How to negotiate salary

The most common mistakes made.

How to negotiate salary is one of the popular questions I get.

1- Asking for a raise because you need more money.

I understand that life is expensive. However, your troubled financial situation is not a good reason to ask for a raise.

You need to show that the value you bring to the company is worth a higher salary. Never, ever discuss your personal financial issues with your boss.

2- Not knowing your company’s policy on raises.

Many companies have yearly or bi-yearly salary review periods.

Asking for a raise outside of these periods is a sure way of getting a “no”.

Check your employee manual, website or contact your HR department for information on company policies.

Going into a salary negotiation without knowing what the average salary for a comparable job inside and outside your company puts you at a great disadvantage.

You may under or over-shoot your worth.

4- Not booking a meeting to discuss your raise.
This is important. Book a meeting!

Don’t try to add the topic to an already scheduled meeting or worse at the water cooler!

5- Thinking money is the only thing that can be negotiated.

Times are tough for companies too.

It may be easier to negotiate another week’s vacation or a better bonus structure than a raise. Don’t limit yourself.

Okay, it may be frustrating to wait for a boss to get back to you about your raise.

However, going over his/her head will usually not help your case.

This rarely works. No matter how good you are there is always someone that can replace you.

Threats create a negative environment and most managers know that someone that is willing to leave for a few more dollars is likely unhappy overall.

It is just a matter of time before they leave, so it is best to let them leave right away and replace them someone that is happy to work at the company.

Is that what you want them to think?

I hope these points help you with how to negotiate salary.

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