When you want to maximize your take-home cash, it pays to have solid salary negotiation techniques in your arsenal. The key to winning in any negotiation? Information. You have to arm yourself with more information than the person you're dealing with because most often that person holds the keys to your salary increase.
There are a number of methods out there to enhancing your knowledge including:
* Using a salary calculator
* Buying a salary range report
* Knowing peer salaries
* Looking at a relevant salary survey
Let's be clear. Most employers don't like you using these tried and true techniques. Why? Because it increases your chances of getting a higher salary than they want you to have. Their business is to get the most out of you for the least amount of money.
At Springraise Salary Negotiation, our goal is for you to get paid what you're worth in the market for people doing your job, with your background and special talents.
There are many tips and tactics you can use. But if you care about your compensation, then this salary negotiation approach will change your career.
Think of salary negotiation as a process
When coming up on a career event (raise, promotion, new job, etc.), prepare for it like you would any event or meeting. You wouldn't go into a big meeting with a client or partner unprepared, would you? Do the same for yourself! It's time for you to get paid first. Our Springraise Salary Negotiation ebook takes you step-by-step through the process. It details the information you need to WIN your negotiation. It provides real-world examples of how these techniques have led to double-digit, even TRIPLE-digit compensation increases! You've got to check it out.
Set a goal
Every time you declare that you want something, you tend to get it, don't you? That's the power of setting goals. When you set it, you get it. The same is in salary negotiation. Set that goal and prepare relentlessly to get it. See yourself winning in that salary negotiation and you increase your chances of making it happen.
Know others' salary
It makes sense to know where you stand salary-wise versus your peers in your position. Feel free to ask! It may be taboo at some companies, but that's because the employers don't want you to drive up their costs! They have more information than you do because THEY know how much money others at your level make. Time for you to even the playing field. Salary comparison is a great technique that goes underutilized because people are afraid of consequences. Have no fear! Get the information you need to win.
Know who you're dealing with
Who's at the other side of the table? What does that person want or need? How is his or her success measured? Can you make their company or that person more successful just by being there? Knowing these answers will make you more valuable to the decision-maker. That translates into dollars.
Always negotiate
Sometimes you prepare so well and set your goal that you achieve it based on the first offer you get. Fantastic! Congratulations! But it's not over. It pays to negotiate. Assume you're getting the lowest offer they can give. Push the envelope, but softly. If you want the job, raise, or promotion, that's the goal. Never hurts to push a bit on the salary if done well.
Accept or Decline Gracefully
You don't always accept offers--in fact, you can only accept one at a time, right? When you have multiple offers (and you will), you are indirectly expanding your network when interviewing. Don't burn bridges. If you're not taking a job, decline gracefully. Send a letter or email in addition to doing so over the phone or in person. Consider inviting the person to be a LinkedIn contact. If you accept, then all the above still pertains, but now you get to wow people in your new position. Here's an example of a decline letter that I wrote. After reading, the employer (IBM) said I had a six month open door to come back and not have to go through the interview process. Now THAT's building bridges.
Utilizing these salary negotiation techniques will get you well on your way to achieving your goals. Get yourself paid for the work you do. You're worth every penny!
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