You’ve received that all important job offer, however, you’d like to negotiate the salary. This can be a tricky process as there is always the risk of losing the offer altogether to another candidate.
The following key tips from Webrecruit look at how you can negotiate your pay packet when you don’t want to settle for what’s being offered.
1. Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Time
Of course, you don’t want to make the employer wait too long for an answer, but if you aren’t sure about the salary it’s completely normal to take a couple days to consider.
2. Resell Yourself
Remind the employer why they offered you the role in the first place. Whether it’s your skill-set, or experience in a particular industry, when you’re trying to negotiate a better salary you need to justify your worth.
3. Understand the Company’s Position
Think about the aspects of the company that you will be adding value to. It’s important to not only show your worth but also how this resonates within your role at the business. Show what you can do for them in relation to their objectives, to give reason for a negotiation.
4. Avoid Jumping Straight In
If you’re interested in the role but the salary needs some discussion, try to be patient. If you jump straight in to talk numbers before you’ve been on the phone to the recruiter for five minutes, it can come across slightly abrasive.
5. Don’t Sell Yourself Short
If you feel that the salary offered really isn’t suitable for your skills or talent, then don’t just accept it. If your abilities are what other employers are currently looking for, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be earning at least the market rate.
6. Be Professional
Although it may sound obvious, you must remain professional. If you’re looking at negotiating a high salary, focus on being polite and honest with the recruiter. For example; “I’m thrilled that you have made this offer to me, is now a good time to discuss the package?” – this not only puts you in good stead, but sounds a lot better than “That’s ridiculous, and is way out of my pay range”.
Avoid at all times coming across as arrogant or condescending, as your job offer may be quickly retracted.
7. Research and Prepare
Negotiating an offer with little to no preparation won’t come across as genuine, and it will be clear that you haven’t done your research. Develop an understanding of market rates, and consider the salary you are looking for against your own skill-set and experience.
8. Look at Feasibility
Be realistic with the amount that you may be suggesting – look at what’s being offered, and think about the type of business the job is with. Are they corporate, a small business, or a non-profit organisation? This can affect their flexibility on salary offerings. Be truthful, ask if there is flexibility and you can then find a starting point.
9. Make Sure They are Serious
If the company is serious about hiring you, this gives you enough room to start negotiation. It may be that they ask what you are currently earning, or the company may provide a figure first. Either way, build as much rapport as you can and ensure you are definitely in the running before talking numbers.
One of your objectives at this stage is winning that offer. But, what the employers really want to hear is that you can get the job right, let alone coming to an agreement on a salary. Your main goal is to show that you are the right person for the job, and even if they already know that you have what it takes, this needs to be shown consistently throughout the negotiation phase.
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