- 1). Research the average salary for a similar position in your market. The same job can pay more or less depending on the size of the company, your skills and experience and where you live.
- 2). Determine the minimum salary you’ll accept. Be prepared to walk away, or negotiate for additional benefits, if the employer offers less than this amount.
- 3). Review the benefits offered by the company. Even if you don’t have a job offer in hand, in most cases the job listing or the company website lists the benefits to employees, such as health insurance, retirement plans and stock options.
- 4). Prepare to justify your salary request. Create a document or develop a short pitch that outlines your qualifications and why you’re the best person for the job, and why you’re worth the amount you’re requesting. Practice the pitch in advance with a friend or career counselor to avoid getting flustered during the negotiation.
- 5). Deflect questions about your salary history as long as possible. Some employers ask for a salary history to screen out applicants who want to make too much money. If pressed, answer honestly, while making it clear that you expect an increase in your earnings.
- 6). Respond to questions about your salary expectations without giving a specific figure. For example, tell the interviewer that you expect a salary that’s commensurate with your experience, or competitive within the market.
- 7). Provide a salary range, not a specific number, if the hiring manager presses you for a figure. As a rule of thumb, add 10 to 20 percent to your current salary. State your minimum requirement as the lower end of your range, since employers will use that as the starting point for your salary offer.
- 8). Negotiate for additional perks if the hiring manager cannot meet your salary requirements. Ask for a signing bonus, relocation assistance, a flexible schedule or the ability to telecommute.
- 9). Ask for time to consider an offer before making a decision or a counter offer. This time allows you to weigh the options and assess the offer objectively.
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