How to Negotiate Salary During Job Interview and Take Home a Good Pay

Having a decent job with a good package is everyone’s dream. Right? But how many of you
negotiate salary after getting a job offer? If you feel like you have the right talent for the job position, you can always use your negotiating power before formally agreeing to take the offered package.

What is Salary Negotiation?

Salary negotiation is a discussion between you and the hiring manager that aim to help you settle on a higher salary. Whether you’ve years of experience or just starting your career, you should feel empowered to negotiate on the salary part based on your qualifications.

You’ve already been through the hard part of looking for a job and clearing the interview, it is now time to talk numbers. But how can you do it without being rude or letting the position go to another candidate? Well, there are many ways to negotiate salary during your job interview and here we’ve discussed a few of them…

Tips to Negotiate Salary After You Get Your Desired Job…

– Know Your Worth: Yes, you read it right that you need to know your worth and there are many websites to find out what people in similar roles are getting. You will need to analyze the salary of people at your level of education, experience, seniority, etc to get a better idea.

– Timing Is Everything: Discussing salary too early in the interview process might not be a good idea. If you’re working through a recruiter or consultant, they should be able to find out the annual package for you before an interview or you may go through the job posting and its perks.

– Be Realistic: Don’t expect or ask for an amount that is not at all possible or if the employer has already clarified everything in the job description. However, it will be a great idea to ask for a little more than what you’re expecting and be ready to negotiate.

– Know the Perks and Benefits: Some companies believe in offerings some benefits apart from the salary such as flexible hours, extra vacation days, work-from-home, etc. Before negotiating salary, consider what is valuable to you to make an informed decision.

– Be Willing to Walk Away: You should have a number in your mind and if the final offer is nowhere around it, be willing to turn it down. Though turning down an offer might not seem easy, it is important that you feel satisfied with what you are bringing home.

– Demonstrate Your Value: Prepare a one-sheet or a one-page summary demonstrating your awards and achievements. Let your hiring manager know how valuable you will be as an employee and why you deserve the salary you’re asking.

– Have a Salary Range Rather Than a Fixed Figure: You should offer a range rather than a single figure as it will help you better negotiate the salary. Having an acceptable salary range helps you find compromise more easily.

– Practice Your Pitch: Practice your salary negotiation at least once before the actual interview as this will help you gain confidence. Also, you can speak out your points loud and clear without making the employer uncomfortable.

– Be Gracious, Not Demanding: No matter the outcome, be thankful and appreciative for the opportunity. Put your points in front of the hiring manager gracefully as in the end, you will be the one making the final decision.

– Get Everything in Writing: Once you and your employer settle on a compensation package, get everything in writing. The written document should also include any special arrangements apart from the salary amount such as an allowance, signing bonus, etc.

Why Is It Important to Negotiate Salary?

If you’re thinking that why you should negotiate salary, it is important to understand that it is a perfectly normal part of the employment process. Your salary is not just a number, it is what you deserve as per your qualification and experience. Also, it shows how your employers or company appreciate your work and value your skills.

First, you need to understand the importance of work-life balance, and then only you will be able to make your employer understand your perspective. Negotiating for some perks or benefits will help you get the package you want.

Here are a few benefits of negotiating salary…

– You get a good package along with additional perks and benefits.
– You can ask for training, certifications, or professional development.
– You can ask for mentoring and coaching because it can lead to professional growth.
– The costs of childcare add up quickly and a good package will help you secure a better working arrangement.
– Negotiating for health and fitness benefits apart from medical insurance will help you get extra coverage.
– If you prefer working from home, you can ask for flexibility and work from your preferred location and schedule.

What Questions Should You Ask While Negotiating Salary?

Here are a few sample questions that you may consider asking while doing salary negotiation…

– “Can I negotiate this offer?”
– “What other benefits are there, apart from the salary?”
– “What about the salary raises and promotions?”
– “How do you evaluate the performance of your employees for promotions?”
– “Can I get everything in writing?”

The Concluding Words

Negotiating salary is a skill to be learned just like any other skill and you can master it with the right guidance and a few tips. It’s time to get your dream job without compromising on the numbers you want in your bank account. By following some tips, you can manage to get a good salary by impressing the hiring person in a company.

While doing negotiations, be firm and persuasive for successfully getting a good package. The key to success is negotiating when you know your hiring manager is impressed with your interview and in a good mood. Timing matters a lot but there is nothing that can replace your talent, qualification, and experience.

If you are talented enough, any company will be willing to offer you a great annual package along with all the perks and benefits.

Good Luck with your job…