When applying for a job, salary negotiations are often inevitable. However, even if you are dissatisfied with your current salary, a negotiation might be on the horizon. Stepstone.at, a workplace portal, has compiled the top 8 tips on how to maximize your earnings. To assist you in navigating the challenging terrain of salary negotiations with comfort and confidence, here are 8 tips for negotiating the best deal for yourself and increasing your income.
Know your worth
Undervaluing or overestimating your market worth can occur unexpectedly. Hence, the initial crucial rule is to recognize your own value within the department and the overall company for the desired position. Determine the appropriate compensation for the position you are applying for or transitioning within the company.
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Create a practical wish list complete with not only salary expectations but also potential bonuses like a company car, a relocation package, or meal vouchers. However, it’s equally important to establish your boundaries and where you are willing to compromise in the negotiation process.
Prepare convincing arguments for salary negotiation
Examine your qualities meticulously, considering both professional expertise and character attributes. Well-supported arguments can play a pivotal role in achieving success during salary negotiations. Merely requesting a higher salary may appear unprofessional and lack persuasiveness. If negotiating salary for a new position, ensure that your professional experience in a comparable role is duly recognized.
Don’t be afraid of the salary discussion
While discussions about money may not typically faze you, you might find yourself getting a bit nervous when your boss sits down in front of you. However, there’s no need to panic as long as you enter the interview well-prepared, knowing what you want. Now, it’s crucial to understand the other party’s perspective.
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This is an opportune moment to be forthright about your desired salary. Since the other party’s negotiation strategy might involve attempting to lower your salary expectations, it’s important not to undersell yourself. Keep in mind: you don’t receive what you don’t request.
Endure the silence instead of giving in too quickly
Superiors may not always agree immediately with your entire wish list. However, it’s crucial to remember that this is a normal part of the negotiation process. You have a specific salary in mind and a set of supporting arguments. If needed, reiterate your reasons for a higher salary, maintaining a respectful and composed tone. Additionally, be prepared to endure moments of awkward silence from the other party. Rapid capitulation in tense situations is often a common factor contributing to the failure of a salary increase negotiation.
Do not conduct unnecessary negotiations
In various industries and companies, salaries are determined solely based on fixed salary levels. If the company asserts that the salary is non-negotiable, it is advisable not to invest time in negotiations.
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As a general practice, it is recommended to discuss salary matters with your permanent employer once a year. Depending on the circumstances, revisiting the topic a second time may be acceptable, but it’s essential to be mindful of limits. In all decision-making processes, maintain a perspective that aligns with the goal of sustaining long-term collaboration with the team, the company, and potentially, under the leadership of the current manager with whom you are negotiating. For a negotiation to be truly promising, it’s also crucial to consider the ideal timing for seeking a raise.
Sleep on it
Even if your counterpart anticipates an immediate response, it’s important to take your time. Specifically, if you’re uncertain about the negotiation outcome, request time to think. Allowing yourself a good night’s sleep can provide the distance and perspective necessary, especially when facing a salary offer directly with your application and still harbouring uncertainties.
Train your insecurities at home before the salary negotiation
Enlist the assistance of your partner, a family member, or a friend to play the role of the supervisor who doesn’t provide an immediate response to your proposal. This approach allows you to put the negotiation tips into practice and refine your skills. The practice sessions can help you apply the tips more effectively in real negotiations.
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Through this exercise, you may discover additional arguments or potential compromises. Thorough preparation plays a crucial role in the success of a salary negotiation. Revisit the rationales behind your salary request, consider various scenarios, and plan your responses in advance. This preparation will boost your confidence and enable you to react appropriately during the actual negotiation.
Establish clear salary agreements for the future
Prior to accepting a salary offer, it’s crucial to inquire about the frequency at which your salary can be adjusted. Furthermore, ensure that all agreements are documented in writing, providing clarity and avoiding ambiguity. There’s nothing more frustrating than encountering different interpretations of the same salary agreement later on, necessitating a restart of the negotiation process.