1. Do your research
Salarium.ch has a “salary wizard” that allows users to enter a job category, experience and match it to a location. The wizard then generates a salary report with wage, bonus, and benefits information.
If relocation is a possibility, spend some time researching what your current or potential salary is worth in the new location. Moving.com has a “salary calculator” tool where users can enter a salary, then receive a report on how much they will need to earn in a new location. The cost-of-living varies widely from city to city, so, it’s important to know the purchasing power of your paycheck.
It’s important to note that the employer is paying you for your qualifications and for the job you will do. With that in mind, you will need to be able to support your negotiations with information on what the job is worth at a fair market rate with consideration of your salary history. They aren’t going to be willing to pay you more just because you are you!
Research will also help you determine if there’s room for negotiation. The best way to determine whether a job offer is negotiable is to conduct as much research on the job and company as you can. You don’t have to say “yes” right away. Request some time to consider, and then collect as much data as you can. Use sites like Payscale and Glassdoor to research what the job—and you—are worth.
If you know someone at the company, ask if they would be able to help you consider the offer. You can also ask if they are able to give you any insight into the company’s compensation policies and practices.
2. Remember it’s OK to ask
You may not feel comfortable asking for more money, but that doesn’t mean it’s not okay to ask. It’s better to ask the question than wonder if you could have negotiated a better offer. For example, a candidate was offered a terrific comp package by her dream employer. Even though she would have taken the first offer, she inquired as to whether there was any flexibility. The company offered her more base pay and a bonus. If she hadn’t asked, she wouldn’t have known there was room to make a better deal.
So, in the best case, your future employer will see it as a sign of good business sense plus give you raise. In the worst case, they say no. They will never take your offer or your job away for asking.
3. Get creative with what you ask for
Be aware of gender or other differences. Taking the time to research salaries will help you learn if this is a role where women or minority groups may traditionally be paid less. If it is, there may be a chance to get more. Be creative when countering, if the base salary isn’t negotiable, perhaps bonuses, benefits or a commitment for a future raise may be.
4. Prepare for the pitch
Be informed and prepared to make a pitch. When discussing a job offer with an employer, be ready to explain why you’re worth a higher salary. You can share the data you have collected, remind the hiring manager of your credentials, and reiterate your ability to help the organization succeed.
5. Keep it positive
When the job offer is much lower than you anticipated, keep any negative thoughts you might have to yourself. Don’t demand more money. Even if you get it, it may cause hard feelings. If it’s so low that you know you won’t take it, it’s fine to mention that the offer wasn’t what you expected. Thank the employer for the offer, and move on. They may even come back to you with the offer you wanted. Know your worth! Know what you want, and stick to it. You deserve that.
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