Your paycheck and what your boss has negotiated as your current salary do not determine your worth. Yes, they are the ones cutting your paycheck each month, but you can confidently and kindly discuss your pay rate during the initial interview or ask for a raise once hired. Did you know that at the end of May 2021, there were 9.2 million open positions in the United States? Companies are looking for talented employees, and you need to feel good about being paid what you are worth. If you are interviewing for a new job, here is how to negotiate salary without offering an apology.
Feel Confident in the Value of Your Skills
The more confident you are in the value you bring to a company, the more comfortable you will be when negotiating your salary. Even if you need a job, you can still clearly communicate your knowledge and expertise in a way that shows your potential employer you can back up what you say you’re worth. Before your interview, take note of your previous experience, certifications, completed trainings etc., so they are at the forefront of your mind during the negotiation.
Research in Advance the Industry-Standard Rates of Pay
When you know the going rate for a similar job to which you’re applying, you can use that information in your salary negotiations. Job sites like Indeed.com and Glassdoor.com have tools available to help with this. You can type in a job title or company name to see what others in similar positions in your state and across the nation are paid. It’s important to note big cities tend to have higher-paying jobs than rural areas simply due to the resources available.
How to Negotiate Salary: Approach the Negotiation as a Conversation
Once you do your research, determine an acceptable salary for you. With this baseline offer in mind, you can approach the pay negotiation as a conversation. Ask the interviewer questions about the amount budgeted for the position and the specifics of their pay structure. The more details you can get, the better because you’ll know how to negotiate salary with their numbers in mind.
When it comes time to counter their offer and ask for a higher salary, prepare yourself for a moment (or two) of silence. While many employees are worth more than what companies pay them, not many people know how to negotiate salary or have the courage to do so. Because of this, your employer may need a moment to think about your request. That’s ok. Sitting in silence is good, and you don’t need to break the silence. Having your potential employer ponder your proposal is better than a quick “no.”
Think Outside of the Salary Box
It’s important not to disregard a company entirely, even if they cannot pay you what you’re worth via your salary. In this case, ask about other incentives, such as a sign-on bonus, health insurance policies or the option to work remotely.
Learning how to negotiate salary is beneficial for both you and your employer. When employees feel as if they are valued and compensated accordingly, they perform better at their jobs. It’s a win-win for both the employer and the employee. Your talent, enthusiasm, work ethic and desire to excel are worth a decent wage.
For more information, check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like Virtual Interview Etiquette, In-Person Tips. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.
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