Ways to Boost your Salary Negotiating Ability

Salary negotiations can be a very intimidating and daunting prospect. You are naturally at odds with your potential employer. On one hand, you want to land the job, become an employee, and be paid what you feel you are worth. On the other side, the employer wants to pay you as little as they can to optimize their profit. You must learn the delicate balance of not selling yourself short and leaving money on the table while not pricing yourself right out of their range.

Do your Research and Be Prepared
You never want to be caught off-guard by the salary question. Some employers are asking your ideas on salary when they call for an interview. Use the O*NET and Salary.com to gain expert guidance as to the appropriate salary range for the position in your city. Do the math and determine in advance your minimum acceptable salary.

If forced to provide a number, quote from your research and provide a wide range. However, after stating a salary range, always ask “How does that compare with what you are paying?” You want to know right away if you are out of their price range – then you have a decision to make about whether or not to move forward.

Let the Employer Bring up the Money Subject
Attempt to avoid stating salary expectations during the pre-screening and interview process. If asked about your salary requirements, ask the employer “What do you think someone with my (insert your number) years of project management experience should make in your company?”

Always let the employer bring up the issue of salary. The rule of the game is the person who names a number first loses. You want to be discussing salary when they are making you a job offer. At this point they have chosen you and will be more apt to negotiate to land their candidate of choice.

Negotiate Creatively
Remember, annual salary is not the only area that is negotiable. If an employer says there is no wiggle room in the salary you are offered, you can negotiate an automobile allowance, free benefits, a signing bonus, or a guaranteed 90-day salary review. You never know what you may receive until you ask. Your new employer certainly is not going to pay you more money unless you are willing to ask for and negotiate for higher wages.