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Salary Negotiations



Salary negotiations probably remain one of the toughest parts of the interview to do. Dec 1, 2010 You have managed to convince the interviewer that you are the right person for the job so you do not want to through them off by demanding too much. However, you also want to ask for as much as possible. How do you find the balance? Here are some guidelines: 1. Do not start discussing salary on the first interview. Let the interviewer be convinced that you are the right person for the job and then make your move. At this later stage, the list of candidates would be much smaller and you would have higher negotiating power. 2. Know both how much you want and how much you can get. Do your research and make sure that you have a realistic idea about market prices. Then think about how much money you currently (with your current salary or if unemployed – savings) need per month. Then find the common point. Prepare a range that you are willing to except, with the minimal point being what you currently need per month. While you do not want to undervalue yourself, you need stay aware of the possibilities that the job gives you. 3. Asking about your current salary is a common interview question. Feel comfortable giving the true and exact number. In the majority of the situations (unless you are looking to change your career path), it would be clear that you are looking for an offer that would at least be equal to the one you currently have. Employers understand that so there is no need to lie or hide. 4. Do not take the first offer and go for the “rule of middle” – it is normal for an employee to try to negotiate a higher salary. Try to meet with the hiring manager and as this is a final stage of the selection process you should be able to get an appointment to discuss about salary. Nevertheless, do not be greedy. Although we all like to think that we are worth a lot you do not want to risk landing on your dream job due to overpricing yourself. In the end, once in the company, you would be given numerous opportunities to prove your value and your skills. Be careful not to through off your interviewer by playing around, it might cost you a lot. 5. Negotiate benefits. Remember that your salary is only a part of what your company is paying you. Although health benefits and vacation days might really not be flexible, you could try to find some other points of interest, for example, a day working from home. This is also the time to make arrangements about when both your salary and your benefits will be reviewed in the future.   The Growinfinance.com Team