One of the key factors when entering salary negotiations is knowing what to say and how to say it. Salary discussions can either lead to a mutually satisfactory conclusion – or break down irretrievably. In essence, successfully negotiating your potential salary means investing in yourself and the value you will bring to the table. However, it can be uncomfortable for most of us to advocate for ourselves and discuss income during a new job offer interview.
The first step is to do your homework. Determine the correct salary range for your position, industry, geographical area, and experience. By arming yourself with these facts, you can better speak up for yourself more confidently.
But more than being armed with figures may be needed because salary discussions sometimes go according to plan. This article shares some scripted examples of what to say when negotiating your salary and valuable tips on counter job offers.
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Salary negotiations can be awkward and uncomfortable, especially since interviewing for a new job is inherently stressful. We might be worried about the following:
It’s fair to worry about these things, but don’t allow it to stop you from negotiating a competitive salary.
Make a good impression on the hiring manager during the interview. It can facilitate a more relaxed and effective way to ease into the dreaded salary discussion. Here are some valuable tips that will help:
Be confident when describing how your abilities and experience can benefit your potential employer. Possessing self-assurance will impress the interviewer and make a positive impact which, in turn, could help to make the salary bargaining process more relaxed and less stressful.
The entire purpose of interviews is to provide you with a forum where you can discuss and highlight your achievements, professional experience, and the expertise you’ve gained from prior employment. Give particular examples of your abilities and past accomplishments.
As mentioned above, research the current salary range for the new position you’re applying for. Companies often determine compensation based on what other organizations pay their employees in comparable positions.
Wanting more money is an apparent reason to negotiate a better salary. Still, you might also consider more focused reasons, including:
Knowing what motivates you to have this conversation will help you remain focused and composed.
We all have moments where we second-guess ourselves and feel less than self-assured. Even while it may seem safer to talk yourself out of negotiating, doing so is almost as bad as having the interviewer reject your request. Give yourself a chance to express what you want. If you don’t ask, the response will always be “no.”
It may seem like asking for a favor when requesting the salary you want, but it’s not! You have the right to ask to be paid what you deserve as an employee. Negotiate with clarity, professionalism, and confidence. Don’t feel guilty about asking for the money.
Anxiety or uncertainty can cause some of us to speak without pausing to catch our breath. Take your time when discussing salary. Explicitly state what you require and refrain from filler words and phrases like “I mean,” “like,” and “you know.” Concentrate on one thing at a time, and pause for a breath before you speak.
Remember that negotiating a salary is a common and sometimes necessary progression in the hiring process. Keep sight that the aim is to be fairly compensated for your skills and experience.
Here are some sample alary negotiating scripts that you can use in a variety of situations:
Once you’ve received a firm offer, your counteroffer will be based on four main factors:
“I had a figure of $67,000 in mind. That sum would align with the skills and experience required for this particular role.
If you’ve received a competing offer:
“Thank you for your offer. As I mentioned in my previous interview, I’ve been speaking with a number of other companies. Still, I’d be delighted to accept the job if you could possibly match the amount I’ve been offered.”
When thinking about changing jobs, you are entitled to apply for several jobs simultaneously and may receive various offers. It’s acceptable to mention other salary offers from competitors as a negotiating strategy.
You: “I appreciate your offer; however, I’ve been interviewing for other jobs and have already been made a better offer of $84,000. Could you revise your offer to meet that amount?”
It’s not in your best interests to disclose your present salary. If the interviewer can’t use your current salary as a starting point for negotiations, you could possibly receive a higher opening offer. Furthermore, if you’re asked what you’re currently earning, this could indicate that they intend to pay as little as possible to get you at a bargain rate. They’re fishing, so don’t take the bait.
Recruiter: How much are you currently making?
You: I’m not comfortable with providing that information. I prefer to concentrate on the value I can bring to this organization.
Recruiter: What do you anticipate earning?
You: I’m anticipating that this job will be a substantial improvement for me in terms of salary and taking on new challenges.
Never forget that your talent is valuable and that you should be rewarded for it. Learning to negotiate for the salary you’re worth is a crucial skill that will have a significant impact on your future.
