While landing a job interview is exciting, few things are better than when an interview turns into a job offer. However, this also means you’re entering a trickier part of the hiring process. If you aren’t sure that the salary offered is fair based on the role and what you bring to the table, you’ll usually need to negotiate.
Negotiating a job offer is always a bit daunting, but it’s far easier if you approach the process correctly. Here is a look at the ins and outs of properly negotiating for a job.
Do Your Research
Generally, research is essential if you want to negotiate a job offer successfully. First, by digging into average salaries for similar roles in your area, you know if you’re being realistic about the value of your skills. Second, it gives you a clear target for your request, as well as evidence that demonstrates why you’re asking.
Along with gathering salary figures, you’ll need to show how your achievements and skills align with the job. That allows you to showcase the value you provide, tying that into your request for more pay. Together, that can be powerful and may increase your odds of success.
Check Your Attitude
Even if you were initially lowballed, you need to make sure your attitude remains calm and professional. Demanding a higher rate won’t yield better results. In fact, if you come across as rude or entitled, it may lead to a job offer cancelation, even if your point was valid.
Instead, keep your head and focus on the facts. Keep the tone metered and justify your request using logic. Along the way, try to remain personable. Additionally, stay value-oriented. When you highlight all of the ways that you can help the company thrive, you are showcasing why you’re worth the higher salary. By doing so, you’ll usually have a simpler time getting what you’re after.
Don’t Play Games
While negotiating is perfectly fine – and asking your current employer for a counteroffer may be appropriate in some cases – initiating a bidding war isn’t a smart move. In the end, making a prospective or existing employer jump through too many hoops can backfire. If that happens, you may lose the new offer. Plus, your current company knows you were heading for the door, and that puts you in a risky position.
Instead, be respectful throughout the process. Limit the back-and-forth to only what’s necessary. Additionally, be careful when pitting companies against one another, as that may cause some employers to remove themselves from contention before you’d like that to happen.
Know When to Walk
Even if you negotiate expertly, that doesn’t mean you’ll get what you’re after. Since that’s the case, you need to know when to walk away from a job offer, too. Before you start negotiating, know the absolute minimum salary you’re willing to accept. If the hiring manager simply doesn’t come across that line, then it may be better to cut your losses.
If what you’re being offered is unfair or unworkable on your end, then thank them for the offer, let them know it won’t work for you, and that you’re turning it down. Then, continue on with your job search, allowing you to ultimately find an opportunity that is right for you.
If you’d like to learn more about salary negotiations, the team at TempStaff can help. Contact us today.
