How to Negotiate your Salary

Nov. 1, 2010 - PRLog -- Before salary comes up in the interview process, you should already have a good idea of what the position you are interviewing for typically pays, how the company pays versus their industry competitors, and what you think you are worth.  In a nutshell, make sure you do your salary homework before the first interview.  

The best time to negotiate salary is before you have accepted the job.  Once you are within the organization, it is a bit more difficult to ask for an increase beyond the normal annual pay increase if it does not involve a promotion.  Getting the highest possible compensation from the start will assure you have a good base to grow from.

If you are asked early on in the interview what are your salary requirements, respond that you are open to discussion based on the specific requirements of the job, or give a general range based on the research you have done.  Don’t lock yourself into a set figure too early.  What they have in mind may differ from your answer and then that leaves you no opportunity for discussion.  If they mention to you that the position pays X amount, your response should be that you want to think it over.  Leave room for negotiations until the very end of the interview process.

When an offer is made and it is below your desired salary, be prepared to present to the hiring manager what you believe your skills are worth and why.  Demonstrate with specific accomplishments what you will bring to the table that makes you the best candidate worthy of a higher income.  Be certain that your request is reasonable and is within market value to that particular geographic area.  Throughout the negotiating process, stay positive and open-minded and don’t hesitate to request a day or two to think over their final offer.  It doesn’t hurt to play a little hard to get if you know you are their top candidate.

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