When you’re applying for a job, negotiating your pay can be a tricky proposition. You want to make sure that you get what you deserve, but you don’t want to alienate your potential employer – or seem too demanding. Luckily, there are ways to negotiate your pay effectively, so you can get the salary you deserve without upsetting anyone. Here’s how to do it.
-
Do your research
Before you even start negotiating, it’s important to do your research. Find out what the average salary is for the position you’re applying for, in the city you’ll be working in. This will give you a good starting point for negotiating your salary.
-
Know your worth
In addition to researching the average salary for the position you’re applying for, it’s also a good idea to know your worth. What are your skills and experience worth in the current job market? How much would you be willing to work for? Knowing this will help you during the negotiation process.
-
Be confident
When you’re negotiating your salary, it’s important to be confident. If you don’t believe in yourself, your potential employer won’t either. Stand tall, make eye contact, and speak with conviction – this will show that you’re serious about getting the salary you deserve.
-
Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want
Many people are afraid to ask for what they want, fearing that they’ll be shot down. But if you don’t ask, you’ll never get what you want. So go into the negotiation with a clear idea of what you want, and don’t be afraid to ask for it.
-
Be prepared to compromise
While it’s important to ask for what you want, you should also be prepared to compromise. If your potential employer isn’t willing to meet your salary demands, be prepared to negotiate. There’s usually room for compromise in any negotiation – so be flexible and be willing to give and take.
-
Be professional
During the negotiation process, it’s important to remain professional. This means avoiding any kind of emotional manipulation, such as guilt-tripping or threatening. Remember, you’re trying to establish a working relationship with this person – so keep it professional.
-
Be reasonable
When you’re negotiating your salary, it’s important to be reasonable. If you’re asking for something completely unrealistic, your potential employer is likely to walk away from the negotiation altogether. So make sure you’re asking for something fair and reasonable.
-
Don’t be afraid to walk away
If the negotiation isn’t going the way you want it to, don’t be afraid to walk away. This doesn’t mean that you should storm out of the room in a huff – but if it’s clear that you’re not going to get what you want, it’s better to walk away than to continue fighting a losing battle.
Looking for better pay?
FirstStaff places light industrial workers, office staff, and other professionals in Little Rock, Arkansas, and beyond. Our recruiters can help you find the right job with the right commute. Learn more about the advantages of job hunting through FirstStaff today!
