Salary negotiation is one of the most uncomfortable and stressful situations for many workers.
However, it is an important step to achieve a fair salary according to our skills and job responsibilities.
Tips to prepare for negotiation
Before starting the negotiation, it is important that you consider the following tips:
- Do your research: find out what the average salary is in your industry and position to get a clear idea of how much you should be earning;
- Be prepared: think about the arguments you will use to justify your request for a raise. Consider your accomplishments and responsibilities at work;
- Keep a positive attitude: negotiation should not be seen as a confrontation, but as a constructive conversation. Maintain a professional and friendly attitude;
- Set your limits: before starting the negotiation, decide what is the minimum raise you would accept and what is the maximum you are willing to ask for;
- Listen to the other side: pay attention to what they are saying and try to understand their point of view. It is always possible to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Know the labor market
Before negotiating a salary increase, it is important to know the labor market in which the company is located and the position held.
It is necessary to research how much is paid on average for similar jobs in the same geographic area and with similar characteristics.
In addition, it is important to be aware of labor market trends and the economic situation of the country.
If there is a high unemployment rate or an economic recession, it may be more difficult to negotiate a salary increase.
Research salaries in the company and the industry
Before starting any salary negotiation, it is important to research the salaries being paid in the company and in the industry.
This will give you a clear idea of what the salary range is and whether what you are asking for is fair and realistic.
To research salaries in the company, you can use various sources such as job offers published by the company, conversations with colleagues or even ask the human resources department directly.
As for industry salaries, there are various online tools that allow you to find out the average salaries for different professions and positions.
Identify personal strengths and achievements
Before negotiating a salary increase, it is important to identify your personal accomplishments and strengths.
This will help you become more confident and show your employer why you deserve a raise.
Think about successful projects you have worked on, goals you have achieved, technical or soft skills you have developed, among others.
It is also important to identify your personal strengths, such as your leadership skills, teamwork, problem solving, among others.
Effective negotiation techniques
To achieve a salary increase without dying in the attempt, it is important to take into account some effective negotiation techniques:
- Previous research: before the negotiation, it is important to research about the labor market and know the salaries offered in positions similar to ours;
- Establish clear objectives: it is essential to be clear about the objective of the negotiation and what you hope to achieve with it;
- Listen actively: during the negotiation, it is important to listen carefully to the employer and try to understand his or her position;
- Present solid arguments: to justify the salary increase, it is necessary to present solid and convincing arguments that demonstrate our value to the company;
- Maintain a positive attitude: during the negotiation, it is important to maintain a positive attitude and not lose your temper.
Show self-assurance and self-confidence
One of the keys to negotiating a salary increase is to show self-assurance and self-confidence.
If you don't believe in your own worth, how can you expect others to?
Before the negotiation, it is important to prepare your arguments and be clear about how much you are worth in the job market.
Research how much your position pays at other companies and what additional skills or experience you have that make you more valuable.
In negotiation, speak clearly and firmly. Don't apologize for asking for more money, but explain why you deserve it.
Remember that salary negotiation is a conversation, not a confrontation.
Make a reasonable and reasoned proposal
To achieve a salary increase, it is important to present a well-founded proposal that is reasonable for the company.
This involves doing research on the labor market and the average salary for the position held.
It is also important to take into account the achievements and contributions that have been made in the company, as well as the additional responsibilities that have been assumed.
All of this should be presented in a clear and concise manner, highlighting the benefits to be gained by granting a salary increase.
Actively listen to counter proposals and look for creative solutions
A salary negotiation is not a war, but an opportunity to reach an agreement that benefits both parties.
Therefore, it is important to actively listen to the employer's counterproposals and look for creative solutions that meet the needs of both parties.
It is important to ask questions to better understand the employer's needs and expectations, and to offer solutions that are mutually beneficial.
Sometimes it can be helpful to look for alternatives beyond the base salary, such as additional benefits or training programs.
It is also important to consider factors such as past performance and work experience when presenting a proposal for a salary increase.
Handling objections and rejections
In a salary negotiation, it is common for objections and rejections from the employer to arise.
It is important to know how to handle these situations in order not to lose the opportunity to get a raise.
The first thing to do is to listen carefully to the objections and rejections presented to you.
Don't get defensive or try to justify yourself immediately. Listen to what they say and take note of the key points.
Then, look for solid arguments to counter the objections. Prepare your responses in advance and make sure you have hard facts to back up your arguments.
Don't take it personally and stay calm
It is important to remember that a salary negotiation is not a personal attack.
It is not about the employer valuing our work or our person less, but about reaching an agreement that benefits both parties.
Therefore, it is essential to remain calm throughout the negotiation. If we become defensive, we may lose objectivity and end up making the wrong decisions.
In addition, if we show an aggressive attitude, the employer is likely to feel threatened and refuse to grant any type of raise.
Ask why the proposal is being rejected and look for alternatives
If the other party rejects your proposal, don't give up. Ask why it doesn't seem right to them and look for alternatives that can satisfy both parties.
It is important to keep an open and flexible attitude to find solutions that benefit everyone.
The other party may have specific objections that you can address with adjustments to the proposal.
You can also explore creative options, such as additional benefits or a tiered increase over time.
Closing the negotiation successfully
Once you've made your case and reached an agreement with your employer, it's important to close the negotiation successfully.
Here are some tips:
- Confirm the agreed terms in writing: it is important to have a document that backs up what was agreed upon in the negotiation;
- Thank your employer for their time and consideration: this shows your gratitude and professionalism;
- Confirm next steps: if there are any follow-ups to be done, be sure to agree on details and dates;
- Keep a positive attitude: even if you didn't get everything you wanted, it is important to maintain a positive and professional attitude throughout the negotiation.
Thank the employer for their time and consideration
Once you have made your case and negotiated your salary increase, it is important to thank your employer for their time and consideration.
Even if you didn't get the raise you were hoping for, it's important to maintain a professional attitude and thank your boss for listening to your arguments.
Reach a clear, written agreement
Once an agreement has been reached in salary negotiations, it is important to put it in writing.
This will avoid misunderstandings in the future and ensure that both parties agree on the terms and conditions agreed upon.
The agreement should include specific details, such as the amount of the salary increase, the effective date, and any other conditions that have been agreed upon.
In addition, it is important that both parties sign the agreement to confirm their commitment to the agreed terms.
This can also be useful if problems arise in the future and documentary proof of what was agreed upon during the salary negotiation is needed.
