You’re about to negotiate a salary. How do you make sure you’re getting what you deserve?

2 Prepare your case

Once you have a salary range in mind, you need to prepare your case for why you deserve it. This means highlighting your achievements, skills, and contributions that add value to the organization and align with its goals and vision. You can use specific examples, numbers, and feedback to demonstrate your impact and performance. You can also mention any additional qualifications, certifications, or awards that set you apart from other candidates or employees. Preparing your case will help you justify your salary request and show your potential or current employer that you are worth investing in.

3 Choose the right time

Timing is crucial when it comes to negotiating a salary. You don't want to bring up the topic too early or too late in the hiring process or the performance review cycle. Ideally, you want to wait until you have established your value and interest, and the employer has expressed their intention to hire or reward you. You also want to avoid negotiating when the employer is facing budget constraints, market fluctuations, or organizational changes that might affect their ability or willingness to pay you more. Choosing the right time will help you increase your chances of success and avoid awkward or inappropriate situations.

4 Be confident and respectful

Negotiating a salary requires confidence and respect, both for yourself and for the employer. You need to be confident in your skills and abilities, and communicate them clearly and confidently. You also need to be respectful of the employer's perspective and constraints, and listen to their offer and feedback. You don't want to come across as arrogant, greedy, or demanding, or as insecure, desperate, or apologetic. You want to strike a balance between assertiveness and flexibility, and show that you are open to dialogue and compromise. Being confident and respectful will help you build rapport and trust, and create a positive impression.

5 Consider the whole package

When negotiating a salary, you need to consider the whole package, not just the base pay. This means taking into account other benefits and perks that might be part of the compensation package, such as bonuses, commissions, stock options, health insurance, retirement plans, vacation days, flexible hours, remote work, tuition reimbursement, or professional development opportunities. These benefits and perks might add significant value to your overall compensation, and might be more negotiable than the base pay. You also need to consider your personal and professional goals, and how the compensation package aligns with them. Considering the whole package will help you evaluate the offer holistically and make an informed decision.

6 Practice and rehearse

Finally, negotiating a salary requires practice and rehearsal, both mentally and verbally. You need to practice your negotiation skills, such as asking open-ended questions, making counteroffers, handling objections, and expressing gratitude. You also need to rehearse your salary pitch, using a script or an outline, and practice it with a friend, a mentor, or a coach. You can ask for feedback and suggestions, and refine your pitch accordingly. Practicing and rehearsing will help you overcome your nerves, improve your confidence, and prepare you for any scenario.