Negotiating might seem daunting, yet with adequate preparation and a strategic approach, you can secure what you rightfully deserve during your salary negotiations. 

Here are the steps JstWORK recommends you take…

1. Do Your Research

Although the subject of salary will always come up in your first interview, you are advised not to negotiate at this point. Before the interview, research the typical salary range for similar roles in your industry, location, and level of experience. Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, or LinkedIn Salary Insights can provide valuable data. Negotiate with data.

If what you bring to the table is easily found in your location and market, its likely your salary will be lower. 

2.Know Your Worth & Sell Yourself During Your Interview.

Ultimately, people buy people. If you are able to sell your “value add” during your interview, focusing on the potential impact, growth and value you will bring, if hired.

 It is your job to ensure that you position yourself as the best candidate for the organisation.  Nowadays,  companies don’t just hire skills and experience – they hire people for cultural fit. They hire your personality, so show your value and your personality during your interview and then you can negotiate for whatever salary you want much easier!

3.Consider Total Compensation: Don’t just focus on the base salary.

Take into account other benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, bonuses, stock options, flexible hours, or remote work opportunities. Evaluate the overall compensation package to ensure it aligns with your needs and priorities.

The role itself needs to be included in this evaluation – what will this new job offer in terms of your growth and development – will it offer leadership experience, perhaps a new region or market?

Determine what you need in terms of your career development by establishing your must haves and your nice-to-have.

4.  SET YOUR LIMIT

Be willing to walk away from an offer below your minimum salary limit.

Ultimately, it is up to us to acknowledge our own value – set your minimum limit for your salary and do not waiver.  Assert your value throughout the negotiation process. Avoid being overly aggressive or confrontational, as it can sour the relationship.

5. Negotiate with Confidence: Timing Matters

Wait for the right moment to discuss salary during the interview process. Ideally, wait until the employer brings up the topic or until you’ve received a job offer. This allows you to demonstrate your value before discussing the salary.  

It is unlikely that your negotiation will end with you receiving an immediate “yes”.

Approach negotiations with confidence, remember that salary negotiation is a standard part of the hiring process, and employers expect candidates to advocate and negotiate for themselves within reason.

6.Practice Makes Perfect – Role-play the negotiation!

Practice Negotiation Scenarios: Role-play negotiation scenarios with a friend, colleague or your Career Coach to build confidence and refine your approach.

How to answer a typical salary question: What is your current salary?

You are likely to be asked this question during your first interview.  Avoid, where possible, to give your exact current basic salary.  Explain that you are at the early phases of the interview and are more interested to understand about the role, the culture of organisation etc. 

Emphasise, you would be more than happy to share your total package and payslips etc. BUT at this stage, you are happy to give your expectations.  When giving your expectations do so in a range format: this is my minimum to my ideal –  avoid giving one particular number and focus on giving a salary range.

ASK Questions – BEFORE YOU ANSWER!

Yes, I would be happy to share my expectations, BUT can you tell me what your salary band/ budget for this role? Can you tell me more about the level of this role and other benefits?

NOTE

It is unlikely that your negotiation will end with you receiving an immediate “yes,” so leave by offering to continue the conversation. And if the company does not grant you what you quoted, be professional, courteous and objective as you assess you next steps.

How Can JstWORK Help You?

Does this sound like you?

You have gone to several interviews, but you do not get a follow up?

You keep getting low salary offers?

You have not been to an interview for quite a while, how do you prepare?

You have been called to your dream job interview and you want to give your best interview performance?

You are generally quite shy and are very nervous during interviews, how do you build more confidence?

Testimonial

The course made me stop being desperate and instead see myself as a brand and to put in continuous effort in developing that brand. It also gave me a new perspective on how to search and apply for jobs. The icing on the cake was the interview tips and salary negotiation skills.

Millicent Opeyo – Team Leader at Barclays Bank