How to Negotiate your Salary with Confidence
After months of searching, submitting applications and interviewing, you’ve finally got the offer. Congratulations!
Now comes an important step: Negotiating.
Salary negotiations can feel tricky. You’ve got an opportunity that you are excited about but you want to make sure you are getting paid what you are worth - without jeopardizing the offer. For many people, talking about salary is uncomfortable. But at this stage it’s an essential part of the conversation.
So how do you negotiate your salary offer with confidence?
First, it’s important to remember that salary negotiations are part of the job search process. You got the offer because you did well in the interview, the hiring team is excited about your skills and experience. They want to add you to the team.
In most cases, an offer won’t be taken away because you asked for more money. The company may not be able to meet your salary, but rescinding an offer because of a salary request is rare.
Here are my 5 top tips to make the most of the salary negotiation stage:
1) Get Clear on Your Salary Target
Knowing your salary target is best done before you even search for a job. We all have a salary that we’d love to make, but do your homework and make sure that salary is realistic for your field.
What do others in your role earn? How does salary vary by industry for your field? What salary is appropriate for your level?
Sources like Glassdoor , Salary.com, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics are good starting places. Having realistic expectations for yourself is key.
Research salary information before you are close to the salary negotiation stage, so you won’t be scrambling for information later.
2) Find Out the Salary Range for the Position
Fortunately, companies are making efforts to be more transparent on salaries.
In fact, New Jersey passed the NJ Salary Transparency Law, requiring businesses to post an estimate of their salary range - which takes some of the guesswork out.
During early interviews and screening conversations, you may be asked about your salary expectations. Be prepared, and be open to this conversation. You can also flip the salary question to the interviewer and ask about the company's salary range for the position.
If the recruiter or hiring manager doesn’t bring it up,is it OK to ask about salary? Yes! Timing and approach are key, but gone are the days of not asking.
Knowing the anticipated salary for the role sets you up for success later - and it benefits both you and the company. Feel comfortable asking to find out more!
3) Present Your Value
Good news- when you have a salary offer, the company already wants to hire you! This is your leverage.
If you are planning a salary negotiation conversation, be prepared to confidently discuss your achievements and what you will bring to the organization.
If a salary conversation is on the horizon, write down your talking points. Practice it out loud. Rehearse it until you feel comfortable with your case. Keep your ask professional and focused on what you will bring - not what you need to go on your next vacation.
4) Consider the Benefits
A high salary offer is great, but sometimes company benefits can be just as exciting or beneficial as a high salary. Factor this into your conversation - and your decision - and take the opportunity to learn more about the benefits package.
5) Know Your Worth….and Your Number
At the end of the day, only you will know what salary number you can accept, and when you want to walk away.
Either decision can be right.
Remember, when you are presented with an offer the company is interested in YOU. Asking to negotiate is expected as long as you are tactful, respectful and professional.
You may —or may not —- get your desired salary but knowing that you went into the salary negotiation conversation prepared will give you the peace of mind.
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Hi! I’m Christine Beck, a certified coach, professional resume writer, HR professional & founder of Resume Focus. I help professionals clarify their goals, tell their career stories, and navigate the job search with confidence. If you are ready for a career move, let’s talk.
