With proper preparation you'll find that the negotiation can be quite easy. This has the benefit of making you feel a lot more confident in yourself. Without further ado, here are some top tips to help you prepare for salary negotiations.
Firstly, preparation...
It cannot be stressed enough just how important it is to be prepared for the ordeal. As said above, with enough preparation the scenario becomes easy. But knowing what to expect and knowing how to act in certain situations will always strengthen your position, as it gives you enough ground to reason your argument against theirs.
Practising different salary negotiation scenarios can help with this, as well as asking colleagues or co-workers what you should expect in negotiations with your counter-party.
Part of this preparation comes in research. Checking the pay scale your in and asking for the pay scale of your colleagues may seem awkward at first, but knowing the boundaries where you stand can show you what you are expected to earn. In addition to this, study your initial contract and see what you are worth in their promises. Weigh whether it is realistic that you receive a salary increase. Is it a profession with a high demand but a low supply of workers willing to do it? Perhaps there is demand for your trade elsewhere?
Know thyself
Continuing on from the previous point, knowing what you are worth in the market is a huge boon to your negotiation strength. Check whether the following items are regulated in the collective agreement or through your employment contract. If these things are in the contract, you have a minimum right. You can, of course, negotiate further to improve your position within the contract.
Here is a list of some common factors which are part of the employment contract which shows your worth on the market:
- The gross hourly wage;
- whether you are working more or fewer hours than average;
- bonus;
- irregular payments;
- travel expenses;
- company car;
- health insurance paid by the employer;
- pension (non-contributory, so paid for by employer);
- study privilege;
- telecommuting;
- company computer;
- company phone;
Noting the irregularities in these factors in your contract when compared to other employment contracts can give you insight into where you can potentially negotiate a better position for yourself.
In addition to this, you should be cautious of potential cases of discrimination. For example, women are often paid less in the same position as a man with the same employer. Knowing that this is prohibited by law will help your situation a lot.
What not to do
There are still many things you should never try to do in any negotiation. Firstly, never put all your cards on the table. As soon as you give away your position and what you are aiming to fully achieve, your opponent gains a greater positional advantage than they already hold. The more you define what you are doing at the moment, and how you act, the more they'll know how far they can push you.
As such, you should never say you have another job is you do. You should never say yes to a promise you can't keep. Never say you'll leave if you do not hit an expected salary. Never say you're applying for other jobs.
Following on from this motif, it is worth noting that your interviewer is not your friend. Your boss is not your friend. In this situation, they are trying to get the best situation they can for their company. As you're at the negotiation stage, this means for them the best case scenario will always be having you employed for the lowest possible cost.
Define your strategy
In any case, go to the interview only if there actually based on your preparation to speak and / or is negotiating. Consider a tactical conversation with some of your wishes failing to reach the negotiator, and try to emphasise the point of it. Think how a chess grandmaster studies and practises for a big game. They don't practice openings and moves which they are confident in. They'll be practising the areas which they are weakest, because that is what will be exploited by the opponent. A salary negotiation is no different. There should be no doubt that you will get at least one unexpected question. However, if this should this happen, try not to act adverse. Answer it as naturally as possible working with the knowledge you have gathered, and demand reflection on the question.
Dot the i, and cross the t
Look at your job performance reviews, and look at your progress. If you do not have a performance review, request a call. Assume that you have every right to such a call. This provides an excellent opportunity to talk about your salary. Do not start already during the request for an interview with threats or negotiations; Keep it business friendly. Brute force will never work in these situations, so its better to work hard at not forcing the situation by being open. This does not mean meekly accept any terms that are given to you.
If it is a call, take some time beforehand to prepare fully. Twenty minutes may be best, though, depending on the type of business you may also earmark more for something so important.
What is your education worth?
Make an appointment with your boss to discuss the black and white about your the pay scale / function that you get when you have completed your education. Check how your colleagues are rewarded for their training. Remember that in most scenarios, not all training is required for your job. As such, do not be surprised if your study is not greatly rewarded.
If you find that your training is being wrongly rewarded, look elsewhere. More training often results in a better position.
The education of foreigners is sometimes valued lower than those of natives. Then you can get a diploma obtained abroad 'appreciated' by the Internationale Diplomawaardering(International diploma appreciation, IDW). You will then know what your future employer diploma is worth in The Netherlands.
Watch the labour market
Conduct a salary conversation is your right, but keep a close eye on the labour market situation. When many people sit at home who are looking for a job like yours, then they may not have high
By: Alex Morisson