When looking for a job, there are many things you must consider and which you can negotiate on and which, in the end, can make you rule out some of the options. But one of the most crucial things, and one that can seriously motivate you to accept or reject a job opportunity, is the salary.
If you want to know how to negotiate your salary, here is a series of tips that will be very useful for you:
Research the company
An effective negotiation always requires prior investigation of the company, focusing on aspects that give you clues about the salary range it can offer (size, number of employees and clients etc.). This information will allow you to negotiate and reach remuneration levels that you might otherwise not have considered because you wanted to avoid being discarded at the first opportunity.
Analyze salaries in your sector
Find out about the average salaries for the position you want to fill. This way you will be able to know what the fairest salary is according to your level of training and work experience.
We must always have an amount in mind
To negotiate a salary, it is important that you do not aim too low or too high. Mentioning a salary that is too low could lead to the employer distrusting you and your skills, but asking for a salary that is too high could cause you to be immediately discarded in favor of another candidate.
Wait for the recruiter to bring it up
Normally, the salary aspect is the last thing that is usually to be addressed in a job interview. It may simply not even be dealt with in the interview, but will be discussed later, or, when the interview process consists of several meetings, it will be discussed in the last one.
Don’t try to bring up the salary issue in the first interview if you are not explicitly asked about it. By waiting for the interviewer to bring it up, you will avoid appearing anxious and will show that you are interested in getting the job for reasons that go beyond financial conditions.
Assert yourself and, sell your skills and abilities
This advice is not only valid when dealing with the monetary issue. It is something that you have to show off from the beginning of the selection process, to gain an advantage over the rest of the candidates and attract the attention of recruiters. It is recommended that you highlight those aspects that have a direct impact on what the company is looking for.
Provide arguments for why you deserve that figure
Never mention a salary figure or range without providing a valid argument as to why you should be paid that salary. Take your time explaining to the interviewer why you are asking for this amount, based on your studies, experience, skills and, above all, on what you can contribute to the company if they decide to hire you.
Ask additional questions
If you are interested in the salary they offer you, do not forget to ask about the specific conditions. Here are some useful questions:
- Is the salary figure gross or net?
- What is the annual number of payments?
- Do you offer bonuses or incentives?
- Will I be able to have this salary offer in writing before signing the contract?
- Is there a possibility to review the salary after a certain period?
Look beyond money
The salary offer may or may not be good, but it is never the only thing that is offered to you when negotiating a job. In fact, even within the financial aspect there may be other factors that have a positive influence and go beyond salary. Perhaps, they can offer to help you with transportation costs, propose a raise in the second year, include insurance, or even give you checks for food.
But, moving away from the money, it can also help you to think about what this job is going to bring you in a strictly professional way. Look at it as an investment. The salary may not be the best, but your growth in the company or being able to include a certain position in your resume will allow you to aim higher in the next job.
We hope these tips will be useful for you when negotiating your salary in a job interview. It is often difficult to get the salary you want, especially when you are starting out in the world of work, but by being patient and knowing how to play the cards you have, we are sure you can reach your final goal.
We have published several articles with career advice in our Blog, which can help you navigate your way through your work life. Also download the Workee app for iOS or Android, where employers are already waiting to hire you!
