Salary Negotiation Tips and Tactics That Work

Awesome! You created an awesome resume, applied for a job, nailed the interview, and got the job offer you worked so hard for. But hold on just a minute – before you shake their hand and take the position, your employers will want to know what your salary expectations are.

Navigating salary negotiations is one of the scariest parts of getting a job. If you ask for too much, you risk offending your new employer or starting off on the wrong foot, or worse, the employer taking back the job offer entirely. If you ask for too little, you risk selling yourself short.

Negotiating your salary can be hard, but don’t let that stop you from asking for a fair wage.

Learn these four salary negotiation tactics to get the compensation you deserve.

Don’t Jump the Gun on Salary Negotiation

Resist the impulse to ask about salary until you are actually offered the position. Until then, the focus should be on selling your hard and soft skills, learning more about the company, and building a positive rapport with the hiring manager.

If the employer asks you what you would like to be paid, calmly answer that you will consider a salary or wage based on the job offered once the responsibilities and duties attached have been elaborated upon.

Do Your Research on Your Position

Prepare yourself for your negotiation by researching the job and employer before you walk into the interview. It’s especially helpful to check online to see the average pay for the job through companies like PayScale and Glassdoor, though make sure to take how much experience you have into account.

Of course, every employer offers different benefits, such as salary increases, commission, bonuses, benefits, and expectations, such as the hours that you’ll be expected to work. Keep these factors in mind when you’re deciding on what you think a fair salary should be.

Be Prepared to Negotiate

Now that you’ve researched and weighed the pros and cons of your new job, you’re ready to share your thoughts with your employer.

If you’re nervous, set aside some time before your interview to rehearse negotiating in the mirror or with a friend. Keep practicing until you’re able to make your case with confidence.

Don’t Rush to the Finish Line

If you’re not happy with the salary your prospective employer has named, ask if you can have a day to consider the offer. This gives you the opportunity to do more research to see if the salary they’re naming is actually fair, and it gives them a chance to increase their proposed amount when you return the next day. You may be pleasantly surprised with tomorrow’s offer!

If you take the time to research your position and confidently ask for what’s fair, chances are that you’ll get the salary that you want.

What If I Don’t Get the Salary I Want?

If you don’t get the offer you’re looking for, don’t be discouraged. It could be that the company’s budget simply doesn’t allow for your proposed salary, or maybe they just want to see you in action before offering a higher wage.

If you’re dissatisfied with the salary that your prospective employer offers, ask yourself if you’re able and willing to work for that salary. If you can’t accept, you can seek other opportunities with a clear conscience.

On the other hand, if you’re able to make that salary work, consider the advantages and disadvantages of the job, its positive and negative factors, and the future opportunities it may lead to. You may find that it’s a good career move to take the job, even if it pays a little less than you’d like.

Regardless of whether you choose to take the job or not, appreciate that you’re making an informed and confident decision that is taking you closer to your dream career.

Learn More

Don’t forget the most important step of getting the job you want. Take advantage of Resume.com’s resume templates to get the resume that will make sure you’re negotiating your salary with confidence!