Careers & Employment Information

Salary Negotiation Secrets Revealed


Before you go into the interview, it is important to know what salary you want, what you need to live on, and what you will be prepared to accept. Spend some time working out your budget. Remember to factor into your calculations the remuneration you'll need in the future.

Decide what types of benefits are important to you. A compensation package might include: flexible work schedule, option to work at home, relocation expenses, pension and insurance plans, company car, holidays, stock options, profit-sharing, training opportunities, etc. By evaluating these beforehand, you can concentrate on bargaining in the negotiation process.

It is important to know your market value. You can do this by consulting professional associations, job advertisements, business and trade periodicals, employment agencies, executive search companies, career-related websites, and on-line salary surveys.

Since salaries often vary according to location, you should research comparable positions at similar companies in your geographical area. Investigate your prospective employer's track record for making offers.

To strengthen your negotiating position, try to ascertain how urgently the company needs to fill the post. It also helps if you have another offer to consider.

When completing application forms, say that your salary requirements are "negotiable" or "competitive." Don't state a specific figure on your resume.

Don't be the first to mention salary during the job interview. Let the employer introduce salary first. If the interviewer insists on a specific figure, ask for details of the company's customary salary range for that type of position. Stress that you are confident you will be able to arrive at a mutually agreeable sum.

Do not negotiate a salary until you receive a job offer. By making the offer, the company is indicating that they consider you to be a valuable asset, thus putting you in much stronger bargaining position. When asked at this stage to express your salary requirements, be as non-specific as possible. Instead of an exact amount, state a range and indicate that you are willing to negotiate.

Use timing to establish your value. Don't be too quick to accept the employer's first offer.

If the offer is unacceptable, go back to talking about the responsibilities and importance of the job. Stress how keen you are to work for the company and how much you feel you can contribute. Maintain a calm, friendly, and professional demeanour at all times.

Anticipate objections and be prepared to overcome them. Assess the company's needs beforehand and justify your salary request by showing them how they will benefit from your skills, knowledge, and experience.

Be creative in suggesting salary options. If the company is not in a position to offer a higher salary, concentrate on negotiating parallel benefits such as performance bonuses, company car, profit-sharing, etc.

Remember that you are negotiating your relationship with your prospective employer. It should be a collaborative process. Both parties will benefit from a successful outcome. Avoid conflict. Be firm but friendly in asserting your rights.

If you are satisfied with the offer you receive, try to resist the urge to accept on the spot. Instead, express your enthusiasm about the prospects of joining the company and ask for a little time to consider the offer.

When evaluating the offer, consider all the relevant factors, e.g. salary, benefits, responsibilities, location, environment, and promotional prospects.

Once you have accepted the job offer and agreed on the salary and benefits, ask for a letter of confirmation.

Visit the author's website at http://www.assignmentsplus.com

Gerard McLoughlin, author of 'Four Minutes To Interview Success', has contributed career-related articles to hundreds of recruitment companies, websites and publications throughout the world, including: USA Today, JobBankUSA.com, US-Recruiters.com, etc.

To receive FREE career tips on a regular basis, sign up today for The Assignments Plus Newsletter.


MORE RESOURCES:
Google

Employment Seeker Self Verification Exceeds 40000 Subscribers
MarketWatch - 16 hours ago
(Pink Sheets: LPHC), a business-to-business and business-to-government providers of public information, announced today that its Employment Seeker Self ...


Economy, employment top ND voters? concerns
In-Forum, ND - 45 minutes ago
North Dakota voters picked the economy and jobs as the most important state issues on their minds as they approach the Nov. 4 election, according to a new ...


The Monster Employment Index Europe dipped four points in ...
Business Wire (press release), CA - 2 hours ago
The Monster Employment Index Europe is a monthly analysis of millions of online job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of corporate ...
September Sees Further Decline in UK Online Recruitment, According ... Business Wire (press release)
all 2 news articles


Oregon unemployment rate drops
Bizjournals.com, NC - 8 hours ago
The state?s unemployment rate dropped from 6.5 percent in August to 6.4 percent in September, according to Oregon?s Employment Department. ...
? State job losses hit recent-years high The Oregonian - OregonLive.com
Oregon Loses 7300 Jobs In September KPTV.com
all 8 news articles


Employment situation: Licensed real estate agent; self-employed ...
Amador Ledger-Dispatch, CA - 10 hours ago
Reasons for candidacy: I want to continue as director for District 1, to develop and implement better communication among the agency, ratepayers and other ...
Amador Water Agency District 1 candidate Q&A with Bill Condrashoff Amador Ledger-Dispatch
all 2 news articles


DOLE allays fears of OFWs
Philippine Star, Philippines - 14 hours ago
However, sources at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said the US economic crisis might affect employment in the country?s export industry. ...
Video: 101 East - Labour of Love - Oct 9 - Part 1 AlJazeeraEnglish
House Helpers to Undergo Psychological Tests Khaleej Times
Using their money Inquirer.net
Business Mirror - Forbes
all 30 news articles


MSN Money UK

Staff fail to receive employment tribunal awards
PersonnelToday.com, UK - 7 hours ago
More than 1000 workers each year fail to receive money awarded to them by employment tribunals, according to a report out today. ...
Bosses dodge tribunal payments Politics.co.uk
Rogue bosses exploit tribunal flaw The Press Association
One in ten tribunal awards ?ignored Times Online
all 10 news articles


Nation needs health care for all
Kansas City Star, MO - 2 hours ago
They may get a nice payout and some benefits for a time, but then they must try to find employment, competing with younger workers. ...


Job Opportunities and Employment in Canada
Shelter Offshore, UK - 12 hours ago
However, this is more positive than many economies around the world, and the other factor in Canada?s favour is that there has been strong employment growth ...


People affected by Ike in six additional parishes now eligible to ...
Alexandria Town Talk, LA - 9 hours ago
To receive DUA benefits, individuals must provide their social security number, proof of wages, and proof of employment at the time the major disaster ...

Employment - Google News

home | site map
© 2006