Bob Stanley asked:

Almost half of the jobseekers and employees are embarrassed to be the first to raise the pay issue even though in reality they are unhappy with the salary they are offered or salary they are currently receiving. But, negotiating your salary is not that difficult as long as you tackle it professionally. Nowadays, salary negotiation is generally discussed during job interviews.

Ideally, the first person to raise this sensitive issue is the employer (interviewer). Before laying your cards on the table of what you are willing to accept, ask the employer how much he/she is willing to offer. But, if that is not the case, do your homework. Ask around for the salary range of employees with the same position and industry you are applying to. You should be familiar with how much employees carrying out similar roles and responsibilities are being paid. The culture and attitude of different employers vary, but at least you have an idea of the prevailing market rates so in the end you will never feel like you are the injured party.

It is also essential to find out as much information as you can about the company’s financial situation and capabilities. Of course, if you are applying in major companies, you can demand or ask for a higher salary. But, if you are thinking of applying to positions in charitable institutions or small and medium enterprises, then your chances of getting a higher compensation is not that great.

If asked about how much you are currently earning, politely avoid answering the question. I always believed I was paid fairly and I was happy with my compensation, but at this point in my career I’m looking for new challenges.  It is a good idea to be honest, but no need to limit yourself by telling the interviewee your existing one.

In many cases, if you will be asked what sort of salary you are looking for, you could tell your prospective employer that you need more detail of the role you are going to engage in the company. If pressed with time, it is fine to tell the interviewer that you need time to think about the ideal salary range, and then move the conversation along.

Most importantly, when you negotiate about the pay, negotiate for a win-win situation with your employer. A good negotiation is a discussion in which both parties understand and respect each other’s position and responsibilities. It ends when all parties feel that their concerns are heard and their needs have been addressed well.

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Tony Jacowski asked:

Ideally, the mutually-accepted final salary structure will be the outcome of a successful interview process. However, your expectations must be realistic. A little research on deciding upon the expected salary will be helpful.

A realistic assessment should be done to calculate your worth as an employee, which should be tested against the present market or industry standards. Several factors such as type of industry, kind of work, geographic location, supply and demand, or simply the growing need for a professional workforce in a specific industry play an important part in salary considerations.

After preparing yourself in these areas, it will be helpful to follow a three-point formula for the actual salary negotiations during the interview.

Never Be the First to Bring Up the Topic of Salary

Do not rush to bring up the matter of salary in your interview. First, let the employer decide whether you are suitable for the position. Eventually, the topic will come up in the interview – but avoid starting it if possible.

You will blow your credibility if you start the discussion by asking for a particular figure. This gives the impression that salary is your major consideration in applying for the job.

Just as in a card game, it is always best to hold your trump card until it’s time to play it. Announcing your anticipated salary early in an interview may very well eliminate your chances of getting the job, especially if the figure turns out to be too high. If you have set your limit low, it eliminates the opportunity of getting a higher figure if the employer is already thinking of one.

Therefore, it is best not to include salary expectations in your resume unless salary has been specified in the job-opening announcement.

Do Your Homework

Some research is needed before you go on the interview. Explore details such as average salary for that position in the job market, and evaluate your experience, expertise and educational qualifications. Other factors to take into account are the reputation of the company, the hierarchical status of the position offered, and the geographic location.

The perks that come with the salary, if any, should also be considered. Feedback from friends working in that company or colleagues working in the same industry is helpful in getting such details.

Don’t overlook websites that deal with employment and job opportunities.

Do Not Jump At the First Salary Offered

Don’t grab the first offer instantly. Take time, a couple of days perhaps, to consider the offer. Consider some hitches that might go unnoticed. Review the offer; consider all the possible aspects as well as your chances of getting ahead in the position before accepting it.

If you find it doesn’t meet your expectations, let the employer know the salary you anticipate and justify it by pointing out the requirements of the position and your experience and expertise for earning it.

This may not always result in getting you your asking salary; it’s entirely likely that you may need to negotiate and come down a bit. Even if that happens, you will come into the position with your own self-worth established.

Like marketing, successful closing is important in an interview. If you are marketing your worth in an interview, make sure to successfully close the deal and negotiate your salary.

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Mary Markella asked:

One of the most difficult situations for an employee, is when he/she wants to ask for a salary raise. However, if you are well prepared and use the right approach then you can negotiate an amount of money that both you and your boss can be happy with. There’s nothing wrong when asking for a raise, if you do it professionally.

And here are some suggestions:

First do some thinking. What are those negotiating techniques you could implement when asking for a salary raise? When is the best time to ask for a raise? What is the best way to ask for a raise? It all depends.

Stay focused. Prepare your mind for success. This is quite vital. If you don’t expect your boss to listen to you then how do you expect to get a salary raise?

When negotiating your salary it’s important to be flexible and have alternative plans. For example your boss may not offer you more money but different benefits like stock options, tuition reimbursement etc. Will you be happy then?

The majority of employers ask for a raise without even knowing their market. This is a big mistake. Do some salary and job research and see what other employees in your field earn. This will strengthen your position when negotiating your salary with your boss.

See what you worth in the market. You must think like a freelancer. Search for other job opportunities, talk to other companies, get offers, see what your value is in your area of expertise. You may need to make career moves. The bureau of labor statistics is a great resource. check it out.

Don’t use your emotions to outsmart your boss. You will not win. Your boss is probably experienced enough to not fall for these techniques. Just don’t bring emotions when negotiating your salary. Be professional and always give your boss enough time to think what he/she can do for you.

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