It’s natural to be nervous about negotiating your salary, but it’s vital if you want to get paid what you’re worth. Here are six tried-and-true secrets to help you gain the confidence you need to ask for what you deserve.
Do Some Market Research
Don’t just waltz into your boss’s office with a random number: you want verifiable information that what you’re asking for is reasonable based on the current job market. Websites like Glassdoor and PayScale can provide valuable insights into salary ranges based on your experience, location, and job title. Researching before will not only give you insight into how you should approach your negotiation, but ensure you have realistic expectations going into it.
Know Your Worth
It’s one thing to understand what people generally get paid in your field. But where do you fall on the spectrum? Create a list of your contributions that have positively impacted your current or previous employers. This will serve as a powerful reminder of the value you bring to the table — one that’s undeniable, especially if the contributions were for your current employer.
Rehearse Your Pitch
Without practice, you’re bound to forget some of your critical talking points or stumble over your words, making it harder to make a case during the negotiation. Role-playing with a friend or mentor can help you articulate your points clearly and confidently, making you more persuasive during the actual discussion. You don’t have to write everything out; that might make you sound like a robot, anyway. Just develop a few main points and give yourself the flexibility to maneuver around them.
Pick the Right Time
Timing is everything. And while you’ll never choose the “perfect” time to discuss your salary, there are some clearly wrong times to bring it up. Don’t bring it up during stressful times for your boss or the company; save it for appropriate moments, like after completing a large project or during a performance review. Being strategic about timing shows that you respect the company’s priorities and improves your chances of the gesture being received well.
Stay Flexible and Be Ready to Compromise
We’re not saying undercut yourself, but part of having a target salary in mind is knowing that there’s a high chance you’ll receive a counteroffer. You should also consider other benefits like bonuses, additional vacation days, work-from-home opportunities, or professional development opportunities that could sweeten the deal even more. A well-rounded compensation package might be just as enticing as extra cash, so don’t hesitate to consider all your options.
Keep It Professional
Whatever you do, maintain a positive and professional attitude. You don’t need to strongarm your way into a higher wage — chances are, it won’t work. And even if you feel like it’s relevant, try to keep the conversation focused on your qualifications and contributions rather than personal financial needs. Use “I” statements as much as possible to avoid sounding confrontational, and stick to things that reference the value you bring to the organization.
