Local Job Search Salary Negotiation Tips
When you're in the midst of a local job search, chances are salary negotiation is one of the top concerns on your mind, but how employers and job seekers view salary discussions can often differ.
Job seekers can have a tough time talking about money, but if you're too soft and unwilling to request a specific amount of pay, you may end up getting what you wish for. This will only lead to you feeling under-appreciated down the road.
At the same time, most employers have a set number they're willing to pay you, and if you're not willing to work with what they have to offer, they can most likely find someone else who is. However, job seekers can reach a middle ground with employers by avoiding some common mistakes.
Here are five mistakes to avoid when negotiating your salary, as inspired by PayScale:
- Being unprepared - Recruiters often get frustrated with candidates who don't have any expectations when it comes to salary. Do some research and figure out what you'd like to earn, then practice asking for that amount and justifying why you deserve it.
- Playing games - Never tell a potential employer that you're flexible or willing to take a pay cut if you're not. Instead, be confident with the salary range you request and turn down jobs that don't meet your needs. Also, avoid pitting offers against each other based on salary, because most companies aren't interested in job seekers who are only concerned with how much they're going to get paid.
- Comparing apples to oranges - If you're changing careers, keep in mind that different industries pay different workers different salaries, so be sure to reevaluate your salary expectations. If you're looking at taking a pay cut, consider other beneficial factors the job might offer, such as commute, healthcare benefits, co-workers, and experience you'll gain.
- Stringing a company along - Be prepared to accept or decline an employer's job offer when the time comes. If possible, find out about any other incentives - such as pay, benefits, and vacation - during the interview process.
- Following bad advice - A lot of traditional salary advice is outdated. Moves such as delaying any conversations about salary, not giving a specific salary range, or delaying your response to an offer are no longer necessary as long as you're dealing with a reputable company.