Negotiating salary for a new job can be complicated and stressful. How do you know how much to ask for? What if you ask for too much and the employer pulls the offer? When do you even bring it up and what do you say?
9 common questions about negotiating salary that will help you get paid what you want
Read on for answers to these and more common questions about how to negotiate salary.
1. Should you always negotiate salary?
You might have heard people say things like, “You should always try to negotiate salary because otherwise you might be leaving money on the table.” But while it’s true that you should often try to negotiate, there are times when it doesn’t makes sense. If you asked for $ X and the employer offers you that amount or even more, asking for more will make you look like you’re operating in bad faith. And if the employer makes you an unusually generous offer that’s above the market rate for the work, and you’re happy with that offer, you may look out of touch if you ask for more. But in most other cases, it’s true that it’s a smart move to see if there’s any room for an offer to increase.
2. At what point should you start trying to negotiate salary?
Wait until you have a job offer, so that you have a number to respond to. Plus, once an employer offers you a job, they’ve decided that they want you. You have more standing to negotiate, and they have more interest in agreeing on terms, than before an offer is on the table.
3. What exactly should you say when you negotiate?
People often think they have to present a detailed case to back up a request for more money, but generally it’s enough to just say something like, “I’m really excited about the job, but I was hoping that you might be able to do something closer to $ X on the salary.” Another way to say it: “Do you have any flexibility on the salary? The number I had in mind was $ X, based on the responsibilities of the position and the experience I’d be bringing to it.” Or: “If you’re able to go up to $ X, I’d be thrilled to accept.” (Important: After you say this, stop talking, even if it feels awkward. Sometimes people get nervous, keep talking and end up undercutting themselves.)
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