If you are about to be interviewed for a new role, it means your application has been noticed, and you are one step closer to a successful job search, one step closer to successfully landing a job.
During most interviews, the critical questions that may come your way will probably be about salary expectations. This is when the situation becomes interesting in its own way, then you will realize that it creates opportunities for you to skillfully negotiate the terms and conditions of your employment, which includes salary negotiation. After all, salary negotiation is an element of the job search that you should be well prepared for.
Why Is Salary Negotiation Important?
It’s important to recognize that negotiating a salary is a normal part of the employment process and that recognizing the salary you deserve is an important part of advancing your career.
In certain situations, you might wonder whether negotiation is even an option or appropriate. Is it okay to negotiate a salary if you are an entry-level candidate? Is it okay to negotiate salary if your interviewer mentions “As you know, we’re considering many candidates” or “We have scheduled other candidates for an interview”?
You may get to that situation, which you may find difficult, but understand that negotiating your salary shows that you are well-prepared and value your own professional worth. So before getting to that interview – It’s crucial that you prepare.
Prepare that if you feel that your salary isn’t enough, you should feel empowered to negotiate in order to get what you deserve.
Six tips to help you negotiate your next salary like an expert:
1. Help them understand why you deserve what you’re asking for.
Along with knowing that your resume speaks for itself, take the time to list out at your meeting why you are worth the amount you are asking for. It is not enough to simply identify your unique skills or experiences, you must share your story in order for them to believe you are deserving of the salary you are asking for, it’s not enough for them to like you. They must also believe you are worth the salary you are seeking; they must give value to propositions that speak about you. You should start by outlining your expectations for the compensation rate and offering justification for why you believe you are deserving of the salary you’re asking for.
2. You are considering their offer, make it obvious!
Do your homework and understand the value of your role. It is reasonable to strongly play and assertively imply that you have leverage and that you have options for better terms and a better salary package at other places but make it clear that when you open the conversation about other job opportunities. You are simply justifying your worth, make it obvious that you are serious and excited about working for the employer. After all, no one will be impressed if you jump through the hoops of salary negotiation only to reject those options and accept other offers.
3. Expect tough questions, so be prepared.
Stay clear and confident. Being able to clearly demonstrate and outline that you are a valuable candidate is imperative. Often than not, most candidates face tough questions and end up losing their leverage to bargain the negotiation. To avoid the risk, you need to prepare for questions and issues that would put you on the defensive, make you feel uncomfortable, or expose your weaknesses. To increase your flexibility at the table, be prepared by gathering information to help you feel confident and justified in making your request, prepare to explain how you would add value to the company and why you are the most suited to fit the open position. Keeping your confidence throughout will help ensure that you come across as calm, professional, and worthy of the salary you are aiming for.
4. Think beyond the base salary and consider the whole deal.
Although finding a new job is the quickest way to increase your salary, there are other factors you can negotiate, perhaps even more easily than salary. There is more that goes beyond negotiating your compensation, but you should concentrate on the whole worth of the arrangement. Is the compensation being offered worth the duties, the location, the travel, the flexibility in working hours, and the chances for career advancement? Consider these other benefits that could replace salary if it is already fixed. However, whatever your expectations are, keep your long-term goal in mind. When it comes to negotiating, it’s not just about the money, it is about the long-term growth, personal satisfaction, and work-life balance that make your job valuable.
5. Look at negotiation as a two-way street
If an offer does not come when expected, do not be discouraged, do not express frustration or anger, and avoid any misunderstandings. Instead, look at the big picture and remain optimistic that the company will offer you after leveraging your value. Remember that negotiation should always begin with the value you can offer the company, negotiation is a two-way partnership. If they choose you, it means you are the best fit for the open position; if not, it simply indicates that you do not fully meet the job requirements. Though it may be tempting to call out reasons for disagreement, it is still a good practice to have rejections and experience setbacks so you can learn how to be successful in the next round. It’s a good practice to go back to the recruiter to get some details about why your offer was rejected, and they might still bring it back to life.
6. Hope for the best but expect the worst.
The final and most important point, know that you can negotiate like a pro and still end up losing. Salary negotiations offer no guarantees. Remember that your expectations may be unreasonable for others, just like what is not negotiable today may be negotiable tomorrow. Suppose you prepared and were completely ready for some level of negotiation, but it did not go your way; perhaps this is a result of an issue with flexibility or other factors. Don’t be disheartened. If you do not receive an offer, it may be in your best interest to walk away but keep in mind that, in addition to the value you offered for the company, there are other interests and constraints that influence the company’s decision-making, such as budget, recession, or other work-related considerations.
For the best-negotiating results, let our recruitment experts here at Supreme Talent negotiate for you, and leave the hard work for us.
Supreme Talent – Expertly Matched. Lasting Success.
