Career Success Center : Interviewing 101

How to Negotiate

One of the most important questions that is probably on your mind is, “How do I negotiate money?” Let’s face it, we all want to make as much money as we can and some feel more comfortable than others asking for what it is they want. However, if you are one who doesn’t feel comfortable, we got your back. Negotiating doesn’t need to be awkward, so here are some pointers to help build your confidence.

  1. Do your research – you will need to know what your position is paying in the location you applied. Websites like glassdoor.com, www.salary.com or even www.payscale.com can give you that information.
  2. Know what skills you have that are important to the employer and use that information to remind them how you would bring them value.
  3. Understand that it is ok to ask if there is room for negotiating. Most employers expect this and you aren’t being rude by asking.

How to Handle Various Scenarios:

Scenario A:

During an initial phone interview with a hiring professional, the HR person asks you your salary range. “I hadn’t prepared to answer that so early on in the process. Without doing research, I turned it around and asked him what their salary cap would be. The range he gave was much higher than I would have given myself — and, when the offer came through, the final number was significantly more than I was previously making!”

 

Scenario B:

The interviewer asks “So, what are your salary expectations?” Or “what’s your salary history like?” (Even though this question is now outlawed in a handful of states since it has a tendency to perpetuate systemic wage gaps).

So How Do You Handle Both?

  1. For Scenario A, Remember that negotiation starts with a solid offer.

 

You’re not in any kind of a position to negotiate until an offer is on the table. And unless you’re a contractor or consultant pitching the company (your prospective client), then they’re the ones who should be making the first move on that front. You can say, “Is this a job offer?” If they say no, then say, “If this were a job offer I am sure we both could come to a decision that would mutually benefit both of us.”

 

If they say “yes,” you can say, “While doing research, I learned that people doing this type of job, in the Northeast (or your location), with my type of background, are typically paid between x amount and y amount.” (Do your research and be prepared to give them a salary range.)

  1. For Scenario B, Remember that if they want you to disclose your current pay, it is illegal for companies in some states to ask this.

 

Smile and repeat as politely as you can, respond with, “I’m not comfortable discussing salary at this stage in the game. When the time comes, I’m looking forward to hearing more about your offer. I don’t disclose my pay, but am sure you’ll make a competitive offer if you’d like to move forward.” 

Don’t let anyone bully you into answering a question that you don’t want to answer, even if you start to feel awkward and uncomfortable about it. Consider this: those 10 seconds of awkwardness might otherwise cost you THOUSANDS of dollars in lost compensation each year and that can add up to BIG DOLLARS when you consider how that compounds over the course of a lifetime.

If the employer baggers you, or rudely pressures you for that information, this may be your sign that you might not want to work for this company. If they are going to handle this situation unprofessionally and disrespectful, imagine how they treat their current staff and clients. This might be your sign to more on.