Wouldn’t it be nice to have a couple of hundred bucks added to your weekly paycheck? The truth is, you could be earning that money right now. All you have to do is know how to ask for it.
Asking for a raise or higher salary can be intimidating. But you know what’s scarier? Don’t miss out on these for fear of asking. There are processes and negotiation tactics that can help you get the money you deserve for your job. We’ve listed 15 of these negotiation tactics to offer some guidance.
Follow these tips to determine how much you should ask for and how to frame your request as an offer the boss cannot refuse.
1. Assess Your Skills
Let’s start by evaluating ourselves and breaking down what we offer to an employer before we ask for a specific salary. We should know our skills and what we bring to the table so we can ask for a pay rate that is competitive but not overly optimistic.
When evaluating, look at factors like career level, years of experience, special skills, and leadership history. Do these enhance your chances of getting a job or a raise? If so, be sure to highlight these qualifications in the negotiation phase.
2. List Your Achievements
A one-sheet is an excellent tool for salary discussions. It is a highlight reel of your professional accomplishments, skills, and certifications. You can even list references with contact information to back you up. You don’t need to brag about yourself in the meeting; your one-sheet can do it for you.
3. Research Average Market Salaries
By researching the average salaries in the local market, you can better understand if your salary request is reasonable, too low, or too high. Setting that average baseline will show your employer you are aware of competing companies and are suggesting fair pay.
When determining average salaries, consider geographical location, pay rates from similar companies, and the national average. Hiring websites like Indeed.com have resources like salary calculators to help you find all the information you need in your market research.
4. Prepare Your Talking Points
Your employer will ask you why you feel qualified for a specific salary or a raise. It would help if you had your responses ready so you don’t look like you are asking for more money without any reason or backing. Pick two or three specific talking points when the negotiations turn to the pay rate.
Some ideas for these talking points include special skills or certifications, years in the industry, or goals achieved in previous projects. It is important to provide detailed events and data to prove your qualifications.
5. Set a Face-To-Face Meeting
The best way to discuss important decisions like salary and pay raises is face to face. Communication can be perceived differently over email. In-person meetings or video calls can show body language and help provide clear conversation.
When meeting with your manager, maintain clear communication and be as respectful as possible. After all, they are the ones making the decisions about your future.
6. Rehearse, and Rehearse Again
Rehearsing your pitch will make you sound polished and confident when you meet your manager. The more confident you sound, the more likely you will land that much-deserved pay raise.
Ask a friend or a trusted colleague if you can use them as a rehearsal partner. Someone familiar with your specific line of work can provide feedback and offer suggestions to improve your pitch.
7. Show Confidence
Confidence will come after you research and practice your pitch in front of a friend. Once you feel comfortable with your speech, you can wow your boss and land that pay raise.
Confidence will show your boss you mean business, believe in your abilities, and deserve the salary you ask for. However, you don’t want to sound arrogant. Simply state your desired outcome, explain why you deserve it, and be ready to back it up.
8. Lead With Gratitude
This is the negotiation part, where you use those manners your mom taught you as a kid. When starting the meeting, thank the employer for their time and share a specific reason why you are excited about the opportunity to join the team.
As I mentioned earlier, you never want to come off as arrogant or entitled. Whether accepting or declining the company’s offer, you want to appear courteous and respectful. The last thing you want to do is burn a bridge and ruin a professional relationship.
9. Ask for the Top of Your Range
Why not ask for the most money when asking for a raise? It can’t hurt to ask as long as it is a somewhat reasonable number. It is much better than asking for what you want and getting a stern “No.”
Listen, the hiring manager will likely try to negotiate your offer. Starting with a higher number will help you get a pay increase in line with what you intend to settle on.
10. Consider Job-Related Expenses
If you’re starting a new job and trying to negotiate a higher starting pay, it might be helpful to consider job-related expenses that can occur if you accept a job in a new city. Consider the cost of gas or the wear and tear on your car due to commuting. Or, if the job requires you to relocate, you might have a hefty moving bill.
It isn’t uncommon for new employers to consider these factors when they hire you. Ask for relocation fees or an adjusted salary to compensate for the longer commute.
11. Prepare for Tough Questions
Corporate recruiters and hiring managers have a lot of experience negotiating, so they will ask tough questions to get to know you. This is where you can show the self-confidence you gained in your pitch rehearsals.
They may ask questions like:
“Why are we your top choice?”
“Are you willing to start immediately?”
“Are you considering any other companies?”
12. Be Flexible
Sometimes, there are other ways to compensate for a lower-than-expected salary. You could accept a lower pay rate but take advantage of stock options, a sign-on bonus, or options to work from home. These are all factors that can make up for the lower compensation.
If you cannot land the pay you had hoped for, ask the employer if they are willing to offer these other options. You never know; they could become more valuable than the actual salary.
13. Ask Questions
Don’t be discouraged if the manager you are meeting with seems shocked by your pay request. Remain calm and prepare your counter questions about why the number seems so far-fetched. Some examples of open-ended questions to help you better understand their position could be:
“What was the budget and salary range you had in mind for the open position?”
“Are there incentives other than salary that are negotiable?”
“What other information about myself would help bring our numbers closer?”
14. Ask for Advice
Don’t hesitate to ask the manager for advice if you feel you are not getting the reaction you would like. Ask a question like, “I trust you as a professional and would value your input on the situation.” Or, “How would you approach the negotiations if you were in my shoes?”
This puts a spin on the meeting because now the manager feels valued. This little act of flattery can go a long way in these tough conversations.
15. Walk Away if Needed
If you know your self-worth and aren’t willing to settle on a lower salary at a new job, it is perfectly fine to walk away. This means you still have the job offer. This puts the ball in their court and might leverage them to meet your needs or risk losing an amazing candidate.
You might need time to reflect on your situation and reevaluate your position. Tell the employer you must converse with your family and think it over. Over a few days, you will have a better mindset about what is best for you and your family.
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