Things To Avoid When Negotiating Your Salary

Negotiating your salary, especially before getting the job, can be daunting. There are factors (i.e. inexperience) may tempt you to just accept the initial offer, but it's important to know your worth and advocate for yourself if you deserve more.

Even with the confidence to negotiate, knowing what to say or not say is another obstacle.

Here are some things you should never do to successfully negotiate your salary, as they can hurt your efforts.

NOT DOING YOUR RESEARCH Never enter your salary negotiations without doing research. Look for what others in similar roles are being paid for the specific work you'll be doing. Base your value on industry standards and what others are earning. MAKE THE FIRST OFFER To avoid coming across as desperate or greedy, job candidates should refrain from making the initial offer. Making a low first offer can weaken their ability to negotiate effectively. It is better to let the other party make the first move, which gives them the upper hand. REVEAL YOUR BOTTOM-LINE gives the employer an advantage. Instead, if asked about your salary expectations, provide a range and redirect the conversation to focus on why you deserve the compensation you desire. GIVE A SALARY RANGE By providing a range, you are essentially giving the employer room to offer you a lower salary within that range, rather than negotiating from a single, specific desired salary. HR may consider the lower end of the range, limiting your ability to negotiate further ASK FOR MORE LATER It can create a negative impression if you agree to a salary in person and then follow up with written correspondence requesting more. This may suggest a lack of thorough consideration or poor communication.

GET EMOTIONAL OR DEFENSIVE This can hinder reaching an agreement. Treat it as a business transaction, do your research, and clearly explain your pay expectations using your findings. Be prepared to walk away if needed.

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