Salary negotiation: Do’s and Don'ts

Salary negotiation. It can be a difficult topic to speak about to a potential or current employer, but it’s an important issue to discuss. Every worker would like a great salary as it means more money, but unfortunately, not everyone is guaranteed this. 

If you’re a competitive worker with great achievements and big aspirations, you could wiggle a higher salary with your current or potential employer. But you must be clever and relay to the employer this information subtly.

Do’s

Firstly, It’s essential you do your research on the job role and see what the average salary wage is. Look around numerous companies offering the same position and check to see what the differences are. If the majority of companies are offering the same amount then this will mean there will be little room for you to negotiate a higher salary.

However, don’t be put off by this as it doesn’t necessarily matter what other companies are offering, it all comes down to you. Be aware and vocal about your strengths and achievements as this is the key factor the employer will take note of when considering your salary. If you’re seeking to wow a potential employer, you must demonstrate the value you will bring to the company. It’s the perfect time to sell yourself - showcase how you can have an immediate impact and hit the ground running. 

Providing plenty examples of work you have completed that reveal your big accomplishments, will grab the attention of the employer immediately. Be prepared to show them a big portfolio, as the more evidence you have, the more entitled you will be to negotiate a higher wage. Now that you have laid your strengths on the table, it’s important to let the employer make the first offer. This is a crucial stage as you need to know where the employer’s head is at. 

Let the employer come to you first and if you’re asked what is a pleasable salary, then you could say ‘a competitive wage within the market’ or give a salary range that you think is reasonable. Obviously, if you decide this option, make sure you don’t take advantage and request an amount way beyond the scope of the job because the employer’s impressions of you will drop instantly. 

Now the employer has made an offer to you, be sure to consider all factors before making a decision. You must thoroughly think over everything the employer has said to you about the job role; including where it’s based, how long you would have to travel, pension scheme etc. There are lots to think about and it doesn’t just come down to how much you would be getting paid. 

Dont’s

Now you understand what you should do when negotiating your salary, it’s even more crucial to know what you shouldn’t do. Firstly, don’t bring up your wage before the employer does. This will immediately appear to the employer you’re just thinking about the money and you don’t have the company's best interests at heart. During salary negotiation, your aim is to showcase another great personality trait - charm. Being charming and likeable will set you off on the right foot with the employer, but don't overdo it

So make sure you showcase this trait, and not something irritating. Next, don’t inflate your current earnings just to get a higher offer. If you do this you will appear dishonest which lowers the employer’s first impressions of you. It’s always best to be upfront and honest with the employer as these are two big traits they will be looking at closely. Appearing an honest and humble human will be very beneficial for you.

Also, don’t feel obligated to accept the first salary offer as it might not be what you’re after. Sometimes we can have a bad habit of being too nice to an employer during salary negotiations, as you might get along really well with them and you don’t want to disrupt the new dynamic you have. Your ultimate goal should be prioritising what you want and seeking what you deserve, but being reasonable.

Most employers will always expect you to negotiate the salary they have offered to you, it’s their job to expect this. When the negotiation process begins, you shouldn’t be overly aggressive in negotiating the salary you want. If you believe you deserve a higher salary and you have the credentials to back your claim, then we strongly urge you to negotiate. However, do not haggle over every little thing as it’s not worth potentially disrupting a good working relationship.

Finally, now that you have negotiated the correct way and you have been offered the salary you want, you must completely think over if the company is best for you. Evaluate everything the employer has mentioned to you and what the company can do to benefit your future. 

If you find yourself struggling to negotiate a salary correctly and would like some help figuring out how to get it right. Get in touch today!