How should a professional negotiate salary to secure better compensation?

Research market pay, quantify your impact, and set a realistic range with a cushion; then schedule a discussion, deliver a confident pitch, and offer alternatives like bonuses or benefits. Follow up in writing and respond to counteroffers reasonably.

When does salary negotiation happen?

We all know that we should be negotiating our salaries, whether we're starting a new job or seeking to get a promotion at our present one.

You could be tempted to accept the first offer, sign the contract, and move on to the next step in your career. This is usually not a good idea.

But do we have a choice?

What is the most important reason for not asking for more? Fear.

Moreover, half of US workers did not negotiate their previous pay, resulting in money being left on the table.

We understand that salary negotiations can be nerve-wracking, but what's more terrifying is not doing it.

It's time to learn how to negotiate effectively, whether you're a man or a woman, in your first or fifth job. We're here to help with a collection of expert advice to ensure you're prepared.

This detailed article will answer the following questions:

• What Do You Mean by Salary Negotiation?
• How to Negotiate a Raise?
• How to Draft a Salary Negotiation Letter?
• How to Write a Salary Negotiation Email?
• How to Negotiate Salary After You Get a Job Offer?
• What Are the Tips for Getting Better Pay?

Introduction to Salary Negotiation

A company normally gives you a package that includes a recommended pay when they issue a job offer. But what if the compensation is commensurate with your degree, job level, or your skill?

In such a situation, you may like to opt for negotiating a higher salary than offered. And instead of higher pay, you might also recommend a different type of remuneration or additional benefits.

Candidates are generally keen on salary negotiating advice.

Negotiation experts advise to examine the zone of possible agreement before we discuss pay. This implies that you and the recruiting organization can agree on at least one figure.

This can happen with simple research in your sector, speaking with others in similar positions, and evaluating your skills.

Consider that job seekers focus on back-and-forth haggling methods during salary negotiations. Yet, it's just as crucial to consider your long-term objectives, the sort of business you'd be joining, and the best approach to phrase an offer.

Negotiating Pay Raise

The very often asked question about salary negotiation is ‘How to Negotiate a Raise?’ or ‘When does salary negotiation happen?’

It's very much clear that one of the most crucial skills you'll need in your profession is to negotiate a raise. Now, the question is how to do so. In this brief article, we will answer all your questions and will also offer you some tips.

You need confidence in the value you are providing to the organization. In this negotiating process, you will need some professionalism rather than buttering your boss or manager.

7 Steps to Negotiate a Raise

• The first and basic step is to research salary data for your current position
• Know how well your company is doing in the current market
• Recollect data on what you have achieved in this job role
• Evaluate your target range for the raise you desire
• Make a presentation
• Rehearse negotiating offer once or twice and stay prepared for counter questioning
• Schedule your meeting with your boss or HR manager

How to Draft Salary Negotiation Letter

Salary negotiating can be a nerve-wracking task in person. But putting your negotiation in writing can help you be comfortable with your demand. As it is often easier to put in writing and can be used as proof in the future.

Here are some essential tips for a salary negotiation letter:

• Address your negotiation letter to the person who signed the job offer letter
• Begin your letter by thanking the employer for the job offer
• Write the letter in a positive tone
• Emphasize the enthusiasm you have and will deliver for the position offered
• Mention the change in the job offer in clear points
• Request for a higher salary or other perks according to your salary research
• Provide supporting data for the new proposal
• Make it clear that you are open to a healthy discussion and negotiation
• Maintain a professional tone throughout the salary negotiation letter

How to Write a Salary Negotiation Email

A salary negotiation email is sent to a potential employer or recruiting manager in order to talk about and reach an agreement on the initial salary offered for a job position. After receiving an initial offer or while working for an organization, a person can write an email to negotiate their salary.

For instance, if you've been with an organization for a year, you would want to negotiate your pay in order to get a raise based on your performance and advancement in your present role.

The following are components of the salary negotiation email:

• Write the full name of the hiring manager or interviewer
• To the point subject line that states what the email is about
• Start your email with an appropriate greeting
• In your opening paragraph, include an appreciation of the job offer and the employer's time.
• In the second paragraph, include the new salary proposal. Write a reasonable paragraph about why you feel the new salary number is appropriate. You can also mention your willingness to accept other forms of compensation rather than a specific raise.
• In the closing paragraph, write your interest in the position and thank the employer.
• At the end of your salary negotiation email, put a signature and your name.

