How to Negotiate your Salary

The key to salary negotiation is preparation. Don'trange of salaries. Once you find a company that's
go into salary negotiations without knowing thewilling to pay a normal salary for your position,
facts. Be aware of your skills and all you have toyou can push for a little more.
offer a new employer. Once you're confident withState your case. Yes employers have a budget. If
your skills, do a little research into your profession.you really want to negotiate for a higher salary
Research your market worth. Look on salaryyou must state a very good case. Illustrate to
websites to figure out the basic range for yourthe employer that you're skills will be an asset to
position. Also ask friends who may have similarthe company. Yes they will be paying more for
positions as you. If you know the salary range foryour services up front, but in the long run you'll be
your job then you have an advantage in yoursaving them money by working efficiently.
salary negotiations. You will also know how highDon't forget to balance the salary with the
you can reasonably go.benefits. If an employer offers you a salary that
Try not to talk about salary during the interview.is lower than expected, ask what benefits are
Wait and gauge the interest the employer has inbeing offered. Some companies pay the full
your background and personality. If the employeramount of insurance premiums. Add that number
wants to proceed to the next level they will giveto your salary. Does the company provide perks
you an offer.such as free lunch or a free gym membership?
Understand the employer's view. An employer'sAdd those costs to you salary.
allegiance is to the company. They will try to findIf the benefits raise your salary to an acceptable
the best person to fill the position for the leastlevel, think about the offer. Will you be happy in
amount of money. Unfortunately, this is howthe position? Is there a chance for promotions or
most employer's think. They will usually state aother career growth in the company? How is the
salary range calculated for your position that willworking environment? Do other employees seem
be in line with their budget.happy? These are all questions you need to ask
If you feel like the offer is way below marketwhen considering an offer. You don't want to
rate, get out. Don't waste time on employers thatjump from job to job. Take the time to review
want to get a breadth of skills on the cheap. Lookyour options before taking the big leap.
for good companies that understand the normal