6 Tips for Getting Paid What You’re ACTUALLY Worth
If you want to negotiate your salary, you need some grounds to improve your confidence. Sure, the higher pay will make you love your job more and feel satisfied. However, making this happen can be frightening, especially when someone is offering you a job.
You may feel like you’ll lose the opportunity or think that it’s the most embarrassing thing with which to respond to a job offer. Luckily, we’ve compiled compelling tips to help gather the confidence to request decent pay.
- Conduct In-depth Research
Before asking for higher pay, ensure you understand the basic salary for your position. You can ask your colleagues working in the same field, but that’s not all. You also need reliable sources to guide you on the industry-standard salary. That’s why it’s essential if the website of the recruitment agency or employer is job focused such as the sites made by Nodex.
The most unbiased way to find suitable compensation for your position in your locality is by doing a quick online search. Research platforms such as salary.com to see a list of salaries for different positions.
- Discuss the Value you Bring-in
Once you’re done researching the average salary for that position, prepare an argument based on your experiences, skills, and unique talents. Avoid basing your request for higher pay on personal goals and bills. Instead, justify the request by highlighting how the company or employer benefits from hiring you.
Mention all the valuable skills relevant to the specific position and industry, including certifications and software proficiency. Remember also to include achievements and accomplishments that could be useful in the post. Note that the main objective here is to prove to the employer that you’re worth the investment you’re requesting. So, be sure to mention valuable connections and influential contacts to leverage your argument.
- Present Data, Not Emotions
It’s always wise to let the statistics take the lead rather than your emotions. When you tell the employer that you’re in a financial crisis and really need the money, you’ll look desperate and unprofessional.
While you need to be honest throughout the recruitment process, leave your personal life out during salary negotiations. To earn a higher pay, you don’t have to falsify previous salaries, job postings or experiences. You might be tempted to lie to get the desired salary, but the lies will strangely find a way to haunt you.
- Be Strategic
Be realistic when negotiating a salary review. Expect two outcomes even if you’re doing everything right. You may be in your full rights to request a salary increase, but the company may be struggling financially. For this reason, you need to have a fallback plan and ensure you maintain your worthiness.
For example, if the employer can’t afford a higher pay, you can accept the pay and negotiate for a review after they see your performance. In this case, you can only request a pay rise after an outstanding performance. So, you must ensure that you deliver your promise and perform exceptionally.
In the same way, you need a plan in case the employer rejects your request. Would you also reject the job offer? Or would you accept the terms unconditionally? You should expect different reactions from the employer when you request a higher salary, so prepare a plan B.
- Consider Benefits and Perks
Salaries come with more than the money. Other valuable benefits include sick leaves, paid vacation, health insurance, etc. Therefore, you should review the entire package before seeking a review.
Check whether there are suitable perks accompanying the job offer. You could be allowed to control your schedule and lead an excellent work-life balance. Don’t concentrate on the net pay. Also, check whether the position offers you substantial flexibility in your life.
If the company is just starting up or struggling financially, you can opt for different forms of compensation. This can include relocation, a sign-on bonus, or other benefits that can fill the difference between the employer’s offer and your requested salary.
- Take Your Time
When the employer offers you a job, don’t rush to accept it. Instead, acknowledge it and let the hiring manager know that you need to reason. This might prompt the employer to increase the original offer to get you to accept the offer right away and not get another opportunity.
However, failing to accept the job offer right away could cost you a job opportunity. The employer may be impatient and consider another candidate. So, you must know what you want before you react to the offer.
Ask For What You Deserve
Sometimes salary negotiations can feel embarrassing and awkward, but they’re necessary for most situations. So, don’t rush to accept any job offer, especially if you think you’re worth more. The negotiation process can be a daunting task, but it’s worth it if you know the value you’re bringing to the company.
