How to Negotiate a Salary

Negotiating Salary - an Important "How-To"

Salary negotiations are tough – how do you find that fine line between pricing yourself out of a job offer and getting paid what you are worth? Here's some tips on how to negotiate salary, without ruining your chances of getting a job offer.

Research the Going Rate – Websites like Glassdoor, Vault and Payscale are a useful tool in gathering information on the company and what it pays,  searching local job postings for similar positions to determine the average base salary for your position and experience.

What Are You Worth? – You don’t want to price yourself out of a potential offer, but you also want to show what you bring to the table. Highlight your past accomplishments, with specific points, such as how you have saved money or increased productivity for former companies. If you've earned bonuses or incentives, mention these, too – it may help your potential employer realize the benefits of having you on board.

Be Prepared – Prior to salary negotiations, have your requirements in mind – your ideal base salary as well as the least amount you would take. If the company isn’t in your ballpark, ask what other considerations (such as bonuses, equity in the company, or other incentives) might be included.

Be Patient – Let the employer bring up salary numbers first. If the employer asks what your salary requirement is, say something to the extent of "they are open based upon the position and the responsibilities of the job"

Be Flexible – Salary negotiations will greatly depend on how the company is doing financially. If the company isn't flexible on negotiating salary, suggest a signing bonus or ask to receive your evaluation/raise earlier than the typical one year.

Be Reasonable – When you get the job offer, evaluate it meticulously! There's more factors that come into play than just the starting salary – ask about bonuses, commission, and projected salary increase. And take into consideration benefits, vacation time, stock options, the retirement program, hours, and promotion/growth opportunities.

Remember -- if you have reached the point in the interviewing process where the company is discussing salary with you, it means the company is interested in you – they desire your experience and skills. By being prepared and confident when you go into salary negotiations, you have a better chance of ending with a win-win scenario.