How to Negotiate Your Wages When Offered a New Job
You have worked hard to develop your educational training, skills and may have received awards and recognition and now you are receiving job offers. Are you ready to negotiate effectively to assert your value for the best salary possible? Qualifications alone are not enough to earn what you deserve. It's up to you to sell your value. Be knowledgeable with what the market is offering in wages for a position you are interested in. Show how your strengths can move the company forward. And when your potential boss is smiling, it's time to negotiate your salary and benefits.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Be informed. Research the position through newspapers, magazines and websites to be informed about the current market condition and the impact on the demand and salary range of your position. Negotiate the position with your potential boss by providing research of similar positions and their salaries in the market for someone with your credentials. State the facts from a general perspective to avoid an emotional or opinionated discussion.
-
2
Sell yourself. Boost your bargaining power by determining what your potential boss considers as the best qualifications for the job. Establish your value by selling your educational background, years of experience, volunteer initiatives and any awards and recognition you have received to suit his requirements. Recognize the signs that your potential employer is sold through his smile and relaxed questions. Negotiate a salary once you believe the employer is sold on your presentation.
-
-
3
Consider your salary and also a benefits package. Express your interest in the company and the areas you agree with in the job offer. Negotiate your salary with supporting facts of similar jobs in the market and your qualifications. State how your function would benefit the company. Negotiate the company's benefits plan such as: discounts on the company's products and services; child or elder care; a retirement plan; and tuition credits to advance in your education, in addition to the basic paid personal leave, health insurance, disability and life insurance, and paid vacation and sick days. Agree on a mutual salary and benefits package.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Negotiate; don't settle simply because of the discomfort of negotiating. This is your future.
Focus on qualifications rather than your need.
Accepting a job too quickly because you dislike the hassle of job hunting may short-sell your compensation.
Declining a job too quickly because the salary is below your expectation, may deprive you of opportunities for benefits, bonuses and company shares.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Patrick Ryan/Lifesize/Getty Images
