How To Plan Your Negotiation Strategy

It is very important for you to plan your salary negotiation strategy before you get to the interview stage. Going in without a plan could mean that your prospective employer can take advantage of your lack of knowledge and hire you at a lesser salary, or you will end up with your ideal salary but too many extra responsibilities.

Here’s how to negotiate and come out ahead of the game:

Skills vs. Job Profile

You need to evaluate your skills against the job profile. That way, you know where you stand. Then, you should conduct some market research to find out what the salary range is for the position.

By knowing the salary range beforehand, you’ll have a good idea as to where you should start based on your education, experience and background.

You’ll also know if the company is lowballing you – would you want to work for an employer that does this?

The Power of Persuasion

When you start negotiations, be firm but polite while speaking with your interviewer. Don’t get personal and maintain your professional demeanor. If the company is large and you feel that the salary they offer you is not enough, then you could mention the salary offered is equivalent to those offered by smaller companies; and since their company is large and the scope of responsibilities greater, you deserve a more lucrative compensation package.

This is where your persuasive abilities come in.

Convince them that you have advanced skills and experience, so you will be more useful to them in the future. The more you steer the negotiations towards how much the company needs your services, the greater your chances are of getting the salary you want. Also, always evaluate the total compensation package, such as health benefits, bonuses, and other incentives when you’re negotiating salary.

There is a very thin line between negotiating and haggling - so once you think that you have reached a fair figure, don’t be greedy. The idea is to negotiate, not haggle or force your potential employer into submission.

Have a definite plan in mind before negotiations begin - and you just might get your dream salary, along with your dream job.

Rise Smarter with Rise Smart!





..