Do not be the fish. When they offer you the bait wait, before you take the bite. In the discussion for salary, you should take time to pause and analyze the situation. Usually when applying for jobs, you have an idea of what the company will offer for the right candidate.
Listed below are helpful steps for negotiating the right salary for you and a tool to help you be prepared for that conversation:
Poker Face. If Lady GaGa can do it, so can you. When salary is mentioned, you must put on your best poker face. Pause and breathe. I know you might be thinking, Well the offer they have given me is a lot better than the pay I am getting now, but that’s not the point. The company should pay you based on your merits, so you should not be basing it off your existing job — especially if your existing job has no relation to the job you are applying for, like if you are a sales associate at a department store and you are applying to do underwater basket weaving.
Be Prepared. This salary calculator will help you compare what the base salary for that particular job is in that area. This is great to see and know when you are negotiating. It’s your way of saying, I will not be taken for granted and I am worth more than what you are willing to offer.
Be Realistic. Even though you might be getting the same offer as other professionals in the area, there could be a negotiation of other benefits (another form of compensation). More sick/personal days perhaps?
Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to tell it like it is. You are a hardworking individual who deserves to be paid fairly.
