37 Tips to Negotiate a Higher Salary

Posted on 5/28/2022, 1:22:45 PM

It's important to negotiate your salary. According to salary.com, only 37% of people negotiate their salaries. Most do not do so because of fear.

Here are some tips to help you with the negotiation process.

Know your worth

How much is your position in your industry and geographic area worth? Check out payscale or Glassdoor for more information.

Pick the top of the range

When negotiating, don't pick a range. Make sure the number you choose is based on your research about the position. Specify the top of the range because the employer would always select the lower number. They will try to negotiate down, so you need enough room to get the salary you want.

Know the exact number

Instead of saying you want $50,000, say $55,670. When you are specific about the number, the employer will think you've done your research.

Be willing to walk away

If you are not happy, be willing to say "no."

Make sure you are ready to negotiate

Make sure you have been at a job for enough time and met expectations before you start negotiating your salary.

Negotiate at the right time

Don't negotiate when performance reviews start. Start talking to your boss 3-4 months in advance.

Keep track of your accomplishments

Be ready with a list of accomplishments to support why you should get a higher salary. Specify how these accomplishments have improved the business' bottom line. Print out the summary to your boss. Keep it concise.

Set the meeting to Thursday

Thursday is usually the best day to negotiate. Studies show that we become more flexible and accomodating as the week wears on.

Practice makes perfect

Practice the negotiation beforehand. Use a mirror or video and get advice from friends or family.

Starting the conversation

Drink some coffee

Coffee makes you resistant to persuasion. It makes you less likely to fold when the other party tries to convince you to take their offer.

Be confident

Always be confident and stay positive. Remember, a successful negotiation must be a win-win. Both parties should be happy about it afterward.

Start with questions

Ask diagnostic questions to understand the other party's wants, needs, desires, fears, and priorities. What are their most significant priorities right now?

Think about your opponent's perspective

Think about what your opponent is thinking. What do they want to get out of this negotiation, and why?

Try negotiating for someone else

When negotiating, don't only think about yourself. Think about your family that will benefit from your salary increase. This will motivate you to stand your ground.

Stay positive, not pushy

Always stay positive. Say something like, "I enjoy working here and find the projects challenging. I've been feeling like the amount of work has increased a bit. I believe that my responsibilities have expanded. Can we discuss compensation?"

Make the Ask

Be the first person to mention a number

Be the first person to mention the salary number. Let your counterpart counter offer.

Ask for more than what you want

Worst case scenario your opponent will counteroffer.

Don't use a range

The other party will always focus on the smallest number.

Be kind and firm

When given a number, say something like, "I appreciate the offer, and I'm excited about working here. I was expecting something like $89,500. Can we focus on that number?"

Don't focus on personal needs like rent

Focus on your accomplishments. That makes for a better sell.

Ask for your opponent's opinions

Ask them, "What would you suggest?" Get them to advocate on your behalf.

Use email when appropriate

When talking to recruiters and hiring managers, it might make sense to use email when negotiating salary. Keep it pleasant and open and make sure your conversations mimic real-life conversations.

Don't forget to listen to the other party

Make sure you understand the other party's needs and incorporate them into a solution. Negotiations should be a win-win.

Negotiation is a conversation whose goal is to reach an agreement with someone else with opinions not aligned with yours. Don't be afraid of no - Negotiations don't start until someone says no. No is part of the process.

Getting an answer

Stall to your advantage

When the other person gives you a number, stalling might make them give you a better number.

Ask questions

If the other person hesitates, asking questions helps keep the conversation moving and shows them that you're willing to work together. Say something like, "Seems like you were taken by surprise. Can you tell me more?" "What is the budget for this position?" "How can I help you move in my direction?"

Counter

Don't be afraid to counter when the other party gives you a number. Say something like, "I understand where you're coming from. I am very excited about this position and about working on this team. I think my skills fit the position and are worth $87,890."

Don't make threats

Don't threaten to leave the company. Keep the conversation positive.

Consider other options

If you can't get what you want, try to negotiate for other things like flex time, more vacation, and a better title.

Keep negotiating

Always keep negotiating. Don't give up!

If you need help with the negotiation process, you can book a video call with a mentor on mentordial.com. We can walk you through best practices and give you the feedback and insights needed to succeed. Don't give up!