Just got a job offer and want to secure a higher salary? Here's how to negotiate a job offer successfully.
It's super important that you negotiate your job offer. Today, I'll explain the exact steps to take to negotiate your job offer successfully and what to expect.
Here's a secret you probably didn't know: employers actually EXPECT you to negotiate your job offer.
WOW, right?
Employers usually offer a lower salary knowing that you will most likely negotiate it. When you don't, you're only leaving money on the table and devaluing your skills.
In fact, according to CNBC, 60% of women have never negotiated their salary. This needs to change and today is the day we change it.
I've successfully negotiated every job offer I've ever received in the corporate world, anywhere from 5% to 20% more.
Today, we'll discuss how to negotiate your salary, exactly what to say, and how to respond to the employer's questions.
Let's get started. My only question is… “Are you ready to get paid what you're actually worth?”
Today's post is all about how to negotiate a job offer successfully.
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Why Negotiate Your Salary?
There are countless reasons you should be negotiating your salary!
Let's talk about them!
1. Make More Money
First, who wouldn't want to make more money for the same amount of time and effort? That's a given! You are WORTH IT!
You deserve to make what you're worth, based on the value you are providing to the organization. Don't forget that!
2. Employers Expect You To Negotiate
Second, did you know that an employer actually EXPECTS you to negotiate? It's true!
In fact, most employers will purposely give you a lower job offer, knowing you will probably negotiate. By not negotiating, you are leaving money on the table and decreasing the budget they had for that job.
They are often SURPRISED when you don't negotiate.
I learned about negotiating in my first job out of college. I had NO IDEA I was supposed to negotiate, but the manager coached me on how to do it with human resources when the job offer came.
Sure enough, I did exactly as she said and was granted my negotiated job offer!
She later told me that the Vice President doesn't hire people that DON'T negotiate their salary because that shows that the candidate doesn't believe in their worth. WOW!!
3. Inflation is REAL
Third, with inflation at an all-time high in 2021, the extra dollars left on the table are extremely valuable as the cost of goods and services now is 12% more than they were last year at this time.
In fact, I've noticed that the prices at many of my favorite restaurants have increased 25-30% for the same meals I used to get, so I'd venture to say we haven't even seen the worst of inflation yet.
Therefore, we all need additional money to pay for the increased cost of goods and services.
Other Articles Related to Interviews:
- How to Nail an Interview: 11 Tips to Impress Any Employer
- 9 Interview Mistakes To AVOID At All Costs
- Job Resume Template: How-To Guide That Will Make You Stand Out
- How to Write a Post-Interview Thank You Note That Will WOW Any Employer
- Ultimate Guide to the Best Questions to Ask in an Interview
4. Gender Pay Gap
Fourth, there is a gender pay gap.
I believe this gender pay gap is NOT because women don't have the same skills or capabilities as men.
I believe this gender pay gap is because women DON'T negotiate their salaries as often as men. We should be negotiating every job offer and raise, hands down.
How to Conquer Salary Negotiation Fears
We all have fears when it comes to certain things, especially when it revolves around salary negotiation.
My first time negotiating my salary was super intimidating. However, I can say that the more you do it, the easier it will get.
So, how can we conquer these fears? Let's discuss the most common fears I hear.
1. “What if they take back the job offer?”
First off, that is just fear talking.
Second off, if they take back the job offer, (listen to me loud and clear) this is NOT a company you should be working for.
Any company that doesn't understand a go-getter that is taking their worth into their own hands is not an employer you want to work for.
If they aren't willing to have this conversation, then they don't value you and you will most likely experience many other problems in the future, so you're dodging a bullet now.
Also, I've never heard of a company doing this so I wouldn't worry about it at all.
2. “What if they think I'm ungrateful?”
They won't. Employers actually EXPECT you to negotiate, which is why they typically offer a lower salary in the initial job offer.
They are EXPECTING you to negotiate!
In fact, one of the companies I worked for wouldn't hire people that didn't negotiate because they saw them as weak. Yikes! Glad I negotiated!
3. “I'm scared they'll say no.”
So what if they do? Then you'll be in the same position you're in now, except you'll have more information at your fingertips.
You have nothing to lose! =) You got this!
4. “It's intimidating. I don't know how to do it.”
It's okay to feel this way. I felt this way my first time too. Heck, I still probably feel this way to this day, and that is normal!
However, you need to think about it as though you are working with your future boss to solve your first challenge. If you view yourself as a problem solver and engage your new manager in this way, they will also see you as a team player working to solve a challenge together.
Don't be intimidated. Know your value and know your worth. You will be absolutely fine!
How to Handle Salary Questions with the Employer
Okay, so you're in the interview and doing a great job! You think you actually may be offered this job!
You start wondering what the salary would be, and then BOOM, they ask YOU what salary you are expecting. GAH! I hate that question! What do you say?
Do you say what you want and risk pricing yourself out of their budget or say what you'd take, knowing they would offer you that, even if they had a higher budget?
Let's talk about this.
I have 5 tips I recommend following when you're in the interview.
1. Never Give a Number
When they ask you the dreaded salary question, try your hardest to not give a number!
