One of the challenges to negotiating a raise or salary for a new job
is approaching it strictly as a business transaction. In some cases, emotions come into play out
of concern for jeopardizing an existing professional relationship or job
opportunity, or simply out of a fear of being denied. Although the emotional side is
understandable, the fact is, you need to be your own career advocate and sell
your value.
The first questions to ask yourself: Do you believe in and have you identified the
value you bring to a particular job and employer? If
you’re not confident or aware of this value, then you certainly can’t sell it
to an employer. To help identify your
value, list your professional accomplishments, and if at all possible, quantify
these by identifying related cost savings, increased revenue, increased
efficiency, or other quantifiable measures.
If you haven’t done so recently, be sure to research current salary
information for your particular occupation and industry to determine a salary
figure that is realistic and reasonable for your field.
Before you present a salary request, factor in your experience, skills,
and education, plus any information you may have about the employer and the
employer’s salary structure. Make sure
to have an acceptable salary range in mind, including the minimum you consider
acceptable. It may also be a good idea
to pad the salary number you propose, even upwards of 15 percent, to allow room
to negotiate.
A salary request should always be presented professionally and in a
non-confrontational manner. Regardless
of whether the employer accepts your request, you should respond respectfully. In cases where you are turned down for a
raise by a current employer, ask for feedback on the employer’s decision and
whether you can take steps to increase your earning potential in the
future. For job opportunities with a new
employer, ask about future opportunities for increasing your income, such as
merit increases, bonuses, or commissions.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to be creative; consider negotiating benefits
like vacation time or a flexible schedule.
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