Negotiation of remuneration at the stage of employment to a new company is very important and not only in terms of the number on the account or standard of living. The initial salary will be a benchmark in the development of your further career in the organization and will certainly affect your subsequent increases. Starting too low can be a costly mistake. How to negotiate salary?
Get ready
Let’s start with the most important point, i.e. proper preparation. You should know that negotiations begin much earlier, even before they occur. So do your homework and get ready to talk.
First of all – think about how much you want to earn. Second – check the earnings offered by companies in your area and in similar positions. For this purpose, you can, for example, read the salary reports, check the pay range ads for similar positions or ask your industry friends what salary they think is reasonable for the proposed position. This will give you arguments for conversation, and by the way you will check how much you can afford in negotiations.
Ask for more than you actually want
It is now standard to ask for your financial expectations in the form of a number or a range when filling out the application form (or the first interview with the recruiter). It is good if you already specify a higher salary than expected at this stage, preferably 10-15%. The same applies to the range – the lower limit should not be too low, so that you can give this amount a minimal step (by the way I will tell you that it is better to give narrow ranges than wide).
Choose the right moment
Receiving an offer is the best time to negotiate a salary or more favorable employment conditions. Remember that the employer has previously reviewed the stack of CVs, conducted several meetings and finally chose you. In short, he has invested his time, so now the ball is on your side.
Prepare good arguments
If you have already gone uncharacteristic, you know how much money you earn in your specialization (and preferably with your employer), you already have the first argument. The next thing is your strengths. Prepare a list of your professional achievements, certificates and key skills. In addition, think about what you could do for the company to maximize its benefits.
Let’s be firm, but let’s not limit ourselves to the boss’s arguments
When we are ready to negotiate, let us remember to hear what the employer has to say. It may turn out that it is currently impossible to grant us a raise, e.g. due to the company’s financial problems. Let us not limit ourselves to reasonable arguments and proposals.
Let’s consider what can compensate for the lack of a raise
The employer can offer us non-wage benefits, such as private medical care, a sports pass or financing of postgraduate studies or courses. Let’s determine whether acceptance of such benefits will prove more profitable.
Let’s not forget about personal culture
It is not only what we say that matters. The way we convey messages is also very important. Let’s be firm during the conversation with the boss, but let’s not forget about good education and the specifics of the subordinate-superior relationship. This is important even if the company has a partnership relationship.
