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How to Negotiate your Salary

Posted By: Julie Shenkman In: Business Professional
Article written by Catherine Zandueta

The key to salary negotiation is preparation. Don’t go into salary negotiations without knowing the facts. Be aware of your skills and all you have to offer a new employer. Once you’re confident with your skills, do a little research into your profession.

Research your market worth. Look on salary websites to figure out the basic range for your position. Also ask friends who may have similar positions as you. If you know the salary range for your job then you have an advantage in your salary negotiations. You will also know how high you can reasonably go.

Try not to talk about salary during the interview. Wait and gauge the interest the employer has in your background and personality. If the employer wants to proceed to the next level they will give you an offer.

Understand the employer’s view. An employer’s allegiance is to the company. They will try to find the best person to fill the position for the least amount of money. Unfortunately, this is how most employer’s think. They will usually state a salary range calculated for your position that will be in line with their budget.

If you feel like the offer is way below market rate, get out. Don’t waste time on employers that want to get a breadth of skills on the cheap. Look for good companies that understand the normal range of salaries. Once you find a company that’s willing to pay a normal salary for your position, you can push for a little more.

State your case. Yes employers have a budget. If you really want to negotiate for a higher salary you must state a very good case. Illustrate to the employer that you’re skills will be an asset to the company. Yes they will be paying more for your services up front, but in the long run you’ll be saving them money by working efficiently.

Don’t forget to balance the salary with the benefits. If an employer offers you a salary that is lower than expected, ask what benefits are being offered. Some companies pay the full amount of insurance premiums. Add that number to your salary. Does the company provide perks such as free lunch or a free gym membership? Add those costs to you salary.

If the benefits raise your salary to an acceptable level, think about the offer. Will you be happy in the position? Is there a chance for promotions or other career growth in the company? How is the working environment? Do other employees seem happy? These are all questions you need to ask when considering an offer. You don’t want to jump from job to job. Take the time to review your options before taking the big leap.

About the Author:

Review more industry related articles by Catherine Zandueta at CareersandEducation.com. Catherine Zandueta is a feature writer and often covers topics related to Campus Degree Programs and Career advice.
 
