How to Bargain for a Higher Salary at a Job Interview
Finding the job of your dreams is one thing, but it's important to make sure it pays enough. Negotiating the salary of a new job might feel like a nerve-racking prospect, but if you think your skills deserve more compensation, you might want to ask your employers for a raise. When negotiating your salary, the way you approach the topic and your timing could make or break your employer's decision, so make sure you're fully prepared for the conversation.
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Instructions
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Work out how much you are worth. Before the interview, do some ground work and find out the average salary for similar positions. Take into account your level of skill and experience in the field and work out a sum from there. Discussing salaries during an interview can be a nerve-racking process, but don't be afraid to state how much you think your services are worth.
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Wait for your employer to make the first offer. If they ask you for your salary expectations, deflect the question until they mention a sum. You can do this by making it clear that you are willing to discuss salary requirements and finding an arrangement that is mutually agreeable.
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Don't discuss your previous salary. As you are entering a new position with new responsibilities and demands, your salary requirements will be different. If your interviewer asks for your previous salary, you are not under any obligation to tell them.
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Start high and work your way down. If you offer a lower number first, your employer will be unlikely to negotiate upward later and you could lose out on the pay you deserve. It might be tempting to aim low and state a lower salary during the interview, but this won't make a potential employer more likely to hire you.
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Explore other options, such as perks or job benefits if you cannot negotiate the salary up to a level you are happy with. More paid holiday, tuition bursaries or profit-sharing arrangements could make a difference to your overall employment package, but could be more attractive to potential employers than a straight pay raise.
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References
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