It’s normal for your salary to change as you gain more experience. As your skills improve, you will get promoted and work on more important tasks. Unfortunately, there’s a chance you may not get the salary you deserve at certain companies. In this case, you should either look for a better job offer or negotiate for a higher salary. You shouldn’t fear losing your job or antagonizing your boss. In order to be successful in the professional world you will have to stand up for yourself.
Know What You Want
Before you do anything, you’ll have to know exactly the sum you’ll be satisfied with. Don’t get excited just because you’re getting a slight bump in your salary. Research how much other people in your position and with your set of skills make. Once you determine what’s the least amount of money you’ll accept, you should stick to that decision. Don’t be afraid to walk if you don’t manage to get what you wanted.
Let the Company Make the First Offer
You shouldn’t mention your desired salary if the company hasn’t made an offer yet. Focus on answering the questions they ask you during the interview and wait until the last minute to discuss pay. This strategy will help you prove why you’re an excellent candidate for the position. After the company makes the first offer, it means they’re interested in hiring you. This is the only part of the interview during which you’ll be in the position to negotiate your salary. When you make a counteroffer, you’ll have another chance to explain exactly why you not only deserve a position at the company but higher pay.
Get Certifications
One of the best ways to get the salary you want is to improve your skills and become more experienced in your field. Consider acquiring certain certifications that could help you get a pay increase. For instance, if you work as a project manager, it’s highly recommended you have a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Don’t worry about whether you’ll be able to balance preparing for the exam with your work. Certain companies like EdWel organize an accelerated 4-day PMP boot camp that will prepare you for the test quickly.
Learn How to Negotiate
Speak in a calm tone during the negotiation. Make sure you explain to your superiors that although you like both your job and the company, you feel like you’re underpaid. It’s important to be polite in all communication throughout the negotiation. Of course, you’ll also need to describe exactly why you deserve to get an increase in salary. Explain what sets you apart from other employees or candidates for the position. Note that if you want to get a raise it’s crucial to be flexible during the negotiation.
Ask for an Odd, Precise Number
According to research published by the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, you can have the upper hand during negotiations if you use very specific numbers. For instance, if you want to your salary to be around $60,000, then it’s recommended you ask for $59,500 instead. Using a very precise number will make it seem like you’ve done your research and know exactly how much you deserve. Even if you’re giving your superiors with a salary range, it should still contain odd and precise numbers.
Ask for More Than You Want
Your superiors won’t always agree with your proposal for a pay increase. Nevertheless, they might decide you deserve more than you’re currently getting. In this case, they’ll present you with a counteroffer. Don’t expect to simply get what you want. Remember that this is a negotiation process, and you’re not the only one who is going to be haggling. This is precisely why it’s a good idea to ask for more than you want. In some cases, you may even end up getting the ridiculous sum you asked for.