Negotiating Pay for a New Job

You don’t hate your job. You like the company, your co-workers are great, and you’ve learned a ton. But one day you realize there are few opportunities for advancement. Something inside of you is restless, which might mean it’s time to explore other opportunities with a new company or job.

You hit the online job search and end up interviewing. Eventually, you get a job offer and the question of salary comes up: given that you have a good deal of experience, you want to make sure you get the salary you’re worth. But how exactly do you figure out that number? Here’s our advice.

  1. Do Your Research Before the Interview

Your negotiation starts before you even get the job offer. Look at websites  like Payscale and Glassdoor, and find out what the average pay is for positions similar to the one you’re applying for. It’s important to note the pay range will vary according to the geographic area you’re looking at. While previously you would only be looking at jobs local to you, many positions are now remote due to changes in the job market. You might see a large pay increase if you expand your search to include remote jobs in a variety of markets.

If you have any connections at the company, ask them about the company culture and what their salary negotiation was like. Finding average salary information online is helpful, but nothing beats talking to an actual employee.

  1. Don’t Bring Up Salary Before a Job Offer

Even when we love our jobs, most of us work to get a paycheck. But that isn’t what your interviewer wants to hear. They want to know you’re interested in this position for more than pay; that you love the company culture and enjoy working. That’s why you shouldn’t bring up salary before they extend a job offer. You want to prove you care about this job for non monetary reasons.

  1. Do Make Sure You’re Getting Paid What You’re Worth

Don’t be afraid to ask for the salary your research says you deserve. Most companies are willing to negotiate.

If the company asks for your salary requirements before making an offer, feel free to give them a number closer to the upper range of average pay for your position. If they accept that number, great! You got what you wanted. If they counteroffer, don’t accept a number that makes you uncomfortable.

You can also tell the employer you’d like some time to consider the job offer and ask for their budgets for the position. You might find they’re willing to pay more than you were even going to ask for.

  1. You Can Negotiate for Benefits, Too

Remember, salary isn’t the only thing you can negotiate. Other benefits are often on the table, like start date, paid time off, payment for relocating, stock options, flexible work schedules, and more. If they can’t meet your salary expectations, you might be able to come up with a benefits package that works for both of you.

When it comes down to it, only you know what salary number makes you happy. Don’t be afraid to walk away from a job offer if the number isn’t what you’re looking for, but you also have to be realistic. It’s a fine line to walk, but with enough research, you’ll find the perfect company for you.

Have you ever had success negotiating for a salary with a new job offer? How did it go? Let us know in the comments section below!

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