How to Negotiate Salary After You Get a Job Offer

Negotiating after you receive a job offer is best as you now have the most leverage. You've proven yourself to be the right candidate for the job and you understand the employer's expectations.

Most companies in today's time will send you a job offer via email. Usually, after you are offered the position via email, a follow-up call is scheduled. This call is your opening.

You can send in an email with a short note writing about how enthusiastic you are about the role. In addition to this, you can further discuss details about any other perks they will offer with the position.

In this same email, you can hint about salary negotiation so that both the party stay comfortable with the discussion. Also, here are tips before you negotiate after you get a job offer:

• Research the average salary trends of your specific field.
• Build in a small cushion of pay above the actual figure you desire so that if they counteroffer, you remain happy.
• A rational employer will not rescind an offer just because you attempted to bargain. However, dragging out the salary discussion might irritate and lead to a terrible start to your partnership.

Salary Negotiation Tips to Get a Better Pay

• One common mistake you need to avoid is selling yourself short. Know yourself, your skills, experience, and qualifications. Prominently keeping all this can get you the negotiation you desire.
• Don't strike for a single figure, rather consider a salary range.
• Practice your pitch once before you go for the actual negotiation. Much of a successful salary negotiation boils down to feeling satisfied and practiced.
• Be confident in your delivery and don't underestimate your likability. Put on your game face and bring confidence when the moment comes for negotiation.
• Don't slip on accepting the first offer, rather take time to evaluate an offer.
• Always try to come back with a reasonable counteroffer based on your research.
• Consider your leverage because negotiation varies depending on your current employment situation.
• Include perks, bonuses, and benefits in your negotiation pitch. Consider additional perks and list those when you negotiate the salary for your new job.

Key Points

• Salary negotiation shouldn’t be scary, it’s only a challenge for great compensation. Here are a few takeaways for successful salary negotiation:
• Always arm yourself with market data on average salaries for your position.
• Factor in your level of experience and unique attributes.
• Set a target salary range and not a figure.
• Before you negotiate, practice explaining the value you would bring in.
• Develop alternatives to the current negotiation to increase your flexibility at the table.

Hiration provides you a personalized 360-degree career service platform with 24/7 chat support for all your professional needs - from building a shortlist-worthy resume and cover letter to optimizing your LinkedIn profile, preparing for interviews, and more!

For any queries or concerns, feel free to drop a mail at support@hiration.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does salary negotiation mean?

  You discuss the offered pay and may seek a higher salary or additional benefits based on research and your skills.

• When does salary negotiation happen?

  You negotiate when starting a new job or seeking a promotion, and negotiating after you receive a job offer is best.

• How do you negotiate a raise?

  Research your role’s pay, assess company health, compile achievements, set a target range, make a presentation, rehearse for counter questions, and schedule a meeting.

• How do you draft a salary negotiation letter?

  Address the signer of the offer, thank the employer, state requested changes and a higher salary or perks with supporting data, invite discussion, and maintain a professional, positive tone.

• How do you write a salary negotiation email?

  Include the hiring manager’s name, a clear subject, a proper greeting, appreciation, your new salary proposal with reasons or alternative compensation, a closing with interest and thanks, and your signature.

• What should you do after receiving a job offer to negotiate salary?

  Send an email showing enthusiasm, discuss any perks, and hint at negotiation; then research salary trends, build a small cushion above your target, and avoid dragging out the salary discussion.

• What salary negotiation mistakes should you avoid?

  Avoid selling yourself short, taking the first offer without evaluation, and dragging out the salary discussion.

• Should you negotiate a salary range instead of a single figure?

  Yes. Don't strike for a single figure, rather consider a salary range.

• What is the zone of possible agreement in salary negotiation?

  It is the overlap where both sides can agree on at least one figure, found by research, conversations, and skill evaluation.

• Can negotiating your salary cause an offer to be rescinded?

  It is unlikely. A rational employer will not rescind an offer just because you attempted to bargain, but avoid dragging out the salary discussion.