A job offer might already feel like a win, but you can make your future work experience even better through negotiation. CareerBuilder reports that 56% of workers don’t even negotiate their salaries because they may be viewed negatively, or even rejected. But what most job seekers don’t know is that 53% of employers are willing to negotiate salaries on initial job offers, even if the applicant is an entry-level worker.
Negotiation can be a tricky process, but you may be given a better job offer if you know how to negotiate properly. So if you want to be rewarded with better compensation packages, here’s what you need to do:
Be respectful to your prospective employer
Your prospective employer won’t view you negatively or retract the offer if you’re respectful throughout the whole process.
Rather than stating a random value that you want, US News recommends doing research on industry averages and supporting your salary negotiations with that data. In case your prospective employers mention budgeting constraints, you can mention that you would like to explore the possibility of getting your negotiated salary due to your experience and skill set. While these discussions may differ on a case-to-case basis, hard data and a respectful tone are often the keys to successful negotiations.
Be confident in your professional value
Remember: confidence is key in the job application process.
In fact, Deb LaMere, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Datasite, points out that you have to do a little PR for yourself to justify why you deserve the negotiated salary. Take this as an opportunity to highlight your potential as an employee by discussing your previous work accomplishments, or the projects that you’ve spearheaded. By showing your value as a skilled professional, you can convince your prospective employer that you are worth the raise.
Keep your long-term goals in mind
Salary negotiation isn’t the only factor that you need to consider with a job offer.
Susan Baushke is a Career Transition and Mobility Consultant and in a post on negotiation strategies to set you up for success in a new job on LHH, she states that you need to think about your future in the organization before negotiating in earnest. While salary increases and promotions are undoubtedly important, Baushke stresses that you also need to ask if they can offer mentorship programs or career coaching to support your long-term career goals. This allows you to gauge if you can sustainably reach your career goals in the organization before you fully commit to the role.
Know when to walk away from a job offer
It’s no easy feat to apply for a job and negotiate for a better offer, but you have to know when you need to cut your losses.
You have to consider other factors aside from your salary, especially since our article on ‘Long-Term Career Goals’ emphasizes that professional advancement isn’t just about making more money. Though your employer may offer a higher salary, you need to double-check if it’s justifiable for your work responsibilities. If you’ll have to sacrifice your family time or work-life balance for a high salary, you may have to reconsider the offer.
You’ll miss out on your real value if you don’t even try to negotiate for a better job offer. Don’t undersell yourself, and aim for the compensation you deserve by assessing your priorities and preparing your negotiation pitch.