Even when we feel like we deserve a promotion, raise, or better benefits, we don’t always have the determination to ask for it.
What can you do to increase your confidence in these cases? What steps should you take to increase the chances of negotiating your salary with your current employer?
Here are 5 tips on how to negotiate salary :
- Ask yourself what is the worst that can happen?
There are many reasons to be nervous when dealing with financial matters, and they can range from a lack of self-confidence to fear of rejection. Although, we must not forget that receiving a fair value for your work is a basic right. If you do it correctly, you will show that you have negotiation skills, and will reveal good business knowledge that will impress your boss.
No one will think less of you for asking, but any manager or manager will appreciate and respect your confidence and ambition, and if not, what does this say about him or her? In the end, what is the worst that can happen? In fact, the worst thing is that they tell you no.
The question is, who do you prefer to be? Someone who tried and risked it? Or someone who didn’t even dare to ask?
- Be prepared a lot !
To ask for a salary increase it is necessary to prepare well. Start by reflecting on the year/period that has passed and analyze the aspects in which you have obtained better results. Think about when/how you achieved better performance and ask yourself: What projects you were involved in were successful? Take note of the impact you had on your team, the company, and its results.
This exercise is a great way to remind yourself why you deserve a raise, but it also offers you other benefits – many times your boss may not remember all the goals you achieved, and how you contributed positively to the company. Therefore, it is worth reminding you of the feedback you received in past performance evaluations, some testimonials from co-workers, and positive comments from clients or other stakeholders of the organization.
- Research
Research the value that someone like you has in the job market. Another way to evaluate your salary is to look for job offers for positions similar to yours on job search websites, since many, like LinkedIn, offer information that can help you know what other companies are offering for your position. and years of experience.
While it’s important to establish a fair market value for your position, you shouldn’t try to mimic a colleague’s salary. It is dangerous to make direct comparisons like this, like why does he earn €500 more than me if we are on the same level? You may not know all the details, and this type of approach may cause your boss to downgrade your request.
In addition, it is also a good idea to speak with a search and selection consultant that you trust. They deal with salary negotiations on a daily basis, and can better advise you on what value to ask for.
- Practice with someone you trust
It is important to learn and practice the correct and successful negotiation language and speech. Practicing what you will say is a great way to build your confidence for the meeting with your boss. Rehearse your speech with someone you trust and practice a non-confrontational and calm approach, excluding expressions such as “excuse me” or “thank you very much“.
You can also take the opportunity to talk to someone who has been through the same situation, as they can be a mentor to guide you, give you support, and advice.
- Stay focused on your goal
Something that can make it easier to assess your situation is to take a more distant perspective. Do not make this matter something personal, ask yourself: “How much should someone with this job and functions be paid?”, taking into account the position and salary, how much should they really pay this person?
Also, pay attention to timing – when you want to discuss your salary negotiation, it is essential to perceive the best time to do it. If the company’s annual salary review is in January and you ask to meet with your boss in February, you’re likely to miss out. In this case, you should schedule a meeting in November, for example.
In the same way, do not mix the conversation about salary with another issue or topic to discuss. Meet to talk exclusively about your salary and the raise you want to request – do not discuss other topics that can lose the point of attention and digress. If you do, you run the risk that your boss will not perceive the specific purpose of the meeting and ultimately you will not achieve your goal.