You want a job salary that aligns with your skills and experience. However, you lack negotiation skills. If you enter a negotiation with a potential employer, you worry you’ll sell yourself short. At this point, you risk missing out on earning a salary that meets your expectations.
Mastering the art of salary negotiation is rarely simple. But there are several things you can do to negotiate a job salary without alienating a potential employer. These include:
1. Listen to What the Employer Has to Say
Become an active listener in your salary negotiation. Pay attention to what a potential employer has to say about what they can offer. If necessary, take notes while you receive this information. In addition, consider what this employer has to say before you respond. That way, you can reduce the risk of instantly agreeing or disagreeing with the employer’s salary terms.
Along with actively listening to a prospective employer, take their words to heart. If you need time to consider a salary proposal, let the employer know. Then, you can make a decision about if a salary matches your requirements.
2. Identify and Resolve Problems
Communicate and collaborate with a potential employer. For instance, if a salary proposal does not meet your expectations, explain why. This shows an employer you want a negotiation to work out well for both sides. It also indicates you are willing to continue a negotiation until all parties’ needs are satisfied.
Offer alternatives to any salary negotiation issues whenever possible. It can be beneficial to consider outside-the-box ideas like flexible work hours or extra time-off in lieu of a high annual salary. If you and a potential employer can find common ground, both parties can lay the groundwork for a long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationship.
3. Advocate for Yourself
Distinguish must-haves from wants in your salary negotiation. Must-haves can include anything from having the ability to work remotely to securing health benefits for you and your family. Meanwhile, wants can range from getting multiple weeks of paid vacation to receiving compensation for your travel costs.
As you advocate for your must-haves, consider your potential employer’s perspective. Next, you can highlight how providing you with certain benefits is also advantageous for your employer. This allows you to show your employer that you are looking out for its best interest. Most importantly, it puts you in a great position to land the benefits you want.
Take the Guesswork Out of Salary Negotiations
The aforementioned tips can help you negotiate your ideal salary. Furthermore, if you want to land a terrific job that offers everything you want, Techneeds can help.
Techneeds is the top New England staffing agency. Our professional recruiters work diligently on behalf of job seekers. We can put you in contact with businesses on the lookout for top talent. And we can help you secure a job that fulfills your requirements.
We offer a wide range of career opportunities at businesses across New England — browse our job board today!