Recently I posted a question on LinkedIn Answers asking what different tactics people have used to negotiate salary. Here are some of the shocking answers:
As I have a tendancy to quit jobs in the middle of recessions with no other job-in hand, my “negotiation” technique is usually a step before begging. Other than that, I make sure during the interview process that they know that I’m open, but give them an idea of what I’m thinking about ($ range). The difficulty is that you don’t really know what the job will entail before hand nor how much interest there is in the job.
OMG, I am horrible at this! I am consistently not getting my due when it comes to salary and packages.
I think I am going to sit this blog out, but then totally read up on others’ advice!!!
I’ve heard that one tactic when you’re actually first talking with a potential employer is to make them say a number first. You’re not supposed to even talk numbers until you know they want you (ie. have offered you the position). Once you have that established, and they ask you what you need, you retort with “What do you expect to pay for this role?” or something along those lines. I’ve tried it. I haven’t always been successful with it because I’m just too darn accommodating in these situations.
We weren’t expecting these types of answers! “…negotiation is a step below begging”, “OMG, I am horrible at this!” “…I’m just too darn accommodating…” And there were more like these! People seem to be genuinely afraid to negotiate salary, or don’t have a clue as to how to do it effectively. Well, that’s what we’re here for at springraise.
So I decided to answer this one myself. True story below and a great tactic:
One trick I always used was to time my job searches during the performance management cycle, so when I’d get my raise from my current employer, I could use that number when asked by a new potential employer how much I made. That practice led to extraordinary compensation increases (35% and 51% the two times I used it).
This is a real tactic. If you’re interested in more, go to our Salary Negotiation Series and sign up to hear seven more real-world tactics that can land you more money when you change jobs or even at performance review time. Good luck!
