How to expertly negotiate your ideal salary

How to expertly negotiate your ideal salary

How to expertly negotiate your ideal salary

One of the main assets a recruiter can bring to your search for a new role is to expertly negotiate a salary that works for you. Research shows that fewer than 40% of workers negotiated their salary during their last job hunt, but that those that do can increase their salary by over 7%.

But what are the secrets behind a perfect negotiation process? We asked Oliver Garbacz, Director of Leaman Life Sciences, to provide his top tips and tricks.

Know what you want

Confidence and certainty in your dream salary will make a difference when it comes to the negotiation process. Firstly, think about what an overall package needs to look like for you to be able to accept an offer.

“Consider what benefits you currently have compared to what the company you are applying to offers,” Oliver recommends.

“Consider which of these benefits are important to you and which don’t matter so much, and prioritise your requests.

“You should also discuss whether there is potential to include benefits that are important to you.”

If you follow this process, you should be clear about what is and isn’t acceptable or desirable, and you will have a firm idea of what your basic salary should look like.

Know your value

Just as with anything in life, salary negotiations need lots of research and preparation. Do your research and see what the market rate is.

“Look online at job adverts and ask peers or ex-colleagues what the average salary is for the role you want,” Oliver advises.

“It’s also important to talk to recruiters: they speak to people in your market all day every day, so use this knowledge to your advantage.”

Once you’ve done your research, you should understand the range of salary you would be happy with – but Oliver says it’s best not to offer a range, as it doesn’t show confidence in your worth.

“Propose the top end of your range and you will end up with an offer you are happy with,” Oliver says. “Know your walk away point and be confident to get something else you are happy with elsewhere.”

You should also understand how to big yourself up and sell yourself, and if you’re unsure, speak to a recruiter: they have the inside knowledge of a business so you can understand how to sell your strengths.

“Make a list of strengths relevant to the role with your recruiter so you can work together to explain your worth to the employer,” Oliver adds.

“Get strong recommendations and referees, and don’t put all your eggs in one basket: ask your recruiter what other roles you can be put forward for to create competition.”

Make the most of your connections

If you’re staying in a similar industry, you no doubt have a network that can help, so don’t forget to utilise those resources.

“Do you know anybody that works in the organisation that can sell you internally?” Oliver asks. “Ask your recruiter who you are up against and pitch yourself appropriately.

“You should also make the most of your recruiter, as they can have the negotiation conversation directly with the company so you can keep the relationship work-related.”

Communicate and stay positive

Throughout the process, try to stay positive, and always remember to communicate efficiently.

“It’s not an argument, it’s a negotiation, so stay positive and enjoy the process of securing something you are happy with,” Oliver adds.

“If negotiation isn’t your strong point, use a recruiter you trust to be the middle man.

“You should also make a list of all the positive things you can do for the organisation, because businesses want happy positive people!”

In terms of how to speak when negotiating, remember that communication goes two ways and listening is just as important as putting your point across.

“Try to speak on the phone when negotiating to avoid confusion in needs, wants and the tone of what you are saying,” Oliver recommends.

“Really listen to what you are being told: a negotiation goes two ways and you are more likely to come to a mutual agreement by listening carefully. You should also think carefully about your response before you speak.

“Discuss negotiations with a professional recruiter who deals with offers daily to help you to come to a successful conclusion!”