n a job offer situation
The trouble is , the employer will almost certainly have the upper hand in the salary negotiation . They are probably recruiting people all the time and used to this type of negotiation . You , on the other hand , may not have been looking for a job for years .
Nevertheless , it is incredibly important that you get this right . Tens of thousands of pounds may be lost if you don ’ t . Moreover , if you feel like you ’ ve been cheated it will eat away at you during your work . Conversely , if you go in too bull-headed and upset the employer you may not get the job at all .
So how do you get the best possible salary without upsetting your potential employer ?
Do your research . If the job has been advertised then search the net , look at the employer ’ s website and try to find out the highest salary that has been advertised for that post . This will give you leverage . It may be that you know someone in the organisation . Best not to quote their salary , but at least it will let you know what might be available .
Don ’ t undersell your current salary . Make sure that you have included all benefits and perhaps attach a value to them . Bear in mind that a good pension scheme is worth a lot .
No one wants to be second choice . There is nothing wrong in letting the employer know you have other irons in the fire , but make sure you tell the employer that they are your first choice .
Do not assume that the salary offered is their final offer . It might be , but don ’ t miss out if it ’ s not . Be prepared to say : “ I was looking for ...” Follow that up with , I am really pleased to be offered …”
Before you accept any salary make sure you have the full package . Don ’ t agree to separate parts . If you can ’ t negotiate a better salary , then maybe you might get better holidays or pension .
If you get into a classic negotiation scenario , remember to trade , don ’ t concede . If you have to give something away , see if you can get something back in return . For example , if the job is commission based you may ask for a guaranteed commission or an extended guarantee period .
Have a good reason as to why you are worth it . The fact that you want the job or need it isn ’ t the best reason . In a commercial situation , it is usually how you are going to make them more money . In a non commercial role , it is how you are going to save them money .
Don ’ t gloat if you get your way . If you do extract a concession from the employer , reassure them that you intend to prove you ’ re worth it .
Give in gracefully if you don ’ t get the salary that you want , but you still want the job .
Finally , all negotiations should end with a win – win situation . The only good negotiation is one where both sides feel that they have done well , even if they have not got all they wanted .
Job seekers should not be shy about asking for more money . Working for an employer is a transaction the same as any other and really commercial people will want the best deal possible . After all , you might be negotiating on behalf of the new employer in your new role . You must , however , be realistic . If you ’ re currently earning £ 25k , unless there is something really special about you or the job , it would not be realistic to demand £ 40k .
“ All negotiations should end with a win-win situation .”
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