Score a New Job Offer? How to Firmly Yet Politely Negotiate the Salary

• Author: Chris Remington
• Posted: 2024-09-08

The battle is only half over once you score that job offer. Now comes the delicate part of negotiating the salary. This process can often be arduous and sensitive, making it challenging for some people. Here is what you need to keep in mind so that you can firmly but politely negotiate the salary and get what you want.

Do Your Research

Before even thinking about throwing out some numbers, it is important that you do your research. Knowing how your particular skill set and experience level are valued across the industry will give you a good starting point when negotiating your salary. There are a variety of public information sites that can help you to understand what you should ask for in terms of compensation. Some of the best sites for this research include Salary.com and Glassdoor.com.

Look Beyond the Basic Salary

Your overall employment package goes far beyond the basic salary. Do not make the mistake of only negotiating your salary and potential bonuses. It is true that some elements of the compensation package, such as health insurance benefits, may not be up for negotiation. However, there are always extra elements that you can work into the negotiations.

For example, perhaps you want to negotiate an extra week of paid vacation? Or maybe you want to request the option to work from home once per week? Identify what is important to you and go after that as you negotiate the big picture of your employment package.

Do Not Make the First Salary Suggestion

Many inexperienced professionals hurt themselves by being the first party to bring up the salary figure. If you propose the first number, you may inadvertently end up negotiating against yourself because the employer would have actually offered you more. In order to maximize your pay potential, it is recommended to let the employer throw out the first offer. If this number is well below what you expected, consider asking if they are willing to negotiate a new salary after a few months on the job. This will give you time to prove yourself.

Make a Personal Connection

Do not discount the power of a personal connection with the person that you will be working with as you negotiate these numbers. If possible, try to find out something about the negotiator prior to the meeting. For example, perhaps you learn that you went to the same university? Bringing up a personal connection at the start of the negotiation process can help to establish a friendly rapport that may prove beneficial when they need to make the final decision.

Do Not Resort to Ultimatums

The last thing that you want to do is offer an ultimatum when negotiating your salary package. Even if the management agrees to your request, it could leave a bad taste in their mouth as you start your journey with this new organization. If you do not agree with the terms of the initial offer, it is better to firmly detail what is missing from the package and why you are deserving of better terms. You can do this in a way that does not come off as a threat.

Be Honest

It may be tempting to exaggerate your qualifications and skills in order to get the offer that you want. However, not being honest about your experience can come back to haunt you, especially if you get caught in the act. There is a very fine line between overselling and underselling yourself. The bottom line is that you need to be truthful about your qualifications while also being confident in your abilities.

Go All In

It is also important to negotiate all benefits at the same time. Do not negotiate your salary and then come back a few days later and ask for additional paid time off. Doing all of this at the same time conveys the message that you know exactly what you want. You are less likely to annoy the negotiator if you discuss it all at one time rather than a list of separate requests.

When approaching this delicate situation, it is important to always remember that you were chosen for this job. Believing in your value will give you the confidence to negotiate your salary as you see fit.