How to Negotiate your Salary

Julie Shenkman
Posted by in Career Advice


The key to salary negotiation is preparation. Don’t go into salary negotiations without knowing the facts. Be aware of your skills and all you have to offer a new employer. Once you’re confident with your skills, do a little research into your profession.

Research your market worth. Look on salary websites to figure out the basic range for your position. Also ask friends who may have similar positions as you. If you know the salary range for your job then you have an advantage in your salary negotiations. You will also know how high you can reasonably go.

Try not to talk about salary during the interview. Wait and gauge the interest the employer has in your background and personality. If the employer wants to proceed to the next level they will give you an offer.

Understand the employer’s view. An employer’s allegiance is to the company. They will try to find the best person to fill the position for the least amount of money. Unfortunately, this is how most employer’s think. They will usually state a salary range calculated for your position that will be in line with their budget.

If you feel like the offer is way below market rate, get out. Don’t waste time on employers that want to get a breadth of skills on the cheap. Look for good companies that understand the normal range of salaries. Once you find a company that’s willing to pay a normal salary for your position, you can push for a little more.

State your case. Yes employers have a budget. If you really want to negotiate for a higher salary you must state a very good case. Illustrate to the employer that your skills will be an asset to the company. Yes they will be paying more for your services up front, but in the long run you’ll be saving them money by working efficiently.

Don’t forget to balance the salary with the benefits. If an employer offers you a salary that is lower than expected, ask what benefits are being offered. Some companies pay the full amount of insurance premiums. Add that number to your salary. Does the company provide perks such as free lunch or a free gym membership? Add those costs to you salary.

If the benefits raise your salary to an acceptable level, think about the offer. Will you be happy in the position? Is there a chance for promotions or other career growth in the company? How is the working environment? Do other employees seem happy? These are all questions you need to ask when considering an offer. You don’t want to jump from job to job. Take the time to review your options before taking the big leap.

About the Author:

Review more industry related articles by Catherine Zandueta at CareersandEducation.com. Catherine Zandueta is a feature writer and often covers topics related to Campus Degree Programs and Career advice.

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  • Cornelia B M.
    Cornelia B M.

    Thank you for your advices and will keep it in mind

  • Aregawi T.
    Aregawi T.

    Thanks I’m mores interesting working

  • Aregawi T.
    Aregawi T.

    Thanks

  • Sandra R.
    Sandra R.

    Wow! Very wise thank you for advise Julie

  • Robert C.
    Robert C.

    Thank you advice

  • Antoinette B.
    Antoinette B.

    Awesome FYI! Thank You.

  • Kevin R.
    Kevin R.

    Thank you

  • Phyllis A.
    Phyllis A.

    very excellent advise1!!!!

  • Josamas I.
    Josamas I.

    Thank you....

  • Nancy V.
    Nancy V.

    Thank you for taking the time to explain the process

  • Amy K.
    Amy K.

    Thanks

  • ANAS M.
    ANAS M.

    Thanks

  • Yer K.
    Yer K.

    Thank for the detail information to my curiosity

  • Carlos O.
    Carlos O.

    Thank’s

  • Perla S.
    Perla S.

    GoodsuggestionAppreciatedmuch🙏😘

  • Zobi F.
    Zobi F.

    Thanks

  • Zobi F.
    Zobi F.

    Thanks

  • Connie M.
    Connie M.

    Thanks!

  • MICHAEL DEANGELO R.
    MICHAEL DEANGELO R.

    Desired salary/underlining employees payment status agreements

  • Hassan M.
    Hassan M.

    So, I will make my desired salary empty

  • Jason  S.
    Jason S.

    I would also agree to best underlining information

  • Roberto F.
    Roberto F.

    Thanks

  • Gerald S.
    Gerald S.

    This is a very good advice on accepting offers from employers but sometimes you just find yourself in a mess when you accept an offer on the promise that in future your salary will increase and nothing is being done afterwards

  • paul w.
    paul w.

    Woo I that that was great

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Mary S thanks for your comment. Certainly you can always ask for an increase in your salary. Do you have an annual review? That would be the best time to ask. But, if you don't get reviewed, you can request to have a sit down meeting with your supervisor to discuss this. Have all of your documentation ready and do your homework. Don't just go in asking for or demanding a raise. But go to your supervisor with a list of your accomplishments as well as what you do on a daily basis and let him/her know that you feel that you deserve a raise. When asked what you were thinking about, be prepared with an offer - such as a 4% raise or a dollar amount. If the answer is no to a raise, ask for a meeting in 6 months to review this again and get a bump in your pay.

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