Salary Negotiation Tips (How to Get a Better Offer)

Salary Negotiation Tips (How to Get a Better Offer)Salary Negotiation Tips (How to Get a Better Offer)Before you even begin salary negotiations with a prospective employer, you need to find out how much the job is worth and how much your skills and experience are worth to the employer. Take the time to research salaries long before you even begin discussing pay. That way you will be prepared to make your case and land a job offer thats realistic and reasonable. What Are Salary Negotiations? Salary negotiations involve discussing a job offer with a prospective employer to negotiate a salary and benefits package thats in line with the market (and hopefully, that meets or exceeds your needs). The most productive salary negotiations occur between people who realize that they have a common goal to get the employee paid appropriately for their skills and experience. Negotiations neednt be adversarial, and no one has to get aggressive. If youre a reluctant negotiator, it might help to keep in mind that youre on the same side. Negotiations can include all aspects of compensation, including salary, bonuses, stock options, benefits, perks, vacation time, and mora. Salary Negotiation Tips Wait for the Appropriate Time Once you know what you should be earning, how do you go about getting it? Start by being very patient. When interviewing for a new position, do your best elend to bring up compensation until the employer makes you an offer.Resist Throwing out the First Number If youre asked what your salary requirements are, say that they are open based upon the position and the overall compensation package. Or tell the employer youd like to know more about the responsibilities and the challenges of the job prior to discussing salary. Base Your Salary Request on Data If youre forced to give a number, provide a salary range based upon the research youve done up front. Use this research to inform your negotiating technique. Talk about whats appropriate for the role, b ased on your experience and what you have to offer. Resist the temptation to talk about your personal financial needs.Take Your Time Once youve received the offer, you dont need to accept (or reject) it right away. A simple I need to think it over can get you an increase in the original offer. Consider Saying No If youre ambivalent about the position, a no can bring you a better offer too.But Dont Decline a Job That You Want or Need Be careful though if you do need that new job, theres a risk that the employer may accept youre declining the position and move on to the next candidate.Negotiate Benefits Consider whether there are employee benefits and perks that might be negotiable, even if the salary isnt. Salary and Paycheck Calculators When youre considering a job offer, its important to know the bottom line how much your net pay will be. You can use free salary and paycheck calculators to estimate how much youll bring home in your paycheck Negotiating a Raise Prepare If y ou are currently employed and want a raise, start by being prepared. Gather your salary survey information, average raise data, recent performance appraisals that document the job youre doing, and any other relevant information. Be aware of company policy regarding compensation. Some employers are limited by budget constraints and can only give raises at certain times of the year, regardless of the circumstances.Have a Clear Idea of What You Want Determine the salary range youre looking for and the justification for the increase and have both ready to review with your supervisor. Be Flexible Would you consider an extra couple of weeks of vacation instead of a raise? I know someone who has regularly taken time-off instead of money and now has six vacation weeks a year.Request a Meeting With Your Supervisor to Discuss Salary Present your request, supported by documentation, calmly and rationally. Dont ask for an immediate answer. Your boss is most likely going to have to discuss it wi th Human Resources and/or other company managers. Despite your best efforts, there may simply not be enough money in the budget to increase your salary or compensation package offer. The company may also not want to create inequities by paying one person more than others in a similar position. In that case, you can at least know you tried. Plus, if this is a job you really think that youre going to love, consider whether the company culture, the benefits, and the job itself are worth it regardless of the salary.