Negotiating Salary Top Tips for Getting What You Want - Your Career Intel

Negotiating Salary Top Tips for Getting What You Want - Your Career IntelYoure ready for your dream job. Youre already picturing your business cards. Then comes the big salary question. Are you ready to negotiate? As an executive recruiter, Im regularly negotiating salary on a candidates behalf. Its not always easy, but its an important and necessary part of the job search process. There are a few rules I live by, and having honed my negotiation skills with practice, I enjoy sharing my know-how with candidates. Here are my top three tips for negotiating salaryFirst, always wait to negotiate salary until you have the greatest leverage. In short, dont negotiate until an offer is forthcoming. It sounds intuitive, but many people settle for a lower number by kickstarting the conversation before the decision-maker is ready to hire.Also, always know how to answer questions about numbers if they come up before youre ready to negotiate. If youre asked about salary expectations at the beginni ng of an interview try saying Im open to a rate that would be in line with the market for the job you want done. Then say you would rather discuss salary once you have a better understanding of the role.Third, if youre looking for a large increase from your current rate, you must be able to justify why youre worth it. If you started working at your current company for a less than market pay rate so you could gain additional skills or experience, your new skills now make you worth more. Know what the skills that youve gained are worth in the market and be prepared to justify your expectations.If you dont get the amount you were looking for, ask for a trade off in other benefits. This could range from a flexible work arrangement to more vacation days available to you sooner. I also recommend candidates getting in writing an agreement to have a formal performance review within 3-6 months with a pay increase commensurate with your contributions.These are my top negotiating salary tips . I look forward to hearing yours