Many applicants find the process of negotiating their pay daunting and uncomfortable. In fact, 60% of workers accepted their initial offer without negotiating.¹ It wouldn’t be surprising if you, too, found it hard to approach your recruiters and discuss this topic.
However, negotiating a career opportunity is a critical step in the job search process. It can significantly impact your financial well-being and overall job satisfaction – and we’re here to help you.
Negotiating a Competitive Pay
Here are eight rules to help you confidently negotiate an employment offer so you can secure the pay and benefits you deserve.
1. Do your research on the industry and current market.
Researching the industry and position is essential to understand the typical pay range for your role. Remember that different functions may have different pay ranges depending on the level of skill involved and working conditions. Therefore, it’s crucial to know what’s appropriate for your role.²
If you were in the tech industry, your negotiating tactics might not be applicable if you’re in a manufacturing or warehouse position.
Understanding the industry’s market value and how it relates to your experience and skills can help you negotiate effectively and ensure you receive fair pay for your work.
2. Know your value and what you bring to the table.
As you prepare for negotiations, take the time to consider how your skills and experience fit into the position. Consider what sets you apart from other candidates and how your unique abilities can be leveraged to benefit the organization.
Additionally, you can identify your professional achievements and the value you bring to the organization. It can include any measurable results you’ve achieved in previous roles or unique skills you possess that would benefit your new position.
By being reasonable, you can demonstrate your understanding of the organization’s needs while advocating for fair pay. It will help you make a case for why your pay should increase and explain how you can contribute to the organization’s success.
3. Prepare in advance before you negotiate.
It’s good practice to prepare yourself in advance to ensure you’re ready for any potential questions or objections. This gives you confidence and ensures that you’re presenting your best self.
Anticipating common interview questions will help you prepare for tough questions. Aside from general interview questions, the organization may ask if you’re considering other offers, if you’ll accept them, or if the organization is your top choice.
You can also practice talking with friends or mentors to get an idea of how your answers will come across. This will allow you to work out your approach before the actual negotiation.
4. Don’t negotiate for the sake of negotiating.
It’s understandable to have concerns and questions, but you don’t want to come across as overly demanding or difficult to work with. Don’t nitpick every little detail because it might put them off. Instead, focus on what matters most to you, be willing to meet the organization halfway, and be realistic about what you’re asking for.
Negotiation is a give-and-take process, and you’ll need to make concessions as well. When you build rapport and demonstrate your willingness to work collaboratively, you’ll be more likely to reach an agreement that works for everyone involved.
5. Don’t make the pay your sole focus.
There are other factors to consider that can significantly impact your overall job satisfaction and work-life balance, not just your pay.
Consider your responsibilities within the organization, the work arrangements they offer, and their values and culture.
- Will you be challenged and engaged in your role?
- Are there opportunities for new projects and skills development?
- Do they offer flexible working hours or remote setups?
- Do their values align with your own?
- Are they welcoming, and will you feel comfortable working there?
A career that pays well may not be the best fit if it doesn’t offer opportunities for growth and development, more so when you don’t feel like you belong to the organization. In the end, it’s not just about the pay.
During the Great Resignation, studies show that a toxic work culture is the biggest factor in pushing people towards resignation.³ Your pay reflects the value you bring to the organization, and it’s as important to negotiate for the entire package.
6. Don’t play too hard to get.
Negotiating for fair pay and benefits may sometimes be necessary, but don’t forget to show enthusiasm for the position.
Playing too hard to get can send the wrong message and make it seem like you are uninterested in the role. This could potentially make the organization lose interest in you as a candidate. Instead, try to find the right balance by expressing your enthusiasm for the role while negotiating for fair pay.
The goal of negotiation is to come to an agreement that works for you and the organization. By being open and honest, you can build a positive relationship with the organization and set the stage for a successful career.
7. Know what’s negotiable and what’s not.
Some organizations have strict policies regarding certain aspects of pay, such as pay caps, which cannot be negotiated.
However, there may be other benefits and perks you can negotiate, like flexible work arrangements, working remotely, paid time off, or retirement benefits. You could ask for additional paid time off or for the organization to cover the cost of a gym membership.
These types of benefits may not directly impact your pay, but they can improve your overall satisfaction and make your career opportunity more attractive. Understand what the organization values most in its employees, as this can help you focus your negotiations on areas where you can add the most value to the organization.
8. Negotiations are regular.
Negotiations are part of the job search process. Asking questions and voicing your concerns are necessary to ensure you get the best career opportunity possible.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get the offer you were hoping for. There may be room for negotiation in the future. Additionally, you need to be open to alternative solutions and be willing to compromise. Sometimes, a compromise can lead to a win-win situation for you and the organization.
However, if negotiations aren’t going how you want them to, walking away is okay. Sometimes, the organization may not be the right fit for you, and that’s okay. It’s better to find out early in the process rather than later when you’re unhappy with your role.
NEGOTIATE YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS WITH ACS PROFESSIONAL STAFFING
If you’re having trouble negotiating your career opportunity, reach out to ACS Professional Staffing. We understand the importance of negotiating fair pay and take the time to understand your needs and match them with the right organization.
Our team of experts can help you find the role that fits your skills, experience, and pay expectations, and we’re committed to providing exceptional service and helping you achieve your career goals.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find a career that works for you.
References:
- Parker, Kimi. “When negotiating starting salaries, most U.S. women and men don’t ask for higher pay.” Pew Research Center, Apr. 5, 2023, https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2023/04/05/when-negotiating-starting-salaries-most-us-women-and-men-dont-ask-for-higher-pay/
- Novik, Vitaliy. “Why Do Some Jobs Pay More Than Others?” Big Economics, Jun. 1, 2022, https://bigeconomics.org/why-do-some-jobs-pay-more-than-others/
- Sull, Donald et.al. “Toxic Culture Is Driving the Great Resignation.” MIT Sloan Management Review, Jan. 11, 2022, https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/toxic-culture-is-driving-the-great-resignation/