How to Negotiate a Higher Starting Salary

By: Unknown on 17:22

Even when you manage to find the job of your dreams, there is still the question of salary. Is it possible to negotiate a higher starting rate? Here are some suggestions to help you on the path to the last sell before entering the position.

Part 1. Preparing Yourself 

1) Overcome any reticence about asking for a higher salary.

2) Steel yourself. Think about it: If you don't ask, your future employer is not going to fill the gap for you––they're not mind readers, nor do they suddenly feel like upping a salary offer without being pushed to do so.

3) Be prepared for "no" as another possibility.

4) Treat this as a business transaction, because it is. 

5) Practice. If you're the sort who gets the jitters when asking for something and find this matter of salary negotiating even harder than attending the actual interview that won you the job, then spend time practicing asking. Stand in front of the mirror and out loud, give your reason for asking for more, the suggested figure and your reaction to possible questions, including rejection. 

Part 2. Building Your Case

1) Consider what makes you unique and valuable (apart from having been offered the position). Consider:

• your level and extent of experience in the field
• your educational background, including ongoing education and expected future education
• your ability to draw new clients or use your contacts/network

2) Do your research.Look for hard facts that back up your statements. Some important things to do are:

• Check salary guides (many exist online but ask at the local library if in doubt)
• Talk to your mentors and former bosses
• Talk to colleagues to see if they can point out skills that really stand out for them in their experience and ask who has demonstrated these skills in the past
• Talk with clients if relevant and get their feedback on your value

3) Know what final offer you will accept and what number you would truly love.

4) Be realistic and reasonable.

• Accept the fact that you have been given the job as an important part of your negotiation process. It's precisely what your future employer is thinking constantly and pushing too far can hurt your cause.
• Accept the reality that some companies can only afford so much before your "unique factor" is out of their league. Do bear in mind that even large, wealthy companies need to remain profitable by not bloating employee salaries to any ridiculous extent. Indeed, increasingly outrageous salary packages are viewed by a majority of citizens now as an unhealthy evolution in employment and the next decade will undoubtedly see reasonableness becoming a key element of salary determination, even for top CEOs.

Part 3. Making a Salary Counteroffer

1) Ask about the full compensation package to evaluate what areas to push for in your counteroffer.

2) Determine if you need more time or can make a counteroffer now.

3) Express your interest in the job

• For example, “I am really pleased that you have offered me the job and I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to your company”.

4) State your ideal salary with an acceptable range as your counteroffer.

5) Back up why you are giving a certain amount for an ideal salary and salary range. Let the recruiter know you did not just make up these numbers in your head.

• Explain that you have done research on acceptable salary ranges for the position in your area.
• Also explain where you believe you fit in this given range based on the value you bring to the company.
• Factors of why you feel you deserve your ideal salary could include:
  • Experience.
  • Education.
  • Skills.
  • Abilities.
  • Personality.

6) Stand firm and be confident to increase the chance of your counteroffer being accepted. 

7) Assure the employer that you want to settle on something to give them time to consider your counteroffer. 

8) End the request on a positive note, however it has been received by your future employer. Keep smiling––your friendly and easy-to-negotiate-with approach matters.

• Don't gush and thank them for considering it with oodles of superlatives. It sounds desperate.
• Never turn a "no" into a backlash, such as pointing out you know that everyone else in the new firm is getting paid heaps more than you, blah, blah. This is an invitation to withdrawing the job offer!

9) Get the offer in writing.

Tips: 

• Never play off one firm with another, especially where you don't really have another opportunity lined up (such as going back to your promotion-less existing job). The one you're negotiating with may drop you if you play favorites. Remember to compare, not threaten or brag that you've got better opportunities elsewhere.
• If asked what your current or past compensation looks like, it is okay to provide a range. For example, if you are making $45,000 as an annual salary you can tell your potential employer you are currently in the $40k-50k range. Try not to stretch the range too far, because it is important to know an accurate range for your position industry wide, and being dishonest could cost you the job.

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Good luck!))