Salary Negotiation Tips

Negotiating your salary can be a tricky art; however, early preparation can be the key to success in getting the salary you want. Below are 6 tips to help you in your negotiation process.

Before The Interview
Do your homework. Know what’s important to you before you start your interview. Prioritize things like money, more responsibility, work/life balance, shorter commute, and office culture. Also, a salary calculator can provide salary information based on your education and experience levels.

When & How To Talk About Money
Many companies have salary ranges budgeted for specific positions within the company. It is rare to have exceptions to theses budgets. Sometime the only flexibility is with items other then salary. Some alternatives to money are an early review date, or extra vacation time.

Be Prepared
Be ready to have to convince the recruiter that you are worth the amount that you are asking for. One of the best and easiest ways to do this is to give specific examples of how you will bring benefit to the company.

Be Upfront
When you are asked about your compensation requirements, be up front and let the recruiter know actually where you stand. You can even ask if you’re in the correct range for the position, this is important to know so that both parties can make an informed decision about moving forward without wasting anyones time.

Be Respectful
When presented with an offer that is lower than what you hoped, it is important to always thank the presenter. You can then ask if there is any flexibility. This can mean with the actual salary or with an alternative such as extra vacation or maybe a work from home option. Regardless of your answer, always take some time to consider the offer.

Be Firm
If you are presented with an offer from a company with no flexibility, you have 2 choices. (a) accept it as is, or (b) politely refuse it and walk away. If the company is flexible, agree on all details in one conversation and get them in writing.

Above All, Be Professional
It is best not to burn any bridges when you are interviewing/negotiating a position with a company. Your actions during this process will be remembered by everyone involved long after you’re hired.