For job seekers, 2020 has been difficult. Even so, as the businesses reopen, and the country begins its economic recovery, more job seekers are finding open positions and scheduling interviews. Along with interviews, come salary negotiations and job offers. Salary negotiations can be tricky, but Ascendo Resources can help.
Here are some tips and strategies for salary negotiation from the recruiting professionals at Ascendo Resources to help you get the job you want with the salary that matches the worth of your skills in the marketplace.
Discussing What Matters
When discussing salary with a potential new employer, the focus should be on what matters, essentially the candidate’s current worth based on their skill set, and how the prospective employer values those skills. In nearly all cases, the Ascendo team recommends steering away from salary history questions in an interview where it is often used to screen candidates.
Instead, job seekers can counter with the request for a disclosure of what the position pays, simply changing the subject, or assuring the potential employer that salary isn’t an issue. Generally, salary discussions should come only after an offer is made, and the candidate has the details of the total compensation package (retirement, profit sharing, and more) being offered.
Even for a dream job, the candidate should still be fairly compensated, making salary a crucial factor in whether or not you accept the position. The strategies involved in negotiating a new salary – in the interview or after the job offer – are vitally important. Negotiating before doing the necessary research can make the candidate look as though money is all that matters, price yourself out of the position, or undermine a potential salary boost. When discussing salary, preparation and diplomacy are the keys to success.
Tips and Strategies for Negotiating Your New Salary
- Do the necessary research before talking about salary. It is important to know the starting salary ranges for both the position and the company you are considering. Know the numbers before you start the process of evaluation, interview, and negotiation. Not only should you know salary ranges for your potential new job and company, but it also helps to know national averages for the position as well as the industry in which you are working.
- Never mention a salary figure or range. If the employer asked, try to redirect, and get them to give you a salary figure or range first. If you know their starting point, you gain leverage in the negotiations. When you are forced to offer a required salary, always offer a range, never an exact figure. If possible, turn the question around, explaining you’d rather talk about the position and the company before asking them the salary range for the position.
- Always be honest. Misleading statements and deception are always counterproductive because the truth always comes to light. Don’t embellish your current salary or create imaginary job offers. Rather, tell the truth about the skills and experience you bring to the job and the company.
- Time your salary negotiation. You should never add a salary figure to your cover letter or bring it up in a phone or in person interview. Use your initial contacts with the potential employer to showcase your capability in the position and company. If you get to a second interview, salary will likely become part of the conversation. When it does, help your potential employer see how interested you are in the position and all that you can bring to it. Be flexible when asked about salary, and always offer a range, not a specific figure.
- Be prepared when the time comes to negotiate. You never have to accept the first offer. In many cases, negotiations in good faith are expected. You can request additional compensation, while presenting a solid case for why (experience, success, skills, and education) you are the ideal candidate for the position. During the negotiation, always consider the entire package as perks – generous benefits, learning opportunities, retirement plans, vacation, insurance packages, and more – as important factors in your overall compensation. When a higher salary isn’t available, often the added perks can make up for the difference.
- Ensure all paperwork is clearly documented. Once you have the job offer and the salary you had hoped for, you will get both in writing before you resign from your current position. All the details – compensation package, benefits, job title and description, and responsibilities.
Contact Ascendo Resources for Salary Negotiation Tips
Salary negotiation is an art form which requires timing and tact, as well as seasoned research to achieve. Always be ready to showcase the skills and value you are bringing to the position as well as the company.
At Ascendo Resources, we can help you prepare for job interviews, salary negotiation, and more as you navigate the post pandemic job market. The professionals at Ascendo Resources are ready to help with personal services designed to match job seekers like you with reputable employers.
For more information, please contact us today and let’s get started!