Ask your colleagues for advice, read some books on the subject or check the internet, but make sure you’re getting your information from a good source. You need to treat your job as an investment, and you wouldn’t invest in anything without the proper background knowledge of fair pricing. Would you?
However, your financial worth is based on your job responsibilities, not just your credentials, so make sure you know exactly what is expected of you before attempting to negotiate. The more you’re helping the company, the more you are worth to them, and usually they know that, so you should, too. If you don’t feel like they know that, you should show them, especially if you’re asking for a raise, by presenting the information to them in an organized, respectful, professional manner.
When planning this presentation, it is important to consider how your employer (or prospective employer) measures performance in this particular company. Use that information to display your worth. It is helpful to keep a journal of your achievements when you begin a job, so that if you feel your performance deserves rewarding, you can express that concretely to your employer.
Before entering an interview or meeting, there are a few things that are important to remember in order to keep your composure and come out of the meeting successfully. First, be honest with yourself about what you truly deserve. Be realistic with your requests.
Secondly, be confident, positive and patient. This will display your professionalism and show that you know what you’re asking for. It will give you an upper-hand from the start. Also, remember that benefits factor into the equation.
If you’re receiving a company phone, car, computer, health insurance, etc., then you need to deduct that from a typical salary that doesn’t include these things.
Lastly, focus on your tone of voice, ensuring it is not too demanding or too passive. Speak persuasively. If you succeed in your attempt, make sure to get it in writing so that there are no discrepancies later with what you agreed on. An understanding employer should accept this as professional and organized.
If you do not succeed, evaluate the meeting fairly and maturely. Try to determine the work performance that does merit salary increase. Ask your employer directly. He or she will respect your drive to succeed. Most importantly, realize that no salary is set in stone, and the likelihood of you getting what you deserve is good as long as you follow these important steps.
