Tips for Negotiating Your Staring Salary

One aspect of the job search process that often intimidates job seekers of all experience levels is negotiating salary. Whether you are seasoned veteran or entry-level up and comer, not having a plan in place for negotiating salary can lead to an awkward situation. The question that most entry-level job seekers ask is if they should even negotiate at all. Many feel, due to their lack of experience, that they should simply take the first offer that is made and be grateful for the opportunity. While there is something to be said for being willing to start at the bottom and work your way up, there’s no reason to accept an offer that isn’t commensurate with what others in your position are receiving. So, how do you negotiate a fair salary without jeopardizing the job offer? Below are rules that you will want to keep in mind before negotiating:

1. It’s ok to negotiate – even though you may not have many years of experience, negotiating salary may increase your value in the eyes of the employer. Your ability to negotiate will demonstrate how you conduct yourself in a business setting and earn you a higher level of respect.
2. Take stock of your personal situation – know your personal financial need and desire. This is your “must have” in order to join the organization.
3. As always, do your homework – develop a strategy before beginning the negotiation process. Being well-prepared will increase your chance for success. Research the normal salary range for the type of position you are being offered in your geographic area and have a thorough understanding of the industry and company. This will give you a range of salaries to begin with that is fair and acceptable. The internet contains many salary surveys that might be useful, while many professional associations also provide this type of data.
4. Fully understand the offer – before negotiating, be sure to completely understand what is being offered. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the job requirements and expectations, salary, company benefits and any other perks. This will enable you to develop a negotiation strategy based on the total financial package.
5. Let them bring up salary – during the interview process, employers often ask your salary range. Let them be the first to bring this topic up. Once asked, reaffirm your interest in the job and give a range that is acceptable to you and in line with what others in your position are receiving or respond to the interviewer by asking, “what is the range for this position?”
6. Be patient – you’ll want to wait until after the job has been officially offered before you begin to negotiate salary. Remember, the offer is not official until you receive it in writing. Once the offer has been made, don’t feel the need to respond immediately. Take time to thoroughly study the offer and develop a negotiation strategy if necessary. Be wary of an employer that asks you to make a decision “on the spot.” It’s completely acceptable to ask for time to review and consider the offer.

Once an offer has been made and you have determined that negotiations are necessary, you’ll need a plan for doing this as well. Below are tips for a successful negotiation:

1. If possible negotiate in person. This demonstrates an ability to conduct business in a face-to-face environment. However, if you received the job offer via e-mail and you have determined that this is the preferred method of communication for the hiring manager, it has become acceptable to negotiate via e-mail.
2. Recognize areas of concern beforehand so you can plan on how to address them when brought up during the negotiation.
3. Develop a negotiation agenda and prioritize. This will allow you to organize your thoughts and be ready for the negotiation process.
4. Keep your needs fair – the goal is to come to an agreement that is fair and acceptable for both parties.
5. Once you have agreed on an offer, stick to it. Job offers can be pulled away when potential employees try to re-negotiate after an offer has been accepted.