Negotiating Your Salary
8 September 2006
Read by 6479 persons
Negotiating a raise is undoubtedly one of the most difficult steps in your professional life. It must be approached carefully and meticulously.
The first step is to get a better idea of the salary to request for your position. For example, ask colleagues for their opinion, visit professional events, and check the salaries offered for similar positions. This knowledge will be your main asset in negotiations with your employers.
To negotiate most effectively, the best time is during the hiring process. Here, firmness is key because unless you get concessions on this point, your pay won't change for many months. Don't be afraid to speak frankly with your counterpart, but remain diplomatic and credible. Demands that are too high relative to your skills will always work against you.
Once in the company, it's best to wait six months before requesting a first raise. In some companies, each employee has a yearly review. This is an ideal time to discuss this sensitive topic, but you can also do so during a promotion, transfer, or a period of strong company performance.
Negotiations usually take place with the recruitment manager, but before that, you can mention your requests to your direct supervisor.
Negotiation should take place on an equal footing with your counterpart but avoid any conflict.
Don't discuss your personal financial difficulties; this is your private life. Similarly, don't compare your salary to that of your colleagues; this could be seen as an inability to integrate into a team. Also, don't try to blackmail them by saying "This or I quit," as this would break the trust your employer has placed in you.
If they refuse or postpone, try contacting another manager if you can.
CV.com
The first step is to get a better idea of the salary to request for your position. For example, ask colleagues for their opinion, visit professional events, and check the salaries offered for similar positions. This knowledge will be your main asset in negotiations with your employers.
To negotiate most effectively, the best time is during the hiring process. Here, firmness is key because unless you get concessions on this point, your pay won't change for many months. Don't be afraid to speak frankly with your counterpart, but remain diplomatic and credible. Demands that are too high relative to your skills will always work against you.
Once in the company, it's best to wait six months before requesting a first raise. In some companies, each employee has a yearly review. This is an ideal time to discuss this sensitive topic, but you can also do so during a promotion, transfer, or a period of strong company performance.
Negotiations usually take place with the recruitment manager, but before that, you can mention your requests to your direct supervisor.
Negotiation should take place on an equal footing with your counterpart but avoid any conflict.
Don't discuss your personal financial difficulties; this is your private life. Similarly, don't compare your salary to that of your colleagues; this could be seen as an inability to integrate into a team. Also, don't try to blackmail them by saying "This or I quit," as this would break the trust your employer has placed in you.
If they refuse or postpone, try contacting another manager if you can.
CV.com
