After you’ve landed that job interview you’ve been looking for, you’ve been impressing them with your enthusiasm, skill set and credentials. Now they’ve called you and told you they’re interested in undergoing a second interview. In other words, they want to hire you. The only problem is that they’re offering a salary that’s a little too low for your interests. How will you be able to convince them that you’re worthy of a higher salary from the get-go without ruining your chances at this potential position? Here are some tips on how to negotiate your beginning salary.

1. Do your homework: Do some research to see how much other workers in the industry earn on average. Try to see what you can learn about how the company pays its employees. Keep in mind that you may need to accept a position at entry level when the company typically opts to hire from within, even if you want to jump up to management from the start. When you conduct your research, it’s important to determine the lowest salary you are willing to accept is; you don’t want to waste both your time and the company’s time if they’re not willing to meet your expectations.
2. Avoid tipping your hand: Don’t mention salary when writing your cover letter, and don’t fill out the salary section when applying for a position. Your goal is to get past the screening process and become considered before salary comes into question. For one, you won’t want the company to feel your expectations are too high, and you also don’t want to accidentally lock yourself in at too low a price.
3. Know your worth: Determine whether or not you have any leverage over the subject. If another company wants you to work for them, you have a little bit of power in negotiations. The trick here is to mention that you are attending an interview with another company in order to draw attention to the situation, but keep it a brief mention; overemphasizing this fact might make you look cock, overconfident or–worse–like a liar.
4. Don’t mention the salary at all: Don’t look too eager to swindle the company out of a few figures. Let them be the ones to bring it up initially. Inform them that your interests lie in seeking a career that is mutually rewarding within their company, and assure them that you’re confident that you can both agree on a compensation package acceptable to all parties. Should you find yourself in a corner, tell them your salary interests and tell them you’re open to negotiation.
5. Be flexible: If you’re really interested in working for this company, consider accepting the salary they offer, provided they also grant you bonuses for certain achievements throughout your career. Be prepared to specify these. Ask how often you may obtain an increase in salary. Remember, your goal is to turn this into a situation where everybody wins.

Sometimes, a company will only give you a higher salary when they actively searched for you. Other times, you might just need to emphasize that you have all of the skills the company requires. If you play your cards right, you just might get the job that you want and get a salary beyond what you ever expected. Either way, using a little marketing skill and some psychology will help you be the winner at the end of the day.

Share This

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

About the author

jamesadams
Today's article was written by James Adams who blogs for CartridgeSave.co.uk, an online shop for printer cartridges as well as PhotoSmart ink cartridges located in Manchester.

Related Posts

20 Alternatives to a Raise

Unless you've been living on mars for the last 5 years, you'll know that we're in a global financial crisis. So asking for a raise, right now, will probably lead to disappointment or even conflict. There are, however, alternatives...

How To Ask For a Fair Raise or Pay Increase During a Recession

Asking for a raise during a recession can give good reason for your boss to think you're totally out of touch with what's happening in the global economy, or maybe they'll think you're just insensitive to business issues....

Can You Do Better Than These Seven Ways To Negotiate Salary?

Are you considering moving job? Is your current job at risk? I can share with you Six Expert Tips for negotiating your salary, should you need them. But once you have read them, can you do any better? Then let us know. 1....

1 Comment for 5 Tips for Negotiating a Higher Starting Salary

Eric Morkovich

Comparing yourself to those applying for he same job place requires you to rationally evaluate your personal skills and abilities that you are going to use at your new job place. Then you will be able to answer the question whether you’re better than other applicants and why…
In this context, I would one more item to your checklist: “Evaluate Your Skills”

Thanks.

VA:F [1.9.13_1145]

please wait...

Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)

Wanna say something?

Name (required)

Email (required)

URL

Message (required)

  Cancel Reply

CAPTCHA Code *

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail

« 200 Best Jobs for College Graduates

How to Be Organized in Spite of Yourself: Time and Space Management That Works With Your Personal Style »