Once you’ve made it past the initial interview and you become one of the top candidates for a job opening, you’ll probably have to start talking salary. Negotiating salary – an important part of your new job – can be stressful and downright awkward. Follow these tips to get the pay you deserve and make the process go smoothly:
- Research salary in your industry. Use websites such as Glassdoor.com to determine what other companies (competitors) are paying employees at your level. Determine market value for yourself and your experience. Don’t forget that you can negotiate other things, too, such as bonuses, benefits, flextime, and professional development opportunities.
- Delay negotiations until you have the job offer. Many people are afraid to start talking about potential salary before a job offer because they don’t want to lose the job opportunity. When asked about salary during the interview process, tell the employer that it’s not about money for you – it’s about finding a job that’s the right fit, and details can be worked out later in the hiring process. You could also ask what was budgeted for the position to determine what you should ask for.
- Ask. Don’t demand a specific number right out of the gate, instead, show the employer why you deserve the salary you propose. Bring up past accomplishments, experience, etc. Then, let the employer throw out the first number.
- Consider cost of living in your area. Some professionals in your field might make significantly more than your offer, and it may be because cost of living is higher in their geographic area. When researching salary, keep in mind that location affects salary, too.
Although you might feel like you have less room to propose a better salary at a new job because of today’s market, it doesn’t mean you should undervalue yourself. Know what you’re worth, do your research and show the company why you deserve it. What other tips do you have for job candidates going into salary negotiations?
