You’re looking for a new job. How can you get the salary you deserve?

1 Know your worth

Before you apply for a new job or ask for a raise, you need to have a clear idea of your worth in the market. This means researching the average salary range for your role, level, and location, as well as considering your experience, education, and achievements. You can use online tools, such as Glassdoor or Payscale, to get an estimate of your salary potential, or talk to your peers, mentors, or recruiters for more insights. Knowing your worth will help you set realistic and confident salary expectations that reflect your value.

2 Be flexible and realistic

While you should aim for the salary you deserve, you should also be flexible and realistic about the offer you receive. Sometimes, the employer may have a limited budget, a different compensation structure, or other factors that affect their salary decision. Instead of rejecting or accepting the offer right away, you should explore the possibility of negotiating other benefits, such as bonuses, equity, perks, or flexibility. You should also have a minimum acceptable salary in mind, and be prepared to walk away if the offer is too low.

3 Communicate your value

One of the most important skills in negotiating a salary or raise is communicating your value effectively. This means highlighting your achievements, skills, and contributions that align with the employer’s goals, needs, and challenges. You should use specific examples, numbers, and stories to demonstrate how you have added value to your previous or current roles, and how you can do the same or more for the new one. You should also emphasize your passion, enthusiasm, and fit for the role and the company culture.

4 Practice and prepare

Negotiating a salary or raise can be nerve-wracking, but you can reduce your anxiety and increase your confidence by practicing and preparing beforehand. You should rehearse your salary pitch, including your desired range, rationale, and counterarguments, with a friend, a mentor, or a coach. You should also prepare for common questions, such as why you want to work for the company, what are your strengths and weaknesses, and how do you handle feedback. You should also research the company, the industry, and the role, and have some questions ready to ask the employer.

5 Be respectful and professional

Negotiating a salary or raise is not a confrontation, but a collaboration. You should approach the negotiation with respect and professionalism, and avoid making ultimatums, demands, or comparisons. You should also listen actively, acknowledge the employer’s perspective, and express your appreciation and interest. You should also avoid discussing your personal or financial needs, or badmouthing your previous or current employer. Instead, focus on your value, your potential, and your fit for the role and the company.

6 Follow up and confirm

After you have negotiated a salary or raise, you should follow up and confirm the details of the agreement. You should send a thank-you email to the employer, reiterating your interest and excitement for the role, and summarizing the main points of the negotiation. You should also ask for a written offer letter, and review it carefully before signing it. You should also keep in touch with the employer until you start your new job or receive your raise, and update your resume and LinkedIn profile accordingly.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?