The prospect of salary negotiations can be intimidating for any worker, but especially early on in your career.
This recent news article discussed tips for negotiating salaries both at the job offer stage and later in your job when you may be seeking a raise. It touched on some of the common hesitations around salary negotiations, plus tips to approach them effectively, including advice from Georgia Harper, President at The Headhunters:
Negotiating During a Job Offer
When negotiating salary as part of a job offer, present a well-researched range, rather than a single target, and stick to that range during the course of the conversation. Also remember that no matter how great your new job will be, everybody has bad days, so make sure that you will be comfortable with the compensation you agreed to even on your worst day on the job.
Learn more:
- What to Do if You Lowball Your Own Salary [blog post]
- Salary Negotiations – Knowing Your Value & Getting to a Win-Win [webinar recording]
Asking for a Raise
When asking for a raise, preparation is key. Research the market rate for your role and be ready to discuss how you’ve grown in your responsibilities to justify a higher salary. Ensure the examples you provide are roles that are actually comparable to your own in terms of responsibility and scope (not just the same title).
Learn more:
- How to Ask for a Raise [blog post]
Don’t be Afraid to Ask
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask! Negotiations are not easy, but you will get more comfortable with practice. “The biggest mistake is not doing it,” said JMSB graduate career adviser Bob Menard. He said a common sentiment he hears is that it doesn’t seem appropriate with a first job, but, “It’s always appropriate. I try to really stress with them if an employer is giving you an offer, it’s not just like you’re pulled out of a hat. They’ve gone through a process to select you, so they have as much in it to lose if you walk away, or if they can’t meet your counter-offer.”