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Comments
Posted by: Louise C On: 5/14/2013 6:06 PM
currently I am employed at the visiting nurse service of ny  my salary is 73k  i have extensive experience in a high pressure productivity and quality focused agency i do not feel i should settle for a big salary cut or any salary cut as suze orman says do not put yourself on sale.
Posted by: Rick C On: 4/29/2013 4:17 PM
Love it! Great Information!
Posted by: Martin S On: 4/9/2013 3:11 PM
Very-informativeGood  article .  TY
Posted by: Kathy A On: 4/2/2013 6:06 PM
Good information.
Posted by: kenny c On: 3/27/2013 9:42 AM
very informative. ty
Posted by: eileen r s
I needed to know I should check other med. facilities and what they would value my years are worth. This is helpful. Thank you
Posted by: Kimberly D
I thought the article was very good and informative. It was helpful. Thank you so much for sharing your helpful information with me.
Posted by: Robert C
Good to know and prepare if you get that far into the interviewing process or get a phone call offer.
Posted by: Kenneth H
I agree with what she wrote.  I feel it was a good article.
Posted by: SharrieC
good article
Posted by: Patricia M. W
Very helpful points and things to think about before a person takes a job.  Thanks.
Posted by: Douglas M
Consideration should also be given to whether the position requires relocation and what the COL differences may be...and who picks up the relocation expenses.Additionally, it is more difficult to "negotiate" over the phone than it is in person....shoot for a personal meeting for negotiations.
Posted by: Ahamd Fahim  N
Excellent tips and advices
Posted by: Roger C
Great advise
Posted by: Karin R
Great advice, very informative and sure helpful. Thank you
Posted by: Francisco C
I enjoyed the artical, it gave me a better insight on how I should handle the difficullt question of "What are you looking for in compensation". How does one answer this question without knowing what the pay grade/range is for the position the company has open? Don't want to go lower than my worth, but don't want to go to high as to loose the opportunity.
Posted by: JEMILA O
At this tough time in economy's bad situation, employers just want to pay at a very low salary rate. Salary offers are very low.
Posted by: Paul L
VERY GOOD
Posted by: Manuel R
Thank you for a great advice
Posted by: Kathleen B
I enjoyed the advice from the article.  It helps me to know how to negotiate and know that I'm receiving my worth. This helps further my knowledge as I advance toward and through the career that fits me.
Posted by: jeremy b
That is perfect advice. Ihave learned alot from this article.I am a machinist and mechanical designer with a degree. I live in the south so i am always low balled. But i have been doing some research and have found out my salary is about 20,000Below average.
Posted by: gordan b
This a good acticle on the salary negotiation.You have a good temperture of the bussiness world.
Posted by: Monica G
Awesome! and very informative
Posted by: DAVID T
This was a good reinforcement for the way that i negotiate my salary now. However it is getting more difficult to my pay as so many of my co-workers are becoming more insecure in there own positions and fear someone taking less pay for the job. It truly has become a dog eat dog world out here among us 20+ year heavy lift crane operators. With the governments newest regulations requiring use to have NCCCO LICENSE it is placing men with  1-2 years experience equal to us. almost  makes one want to go back to the Union. Thanks again. Another quick question where would be a good pay rate site that factors in experience?RespectfullyDavid
Posted by: BRENDA C
THIS IS VERY HELPFUL AS I AM ABOUT TO START A JOB THAT I FEEL VERY GOOD ABOUT...ALL EXCEPT FOR THE SALARY. IVE ACCEPTED THE POSITION DOING WHAT I LOVE TO DO WITH WHAT FEELS LIKE GOOD PEOPLE TO WORK WITH.THE SALARY IS DUE TO THE COMPANY BEING A SMALLER COMPANY. BUT I AM STILL NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THE SALARY. I AM NOT SURE HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS AT THIS POINT. IT IS ABOUT 10,000/YR LESS THAN AVG. THE ARTICLE MAKES A LOT OF SENSE.
Posted by: Christine S
helpful!! Thank you
Posted by: Douglas K
This was very helpfull since I have been out of the workforce for about 3 years.
Posted by: carl l
Very rich and safe material to confront employers with I agree 100% thank you
Posted by: james l
I thought the article was helpful.
Posted by: Erlita M
Very commendable, helpful, descriptive information.
Posted by: Ajit Kulkarni
good
Posted by: Tamberlyn F
This sounds well thought out and articulated well.
Posted by: Brenda U
I thought the article was very helpful and informative. I would be very interested in reading more articles like this  one.
Posted by: Allan R
Very good input and the more diverse the background the tougher it is to be prepared, it seems.
Posted by: Francisco G
Awesome! and very informative
Posted by: cheryl t
outline very descriptive, informative
Posted by: John T
Excellent, I passed this along to my girlfriend for her 3rd stage interview tomorrow.
Posted by: Andrew C
Thanks for providing such a useful tool to assist so many people. Most people incorrectly assume that they will take the compensation offered, prove their worth and get a salary adjustment on their first performance review; that rarely occurs. It's important to agree on a salary that accurately reflects your worth because with the exceptions of set annual increases (2-3%) it is unlikely to significantly increase unless you receive a promotion and a new pay grade.
Posted by: Janis S
very informative
Posted by: Jason H
This is rather well written, short, to the point, and enlightening; thank you for this post, have little doubt it will have a profoundly beneficial impact.
Posted by: julie m
Great items to think about during salary negotiations. thanks for info
Posted by: estelle k
excellent .. efficiently stated.
Posted by: Lilli s
Great! thank you for sharing your knowledge, i feel a lot more confindent that i can succeed. lilli
Posted by: Antoinette S
Very helpful information.  I feel more confident about addressing the topic when it comes up.
Posted by: William K. S
