How to Negotiate the Hourly Rate at a New Job

Consider all your skills when negotiating your wages.

After several interviews, you find yourself face-to-face with a company representative who offers you an hourly position. Your excitement diminishes when you hear what the company is willing to pay. The buck does not necessarily stop there. It's possible to negotiate a higher hourly starting rate. Getting your prospective employer to up the ante requires skill and diplomacy. Preparation is imperative for a successful salary negotiation.

Things You'll Need

• Market data

Instructions

1. Do your homework. Most employers know the market rate for a position and so should you. During the interview process, ask for a job description. Research similar positions online at sites such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to gain information on starting wages. Call up some job recruiters and inquire about hourly rates for similar positions.

2. Review your skill set and experience relative to the position. A good strategy is to prepare a list of all the reasons why your background is an exact match to the job description. If you've obtained awards or specific recognition from other employers, consider those accolades and add them to the list.

3. Expand the list by recalling how you performed in the past. The point of this exercise is to gather all the reasons why a company should increase the opening offer. Negotiations are more likely to be successful when a candidate proves that he exceeds all the qualifications of a particular position. Companies may consider a salary increase once you show you're a high achiever.

4. Begin the negotiation with confidence. Upon receiving the offer, graciously thank the individual conducting the interview. Show your appreciation by indicating that you value the consideration and look forward to a successful working relationship. Explain that you find the wage on the low side considering your skills and experience level. Politely ask if she's willing to increase the offer.

5. Present your views on your stellar work ethic, your reliability and your past accomplishments. If you've adequately prepared for this discussion, you should feel comfortable in the negotiation. Actually, you have nothing to lose. The good news is, you may succeed.

6. Prepare an alternative negotiation. Employers can sometimes be very rigid about adhering to company wage guidelines. If you clearly cannot get the employer to budge on increasing the hourly wage, don't stop the negotiation. Ask for a 90-day review and wage adjustment. Often, once you're on the job adding value and demonstrating your worth, employers will rethink the money issue. Step up all efforts to earn the increase. Show the hiring manager that you're everything you claimed to be during the interview.

7. Explore other options. If the employer is still opposed to a salary increase, inquire about a hiring bonus. A one-time bonus is often easier for a manager to justify than an addition to base pay.

Tips & Warnings

• Networking can help you uncover the “going rate” in your geographic area.

• If you decide to turn down the position based on wages, be professional. Thank the interviewer for the time and consideration of your candidacy.

References

• Lab Mice: The Art of Effective Salary Negotiation
• American Chemical Society: Compensation and the Art of Negotiation
• Best Sample Resumes; The Art of Negotiating the Salary as Per Your Worth; July 2010