5 Steps To Negotiating Your Salary
Salary
Negotiating salary is a scary proposition for some people. It’s also quite difficult if you are rusty on your negotiation skills. I’ve put together a few tips for helping you get through the process with less sweat and more leverage.
Step 1: Don’t discuss salary until the employer makes an offer
A good rule of thumb is to refrain from mentioning salary expectations in your resume. If the the ad you are responding to requests past salaries as some do, then comply. Otherwise, don’t bring up salary at all. If asked during the interview, try to avoid the question. Respond in a manner such as:
- “If you decide I’m right for the position, then I’m sure you’ll pay a fair and competitive rate, right?”
- “I’d love to discuss salary with you, but before we get to that, I’d like to know more about the position. Tell me more about ______.”
- “Is this a formal offer?”
- “The going salary range for that level of responsibility is between _______________ and _______________. You pay in that range, correct?”
Step 2: Allow the interview to make the offer
She who speaks first loses. In salary negotiations, the first figure mentioned is the starting point. You don’t want to sell yourself short. Let the interviewer make the offer and you go from there. That way, if the salary they offer is way off base and you don’t see any way to meet in the middle, then you can gracefully bow out.
Step 3: Do the research
Don’t negotiate in the blind. After your potential employer makes an offer, do a little research to determine the going salary range for your level of skill and experience. Check a variety of sources for the sake of comparison or you could end up getting less than you deserve.
One useful source of information is the U.S. Department of Labor (Bureau of Labor Statistics). They publish annual salary data by occupation.
You can also perform a Google search to find other salary information online. Be aware that salaries can vary according to location and whether or not will be employed in the public or private sector or in a profit or non-profit organization.
Step 4: Let negotiations begin
You want to get the highest salary possible. Your employer wants to pay the lowest amount to increase their bottom line. You should strive to be fair while maximizing your own value.
Determine your value to your company and make an offer based on that.
Step 5: Close the deal and keep negotiating
Your salary is only one component of the negotiating process. You can also negotiate perks and benefits such leave time, profit sharing, bonuses, etc.
If you were in a social situation, you would not go up to a person and start talking to him or her without introducing yourself. The same is true of applying for a position. Unless a position advertisement tells you to skip the cover letter, make sure you tell the reader who you are and why you are applying in an introductory cover letter.
A cover letter is not a regurgitation of what is on your curriculum vitae or resume. That is why so many potential employers may skip reading the cover letter unless they asked you to list specific information in it such as salary history or availability for work. However, you can grab your reader’s attention by making a bold statement in the first line of your cover letter. Instead of just listing the job for which you are applying and the fact that you are interested in it, tell the reader why the position is important to you. What piqued your interest enough about this position that you are taking time to apply for it?
The second paragraph of the cover letter should outline how your skill sets allow you to make a difference, to be successful in this position. What makes you the best person for this job? It cannot just be experience. Everyone else applying for the position should have relevant experience too. Your experience is already listed on your resume. How can you use your experience in a way to help this company or organization. Will it increase their bottom line, help them to be in compliance, see that they are more efficient?
Lastly, close with a statement on your desire to meet the employer to talk further about the position. Your interest should show strongly in every statement that you make in your cover letter so that an employer will feel obligated to talk to you, as if he may be missing out on the best candidate for the position if he does not interview you.
The United States job market seems to be picking up steam, but there is still a lot of recovery to be done if the job market is to regain its pre-recession levels. Some Americans are not waiting for that and are deciding to forgo the tumultuous U.S. job market for something more certain, like jobs overseas.
U.S. expats are becoming a regularity in overseas job markets as more Americans find it difficult to locate jobs in their native country and decide to opt out. So what are the signs that it’s time to look for a job overseas?
1. If your position has already been reduced
If your position is in decline in America that doesn’t mean there isn’t a market for your skills in another country. A lot of programmers have left to find work in Europe or in Asia’s developing markets. There is also a lot of opportunity in South America, where countries like Brazil and Peru have seen a remarkable turnaround and an expanding middle class. Plus, just think of all the delicious food you’d get to have daily!
2. If you just want to get out and try something new
If you’re just interested in taking a break from the traditional work you’ve been doing, then why not consider teaching in another country? English as a second language requires their teachers to be fluent English speakers and have a degree. Your degree does not have to be in English, in fact you do not have to even have a teaching certificate, but some require that you complete a course before you can be hired. This may not be an option for everyone but it’s a great way to get a job overseas.
3. You’ve stopped growing as an employee
If you have nothing to look forward to each day, then what are you doing at your job? If you’re not improving your skills or building your position within the company, maybe you would be better off with an employer overseas. Overseas employers typically offer challenging goals to their employees while providing for growth opportunities within the company. Red lights should be flashing if you have been with your company for a few years without any opportunities. You might even like the challenge of getting acclimated to a new lifestyle.
4. The economy takes another downturn
If the economy takes another tumble and the job market suffers, it would be a good idea to look for jobs in other areas. Canada is a great location within the North American continent that offers great opportunities for expats, while keeping close to family and friends. The homesickness should fade soon thanks to Canada’s proximity to the U.S., the lack of a language barrier and the availability of jobs. Aye?
No matter what you want to do with your career, if you decide to look for work overseas, make sure that you take in all the factors. It’s not like moving down the street but it could be a great opportunity to advance your career.