Excellent advice!All good points, but two points really stand out to me. 1. Fifth paragraph .... dont sell yourself short and don't waste your time.2. Eight paragraph ... will you be happy in the position? A great question we should all ask ourselves.Thanks,
Posted by: Freddie M
I have never been in an employment negotiation for real, for over 10 years I would like to have some hints to feel confident in my next interview,and establish a good salary negotiation.
Posted by: gurudeva k
This is a very interesting article and offers several useful tips.This is an important matter. It is better for the employer to offer a decent salary, benefits in line with the industry standards, cost of living at that particular location, growth prospects for the candidate. They have to provide the best possible package in such a way that the employee will work for the company in the long term. Also, the Employer needs to have a Training Plan for the employee. They have to think about what are the hot skills in the market for the employee. Whether the skills that we are using in our company can provide an edge to the employee over other in the same market. Growth Opportunities for the candidate also needs to be taken into consideration. Finally, this should be mutually beneficial for the employer, employee.
Posted by: Philip M
Very good, interesting and useful. I do go along with your candid and constructive analysis. Thank youPhilip
Posted by: George F
This article provides very good points of advise in salary negotiation.I will use its advise, now that I am facing the last steps in the hiring process.Thank you..!
Posted by: Lucy O
They were very good tips in the article, but as the percent of health insurance burden increases to the employees the salary take home pay decreases. This is overlooked by many and should be calculated in your negotiable salary. Keeping in mind, benefits are important and so is your available money for your living expenses when appling for a position.
Posted by: Christina H
Very great tips that help everyone to know and prepare well in the job interviews with salary negotiation and benefits promotion.  Thank you
Posted by: Christine S
I like these great tips.  I have been burned by asking asking questions and the company lied.  I was told yes there was room for advancement, people got along and were professional and that good work and skills would be appreciated but once I took the job it was a nightmare!  Nothing they said or offered was true.  Not sure how to avoid this.
Posted by: Joseph R
A very well put together article
Posted by: J.T. H
The information given was very helpful.
Posted by: Myron M
Although I've never had an opportunity to negotiate my salary before, Catherine's advice seems very sound.  I hope to put it to good use soon.
Posted by: Mary D
The article makes a good pointe, to add all the benifits.
Posted by: anna k
Thank you it was helpful, especialy a point regards benefits.
Posted by: Jessica W
Very informative.
Posted by: Tina S
This article is good for business careers but, I am a recent graduate in the medical field as a Surgical Technologist. The environment can be very stressful, its part of the job. How can I negotiate when I only have my externship to use as leverage?
Posted by: Michael G
This article is very helpful for people like me, who just graduate from College. Today June 24,2012 is my graduation day, from Cincinnati State College. Major: International Trade Management, an Associate degree. I am planning to register in fall for Bachelor, but at mid-time, I will need a job or most  the employers  require experience in the field, i do not have experience in this field. What to do?
Posted by: J Mendolia
I really enjoyed the article.  It will help me find a job.  I am new at this.  How do I find out what I am worth so I  know how to negotiate.
Posted by: Steven Sylven
One thing to ponder, if you don't need the medical coverage this can save the employer thousands of dollars. Ask the employer if the company will compensate you for not takling the medical coveraqe - some companies do this.
Posted by: Marilyn C.
I see the question twice but what is the answer. What insight are you trying to give just on personel questions without a direct answer. Again,what happens when the job seeker is highly qualified but does not have accademic requirements?
Posted by: Theresa
I have the same question as Paulette. I have a B.S. degree in IT/Business Admin. and limited experience, who can I work for to gain more experience.
Posted by: Paulette McIntosh
Great article, What happen when you work a temp.job have high educational qualification, but are limited in experience. what can you do to gain that experience.
Posted by: NTW
Great tips. I'll have to take them into consideration. Thanks.
Posted by: Noemi Rodriguez
My comments is the same as Noah.  What happens when the job seeker is highly qualified but does not have accademic requirements?
Posted by: Lee McKee
It's always a pleasure to gain your insights.
Posted by: Girish patel
Very useful information. Some of the things I didn't know. Thanks.
Posted by: Alex Vengerov
Great article. What kind of strategy of negotiation I can apply if the employer is offering me a freelance job?
Posted by: lawrence carter
I liked this article very much and well be able to use it in the future
Posted by: Burton Louissaint
Very good article. I need to know how much more than current salary to ask for when I receive a job offer. Also, if I am getting laid off or I am laid off, should I still negotiate for higher salary?? Please advise
Posted by: Arian Allen
Thank you for your article; it reinforces my belief in staying true to my value.
Posted by: Brenda Whittlesey
This article was very helpful to me, it brings up points that will help my stay confident in my abilities.Thank you
Posted by: Lillian Gratacos
Where do I start looking for these great companies to work for?
Posted by: Noah Mbama Jacques
What happens when the job seeker is highly qualified but does not have accademic requirements?
Posted by: Sohagi Parmar
Very good article. I need to know how much more than current salary to ask for when I receive a job offer. Also, if I am getting lay off or I am laid off, should I still negotiate for higher salary??Please advise
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