe you deserve a greater salary than the one being offered. Then, write down specific talking points to share with the employer. Include the following details:
- Your skills or certifications, especially if they are in high demand within your industry.
- Your years of industry experience, especially if it exceeds the minimum requirements.
- The quantifiable results you attained for previous employers, such as the awards you received, the goals you reached, or the revenue you brought in.
- The average salaries being offered by similar employers for similar positions.
Practice your talking points with a trusted friend. Developing what you want to say can help you gain confidence. Also, your friend can provide constructive feedback to improve your presentation.
Schedule A Salary Discussion
Set up a time with the hiring manager to negotiate your salary over the phone. During the call, confidently express gratitude for the job offer and what excites you the most about the role or company. Then, clearly communicate your salary requirements and reasons for the amount.
Include the job-related expenses you would incur if you accept the offer. Typical expenses involve relocation or commuting.
Request a salary at the top of your range. Then, if the employer negotiates, you should be able to agree on the compensation you are comfortable accepting. Remain open as you discuss your salary and work toward an agreement.
Be Flexible
If the employer cannot provide the salary you desire, they may be able to provide additional forms of compensation. Examples include a sign-on bonus, additional vacation days, or stock options. Securing any of these options can be at least as valuable as a higher salary.
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