Most job-applicants are normally aware what the financial implications of the job that they have been offered are. Negotiating a salary is for those who leave salary-equations to guess work and then find that the money offered is not really what they had in mind.
Salary negotiation is an aspect of job-searches that applicants don’t pay too much attention to. Their prime focus is on getting the job. They say that they are not worried about how much they are going to get paid as long as they can get their foot in the door and that they will work their way to higher salaries. No point in asking for a raise now, or negotiating a salary, they say.
This is the cardinal mistake most employees make. Companies don’t work that way. Never agree to a job at a salary lower than you know you are worth with the hopes or assurances of big raises in the future.
These are a set of basic principles of employment negotiations. Follow them to ensure that you are well compensated for your work and that what you give to the company and what the company gives you balance one another.
Do Your Pre-Interview Homework
Find out what other companies are paying for similar jobs. However, don’t use the information that you get as a standard yardstick to measure your potential workplace with. Salaries will differ with company size, economic conditions and availability or non-availability of qualified candidates in the market. Once you’ve put a value on your job, assess how much money you will need, to meet your monthly expenses and is the job meeting your requirements. If no, then look for another more appropriate opening.
Talking About Money Is An Art, Tread Carefully
Salary does not only mean the money that you will be paid, it also means the vacation time that you will be given, the sick leaves, and your signing bonus. Sometimes companies will make you sacrifice all these, for an increase in salary, so be very carefully whilst accepting offers, they hide more than they reveal.
Be Prepared:
Preparation is of the utmost importance when you are negotiating the terms of your employment. The more prepared you are the better your chances of success. Convince your recruiter that the quality and worth you will bring to the company is worth every extra dollar that they will pay you. Provide specific examples in your career where your work has made a difference to the company. Being prepared is the single most important thing for you to ensure that you get the best deal possible.
Don’t Be Vague: Be Specific When Asked:
During the initial talks, tell your recruiter exactly what you are expecting in terms of remuneration. Say something like, “I am expecting salaries in the $80,000 to $100,000 range, but am willing to negotiate for a job that really interests me.” This way, you will have made your options clear and also left the door open for negotiations. It is absolutely acceptable to ask whether you are in the right range for the opening.
A clear informed stance enables both the employer and the employee to move forward without wasting time.
Be Courteous:
Show the utmost courtesy and respect even if things are not going as planned. If the offer is well below your expectations, don’t just jump off your chair and say, thanks for wasting my time. Tell them you need time to consider their offer. They’ll get the message and probably make a better offer. Always thank the people for their time and for thinking you worthy of working for them.
Always keep in mind that the once the negotiations are over, you will have to work for them and your paths will cross on a daily basis. Your career progression could depend on them. You don’t want to proceed in a manner that tarnishes your image and they carry a rather cynical opinion of you, based on this encounter.
Be Unyielding But Not Obstinate:
If the company is unwilling to budge from their offer and are rigid about it, you too have the right to be firm. You can accept it in its form, as they are unwilling to change or graciously decline, thank them, shake their hands and leave. However, if there are negotiations on the table, don’t leave anything unsettled or unresolved. Discuss everything in the first sitting so that you can proceed to the next process of signing the contract and getting on with your job.
Never Lie, But Maneuver The Truth To Your Advantage:
Straightforwardness and truthfulness is imperative. If you lie during the negotiations, sooner or later you are likely to be caught. If your deceit is caught, you are branded for life and your name will be tarnished beyond repair. Your future growth will be undermined. This does not mean that you unburden everything about yourself, your addictions and bad habits. Just don’t lie or fabricate facts. It never pays.
Always Present A Professional Approach:
What you say and how say it during the negotiation process will remain entrenched in the memories of all those who interacted with you. A good impression now will come in handy throughout your working career here.
Employment negotiations are the preliminary meeting points with the company and its management. Don’t queer the pitch for they will set the tone for your future relationship. Settling for a low salary will mean you will continue to get little throughout your career. On the other hand if you push too hard, you may create an impression of being too over-ambitious and greedy – at worse they may even entertain thoughts about not employing you. How you handle negotiations, will determine how you will be perceived at the workplace.