You don't want to give a high salary and price yourself out of the job (something I've done before). However, you also don't want to give a lower salary than you'd accept and leave money on the table.
Try your best to not give a number to the employer.
Instead, explain to the employer that it's difficult to understand the full scope of the position at this stage in the process so you're unable to quantify the salary expectation.
Then, ask what their budget is for this position.
2. Use Factual Data
Do your research beforehand.
If they still want you to nail down an actual number, make sure you understand the average salary of the role you're applying for.
How to Research Salary Data
- Glassdoor and PayScale- Go to Glassdoor or PayScale and research the role and company. Get a good understanding of the pay that others are making in the same state as you. However, use this as just a base understanding as every job I've ever been in showed the pay at 50% less than what I actually made so I'm not sure how accurate their data is.
- Know Your State- Keep in mind that pay will vary state to state so make sure you research statistics in your area so that you don't ask for something that will price you out of their budget.
- Speak to Another Employee- Feel free to ask the hiring manager if you can talk with another employee to ask questions about the job. When you talk with them, if you feel comfortable, you can ask what you should expect as an entry-level salary.
- Ask the Recruiter- You can ask the salary expectations from the recruiter themselves (this is my favorite way) or call up recruiters in the same industry and ask them. I guarantee they'd be happy to help, and may even help you find a more profitable job! You can easily find recruiters on LinkedIn.
- Ask family and friends in the industry- If you know anyone in the industry or on LinkedIn, reach out to ask them about salary expectations.
I help people all the time looking to join my industry and tell them what they should be negotiating so I'm sure other employees or friends wouldn't mind doing so as well!
3. Use a Range
When you explain the number you'd like, I always like to give a range.
For example, you could say “I'm expecting $50-$60k depending on the workload and scope of the position.”
I cite market research to prove my value and skills as well from the research I did in #2.
Using a range allows the employer to see that you've put thought into the skill required for the job and allows them to understand that they will need to come with their best offer if they want to leverage your skills and experience.
4. Ask for More
This part may make you nervous, but after you do your research and nail down a number that you believe you should be making, I want you to increase it.
Yes, you heard me right.
If you believe the market rate for the job you're applying for is $45k, I want you to ask for $50k.
Always ask for more than you want. $5-10k won't price you out of their budget, but it may encourage them to offer you more.
The reason you want to ask for more is because they will most likely give you less than you ask for.
Example: If you want $10,000 more, ask for $15,000 more and they'll likely give you $10,000.
I once negotiated a salary 30% higher than the market rate was, and they ended up giving me 25%! I was still bummed I didn't get the full 30%, but I took the 25% higher offer!
5. Know Your Value
When negotiating your salary, you'll want to make sure you know your value.
To do this, you'll want to write a list.
At every job you're in, write a list of the amazing things you do, awards you win, projects you complete, etc.
I always keep a long list of everything I accomplish at my job so that when I'm applying to new jobs, I can reference my value both in my resume and in the interview when I negotiate my job offer.
Other Things to Negotiate Besides Salary
If the employer is not willing to budge on the salary, there are many other things you can negotiate.
Don't just focus on salary.
Here is a list of other things you can negotiate in a job offer:
- PTO/vacation time
- 401K match
- Car policy
- Paid Leave
- Maternity Leave
- Legal benefits
- Life insurance
- Medical benefits
What if Salary Negotiation is Unsuccessful?
Remember, the best way to GREATLY increase your salary is to job hop!
You have a fresh, clean slate every time you get a new job. You can negotiate the salary you want!
If you ever feel undervalued by your salary or they don't accept your negotiation during your raise discussion, set out to get a new job and renegotiate the salary you deserve!
You have the most power when you are starting a new job! Don't forget that! I've had friends make 150% what they were making before literally overnight!
In fact, you can even use that new job offer and give it to your current job to see if they will match or beat it! I've had a corporation ask if they could beat my new job offer, which was a win/win for me! Try it!
I always tell people that are down in their jobs that their lives can change overnight with a new job so get to applying!
These articles will help you with landing a new job:
- Job Resume Template: How-To Guide That Will Make You Stand Out
- How to Find the Perfect Job (or so we think): 3 Criteria to Look For
- How to Nail an Interview: 11 Tips to Impress Any Employer
- 9 Interview Mistakes To AVOID At All Costs
- How to Write a Post-Interview Thank You Note That Will WOW Any Employer
- Ultimate Guide to the Best Questions to Ask in an Interview
- Job Offer Comparison Spreadsheet: How to Decide on Your Career
How to Negotiate a Job Offer Successfully Summary
I hope these tips help you negotiate your job offer successfully! Remember, know your value and know your worth. You will be fine and will often be surprised by what you're offered!
Feel free to ask me any questions you may have by emailing me at thefinancialcookbook@gmail.com.
Related Posts about Job Offers:
- How to Nail an Interview: 11 Tips to Impress Any Employer
- 9 Interview Mistakes To AVOID At All Costs
- Job Resume Template: How-To Guide That Will Make You Stand Out
- How to Write a Post-Interview Thank You Note That Will WOW Any Employer
- Ultimate Guide to the Best Questions to Ask in an Interview
- 13 Super Chic Work Bags for Women in Business
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