While many people avoid salary negotiations or give up early on, the truth is that employers expect and welcome a counteroffer. In fact, 85% of people who successfully negotiate for higher pay receive more money than their initial offer, according to the Fidelity Investment study Job Seeker Nation.
Before you go into a negotiation, do your research to determine an appropriate range for your market value. You can find salary data on job boards, by consulting a recruiter, or using online tools such as Know Your Worth from Glassdoor or Payscale.
When it comes time to ask, a good rule of thumb is to request something in the middle of your research range. It may seem like a bold move, but She Negotiates founder Victoria Pynchon says it’s crucial to have an anchor number. “If you don’t have a number to start with, the employer will control the conversation and likely take you down,” she says.
Your arguments for more money should be based on your market value and not personal circumstances, like rising rent or childcare costs, she says. Focus on the value you bring to the company and how your skills will help them reach their goals.
During negotiations, it’s also important to think about other ways you can add value to the company, such as increased vacation time or health insurance coverage, she says. Increasing perks can be more flexible than a salary increase and can make an offer more competitive, she says. Negotiating higher pay