Prove Your Worth First. Win the Salary Negotiation Later.
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
Use this powerful mindset shift to establish your value early and win big at salary negotiation later.
00:00 Introduction
00:24 When negotiating starts
01:29 Shiting the focus
01:55 What to do in the interview
02:47 Summary
03:05 Outro
Employer Branding Isn’t About Catchy Slogans
Today I want to talk with you about one of the most important parts of the job search process–salary negotiation. I’m Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter. People hire me for no BS job search advice and coaching globally, because I make the process so much easier for people.
Let me start by saying I’ve coached many professionals on negotiation strategies over the years. I’ve learned that everything you do to communicate your value occurs before the final negotiation even begins. It starts with your very first conversation with a recruiter or hiring manager. As soon as they ask about your salary expectations or requirements, you’re negotiating. And that’s your opportunity to frame yourself as an asset worth investing in.
Avoid simply throwing out a number, a number. Instead responded something like, “you know, I’ve only read the job description (or received the description of the role from the recruiter whichever the case might be). I haven’t met my future manager, the team or have a real sense of the role and responsibilities and the expectations. Can we discuss this later? I’m sure if we’re both interested in one another, we can find an agreement that reflects the value I’ll bring to the team. And by the way, can you tell me the salary range you have in mind?”
What that allows you to do is to defer and deflect until after you learn more. It also signals that you’ve event you’re evaluating them as much as they’re evaluating you. And thus it shifts the power dynamic and sets you up for better leverage later on. The key is to get them focused on your skills, experience and value right away, not dollar amount.
Then during the interview process, your goal is to consistently reinforce and expand upon the value you offer. Don’t just respond to questions. Tell compelling stories that show how you drove impact, exceeded goals, and you’ll do the same in this role. Ask smart questions about challenges they face and share relevant examples of how you solved similar problems. Come prepared with market data. But focus on proving your individual worth first and foremost.
By the time you get to the final negotiation, they should already want to hire you because immense value they see you contributing. They see you as the best option to help them. At that point. You’re simply discussing the investment they need to make to bring that value on board.
Accepting a lowball offer just because it fits their budget constraint undervalues everything you’re working to demonstrate. Negotiate fairly, but firmly using leverage created by showing why investing in you will pay off in the long run.
I hope you found this helpful. I’m Jeff Altman. Visit my website, TheBigGameHunter.us There was a ton in the blog to help you. Plus, you can schedule time for a free discovery call, schedule time for coaching, ask me questions through Trusted Advisor Services, find out about my video courses, books and guides. Again, there’s a lot there that will help.
Also, I want to remind you to connect with me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/TheBigGameHunter. My network tends to be a lot larger than most of yours and you’ll be able to reach out far more expansively plus get access to all the content I share. Have a terrific day and be great.
The Easiest Way to Negotiate a Higher Salary for Yourself
ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS Career Advice globally because he makes many things in peoples’ careers easier. Those
things can involve job search, hiring more effectively, managing and leading better, career transition, as well as advice about resolving workplace issues.
Schedule a discovery call at my website, www.TheBigGameHunter.us
He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2600 episodes.
Website: https://www.TheBigGameHunter.us (schedule a paid coaching session, a free discovery call or ask questions using my Trusted Adviser Services)
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