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How do I negotiate salary?

20 Answers
Last Updated: 05/15/2017 at 6:15pm
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United States
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
December 6th, 2014 8:50am
Studies have shown that whoever names a number first loses out, so do not be the first person to name your salary. If job applications ask for previous salary, decline to answer. The best way to negotiate salary to to know your worth. First of all, research the job market using sites like the U.S. bureau of labor statistics, Indeed.com or glassdoor to find out how much professionals in your field make in your area. Then, evaluate your experience and skills. Be prepared to "sell" yourself. Don't say you need the money for person reasons. We all have bills to pay. If you want higher pay, you will need to be confident and to articulate what skills and experience make you worth the number you're asking for. It is a myth that negotiating for salary makes you look "greedy" or will harm your chances of getting hired. If anything, negotiating your salary earns respect by showing employers you are confident, a good self-advocate, and aware of your skills. Women especially often are underpaid because they feel like it is "rude" or impolite to negotiate salary. I highly encourage everyone, and especially women to negotiate for the pay they are worth. Because you ARE worth it. Women STILL get paid an average of .75 cents on every dollar men are in America. If this disparity is ever to stop, women must stand up and demand to be paid what they are worth. Ladies, you're worth it!
Anonymous
November 17th, 2014 4:26pm
Go in confident, polite but firm. You are asking for a raise in exchange for your services and it is not only a legitimate ask, it may also be warranted; and so there is no need to feel any guilt or anxiety on the very act of asking for a raise. :) Make your points clearly and be ready to answer a few questions if required. All throughout please remember this is a rightful ask and there is no need to feel anxious.
emergeintolight
September 29th, 2014 3:49am
Calmly and in a professional manner bring up your concern then state reasons supporting your claim as well as politely listening to the opposition.
cherishedJoy15
May 20th, 2015 12:24am
I always go in asking for double what I think I'm worth and go from there. The job I have now didn't even hesitate about my offer it was great. Good luck
Leo2017
May 15th, 2017 6:15pm
When it comes to salary negotiation it is always better to have an understanding of the current market average for your position. You can negotiate by pointing out your strengths and qualifications and by showing the interviewer that you are a value addition to the company, thereby requesting to negotiate for the amount you expect.
uniquePresence20
June 28th, 2016 4:40am
Just ask. You may want to start high and you can lower to your real goal if there is a lot of back and forth in the negotiation process. Communication is the key.
Anonymous
February 8th, 2016 2:49am
Explain why you deserve that particular salary and why your current one is not satisfying you. Present your strengths and your best qualities.
Anonymous
February 6th, 2016 2:29am
Know your strenghts and weaknesses. Be self secure but very respectful. Be firm when you expose the reasons why you think you deserve an increase.
Anonymous
February 3rd, 2016 4:17pm
Make a meeting and start negotiating and you have to say things which are completely proffessional and true so that it will become successful
coolj9
January 31st, 2016 9:20am
A good research about company, company policies for employees, statistics of pay scale in various companies for the same job and what you can contribute to such that your salary expectations reasonable.
bRenda09
January 20th, 2016 4:26pm
Start by knowing your worth.! Your experience and Skills. How great of an asset you could be or are to the company. Many people can do a job but how many can do it as good as you do. :)
BatWings89
January 15th, 2016 6:47pm
Research normal salaries in your profession. Prepare good arguments why you deserve a raise or just common salary. Shoot a bit too high (often when you have good reasons and have "rare" skills you might even get that). Be aware that you are good and valuable and know which are your strengths. You can do this.
Greatlistener87
- Expert in Work Stress
January 14th, 2016 2:18am
Always be confident in yourself and be sure of what you can offer to the company. If you are convinced yourself it will be easier to convince others. Stand firm on your facts and hold strong on your decision.
Anonymous
May 15th, 2015 12:47pm
I want to ensure that this is conveyed clearly. I gave up 50% of my pay for my current job. The one thing to consider is life is about more than salary. Work hours, quality of life, being able to enjoy the things that are important to you, family, love, etc..are every bit as important as salary. I say this because if you focus primarely on salary, you may be destined to become the highest paid mental case in your company, putting in 100 hours of at work and at home combined. Go ahead, ask me how I know ;) Seriously, if you feel that you are deserving of a pay raise, the best way to ask is to tell your employer, supervisor, etc, about your job performance, maybe request a formal review. Then ask if there is a way to maybe increase compensation, whether it's increased responsibility or maybe it's been a while since they've done a salary review. Don't push too hard. They are either going to take care of you or they won't. Finally, always always always have a resume at the ready. For true quality of life, your job should integrate and support you as a human and employee, not you giving up your soul for a paycheck.
CanadaHelpsTheWorld
January 2nd, 2015 10:50am
Salary negotiations can be touchy. I always like to start higher than I think I deserve as it gives room to maneuver as they will likely counter offer lower. You have to make them feel as if you are compromising.
starryRiver83
December 28th, 2014 4:33pm
If you feel that you are not being paid the right amount, you need to know why. You need to be able to state what you expect as a result of the work you do and why you believe the salary should be paid. Make sure you prove this to the person you are negotiating with.
Faye1994
December 21st, 2014 9:28am
Do your research. How are similar people paid in the same field? How much do other companies pay? Present what you have found out.
Uniqueg
November 13th, 2014 11:38pm
Be respectful, it's all about how you word things, and give good reasons to why your an asset and why you deserve the salary your asking for!
kyle86
November 9th, 2014 11:28am
Be confident in what you do. You could find a few jobs in the same industry and find out the going rate based on that and your experience and qualifications and tell your boss why he needs you and what you would offer him and the team and why you are worth this amount.
Blaze14
October 29th, 2014 3:16pm
Salary negotiations are best done by being straight to the point with regards to why you deserve the salary that you're demanding. Make a highlight of your achievements from prior work experiences really helps. Also, your extensive experience plays a important factor, so make sure you mention that too. It's also important to do extensive research about the company you're applying for so that when you talk, you can mention points that they value highly in the job profile and how you'd be the right fit for it. You can also browse the internet to find out about salary information of existing roles and profiles there, so you know how much to ask. Most importantly, know that you deserve the amount you're quoting, so there's absolutely no need to have second thoughts when negotiating. Practice your negotiation skills before you have the talk so that you're more comfortable when the time comes.