Career Advice

How to Negotiate Salary During a Job Offer

The Proper Job 16 Aug, 2016

Salary negotiations make many people uncomfortable. When you’ve been offered a job and you’re right in the middle of the negotiation, it can be hard to think straight. Here are some tips on how to navigate the minefield.

Do Your Research

Before you go back in to negotiate your salary, do your research ahead of time. You should do enough research to come up with a range of salaries that is in line with the position that you’re being offered. This will do two things. It will show your future boss that you understand the industry salaries, and it will also give you more confidence that you are asking for reasonable pay.

Figure Out The Lowest Salary That You Would Ever Accept

You should have a number in your head that represents the absolute minimum amount you would be willing to except to do this job. When you’re figuring this out, trying not to look at it from a standpoint of being so desperate for money that you are willing to take anything. Try to envision yourself actually doing the job, and feeling good about the money that you’re getting paid to do it. Otherwise, you could find yourself regretting that you didn't ask for more.

Don't Let Fear Control The Negotiation

Many people are understandably afraid to ask for more money in the negotiation. You may think that your boss will laugh at you or that you will end up not even getting the job if you ask for too high a salary. But, during your career you are going to have to face a lot of scary obstacles. Negotiating your salary is just one of many challenges that you’re going to have to overcome. With practice, salary negotiation will come easier to you.