Application tips > Salary negotiations: Five steps to the appropriate salary
Salary negotiations: Five steps to the appropriate salary
Did you just have a successful interview and are you in the position to be negotiating your salary? Firstly, congratulations on getting the job! But lets look at the negotiation side the process. We’ve included some tips to help you!.
- What are you worth?
Firstly, you need to consider what you're worth to the company, taking into account your level of education, experience, age, skills and the current labour market. You might even have landed a job in a foreign country, so you should do some research about the culture and negotiation styles therein.
Compare your salary to others with similar work experience. You’ll be able to find this online. - Determine your requirements upfront:
Think about what you want to achieve from the salary negotiation. Without thorough preparation, a salary negotiation will be to no avail. Set out the bare minimum you’re willing to work for as well as your starting offer but always remain realistic. Aside from your salary, also take into account your working environment such as extra holidays, laptop, company car, mobile phone or paid training by the company.
- Follow a strategy during the negotiation:
Establish a negotiation strategy and stick with it, alongside estimating the negotiation style of the employer. Make sure your arguments relate to their interests and goals.
- Dare to negotiate:
Come with strong arguments that you have collected upfront. This way your potential employer knows that you've done your homework and that you know what you're talking about. It is wise to construct your arguments properly. If you give away your strategy right away chances are you'll lose your bargaining position. Don’t let yourself be put off and come with counteroffers.
If you're stuck, suggest creative solutions. Offer to let the raise start half a year later or negotiate other work factors such as holidays.
If you don't get the offer you expected, still be respectful and thankful before further dicussions.
- Double check before you sign.
If both parties come to an agreement then the deal should be signed on paper. You need to read the contract (including reading through your working conditions) before signing.