By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
I’ve spoken with experts to get seven good recommendations for negotiating salary, whether you’re looking for a new job or want better compensation or benefits at your present one.
I spoke with experts to get seven good recommendations for negotiating salary, whether you’re looking for a new job or want better compensation or benefits at your present one.
If you’re starting with a new company, the first thing you should think about is whom you’re attempting to influence and develop a script for how you’ll approach the conversation.
Imagine we go in and decide that we can wrap our voice around $65,000 per year. However, when it comes time to express it, there is a pause. We can prevent certain common mistakes by scripting them out, such as giving a range. I’m hoping for a number between 60 and 70 [thousand], with 65 being the midpoint. ‘How about 60?’ responds the opposite side right away.”
Doing your homework lets you anticipate what the employer’s main concerns will be and how you will address them.
Most people exaggerate their flaws while underestimating their strengths. You can go into a meeting with as much confidence as you can muster by compiling a list and being prepared, sharing it with a friend, and being objective.
Here are seven suggestions for getting the most out of a salary negotiation conversation:
1. Think about whom you’re trying to persuade. For example, will you negotiate through Human Resources or directly with your (future) boss? Consider speaking with your manager first if you have to go through your company’s HR department. They may be able to help you with your negotiations, or at the very least, bolster your claims for why you should be paid more.
2. Prepare your argument in advance. Negotiation sessions are frequently damaged by your emotions, especially when you’re advocating for a favorable result. Emotions can make or break a decision. You can avoid making rash decisions or answers by scripting your responses ahead of time.
3. Recognize the big picture as well as the opposing viewpoints. When you’re drafting your script, think about what your boss will say. Try to anticipate what your boss’s issues might be.
4. Arrive at the meeting on time. The quickest way to get off to a bad start in an interview is to arrive late. If you’re meeting virtually, test your Zoom, Teams, Meet, WebEx, or other platforms ahead of time. If you have any problems before the interview, make sure to inform everyone involved.
5. Establish a good working relationship. The importance of chit-chat cannot be overstated. It lubricates dialogue and establishes chemistry. Smile, maintain an open posture, ask questions, demonstrate genuine interest, refrain from interrupting, and try to mimic words and behaviors.
6. Demonstrate your trustworthiness. When negotiating for better perks or money, it’s critical to demonstrate your expertise, abilities, and dependability, as well as why you’re deserving of what you’re asking for. Discuss your accomplishments over the last year, or use examples from references or testimonials.
7. Don’t just talk about one thing at a time. For example, assume your ultimate goal is to make more money. Is it possible to have the transportation fees covered instead? Alternatively, you might take advantage of additional PTO days. Negotiating over a single point can quickly devolve into a zero-sum game, so keep your alternatives open with your boss.
Remember, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Despite what you may believe about being a “good girl” or “good boy,” without asking for more money is unlikely that you’ll get it. After all, they don’t know that you want more!
Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2021
ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter is a career and leadership coach who worked as a recruiter for more than 40 years. He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with more than 2100 episodes. He also hosts Job Search TV on YouTube, Amazon and Roku, as well as on BingeNetworks.tv for Apple TV and him 90+ smart sets.
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I have many more videos about salary negotiation that you can watch on YouTube including The Easiest Way to Negotiate a Higher Salary for Yourself
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