How to Negotiate a Better Salary For a New Job

If you receive a job offer that pays less than what you should be paid, then use the following steps to negotiate a better salary.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

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   negotiating

   Start From a Position of Strength
   
   You should have a clear idea of the value you are bringing to your new job. In a tough job market, you need to be extremely competitive in the way you present yourself. If you can articulate and identify all the unique skills you bring to the table you will be able to negotiate from a position of strength.

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   negotiating

   Research Your Potential Employer
   
   Your negotiation should be based on an accurate perspective of salaries within your industry, your employer’s strength within the current market and the compelling need for your skills. Simply put, your employer should need you and be able to afford you. Research how your potential employer is doing within the current economy.

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   negotiating

   Determine Your Bottom Line
   
   Decide what your bottom line is in advance. Are you willing to take the current offer? Is there a number below which you absolutely will not go? Will you be able to compromise by keeping the salary number the same but asking for a sign on bonus, extra vacation or other perks? How badly do you need this experience on your resume? Do you have other potential alternatives?

4. 
   negotiating

   Highlight Your Unique Skills and How They Translate Into Value
   
   Once you are ready to start negotiating salary and have an internal bottom line number in mind along with specific company and salary research, get back to the person that made the job offer. Identify and highlight your unique accomplishments and skills and how these skills translate into added value to your future employer. If you have done your research and can cite specific examples you may end up impressing your future employer.

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   negotiating salary

   Be Prepared for Pushback
   
   Realize that your potential employer wants to minimize expenses and will push back when you try to negotiate. Be prepared in advance for what your response will be when you are told that times are tight or that there are numerous competitive candidates. Stay calm and collected and be clear about what you’re asking for. Have alternate suggestions in place that show that you are flexible and willing to work with your potential employer. Make sure that you are having a positive conversation at all times.

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   Close on the Job Offer
   
   Be aware of the risks you’re taking and know when to back down. Always leave something on the table so that your potential employer feels that they won something in the negotiation as well. Once you have come to an acceptable compromise make sure you get a written offer that lays out the terms of the newly negotiated offer. Sign on the dotted line once you are ready to agree to the written terms. You can negotiate a better salary in a tough market if you are completely prepared, flexible and positive during the negotiation.

[hradcliffe]

on 9/17/2009 Great tips and well written article.

[leduncan]

on 8/31/2009 It's challenging for most to negotiate salary. Many employers will say "the job pays this amount" in such a way that there is not any negotiating room. But there always is! Great tips and ideas, thanks for contributing!

[survivoryea]

on 8/31/2009 Some very good points when negotiating with a potential employer! 5*

[ccard123]

on 8/31/2009 Great negotiation tips! Thanks. 5*