New Salary Negotiation Techniques
May 25th, 2012Salary negotiations have become a scary word in today’s job market. When jobs are scarce, many job seekers don’t feel comfortable trying to ask for a higher salary because they fear they will be turned down in favor of someone willing to take the job for less. While in some ways this is quite true, there are ways to put yourself in the best position.
- Check the numbers. In this world of constantly available information, the first thing you should do is check out the financial health of the company. Consider whether the company is growing or if it remains stagnant in the market. If the company isn’t able to pay a higher salary, the negotiations are moot.
- Prove your worth. You need to back up your own history of adding value to companies. Make sure to keep things very specific. Share how you saved your last company money or improved processes. Keep all of the positive reviews and feedback from your previous employer as well as vendors or customers who have constructive things to say about you.
- Keep your emotions in check. Money is often an emotional thing, but it is imperative that you don’t show it. Don’t get confrontational either. Put yourself in the decision maker’s shoes and try to see things from all sides. Once you let your emotions get the upper hand you are likely to lose the negotiations.
- Rehearse. Spend some time going over the possible conversation before you enter the negotiations. Consider all the potential objections and figure out the best way to respond to them. If you practice how to respond professionally and appropriately you will find yourself more in control.
- Ask the question. Previous advice on salary negotiations was to wait as long as you could to discuss money. It was believed that the first person who mentioned a number automatically lost the game. Don’t be specific but before you even consider interviewing for the position ask about the salary range. There is no obligation at this time. If the salary range is below what you want to make you can bow out of the rest of the process gracefully.
- Understand the numbers. Not only do you need to find out the salary range but you need to completely understand what it means. Just because you feel you are worth more than they can offer don’t assume they will make an exception. When you hear a salary range, your mind will often go directly to the top end, but the company sees it differently. They will take into consideration what you are currently making. If the overall range is within your personal salary requirements understand you may fall at the lower end of the scale.
Looking for some help for your next negotiation? Contact the employment experts at Gage Personnel for their advice.
