After receiving a job opportunity, it can be intimidating to try and negotiate your salary. Many people are afraid to even try, assuming that a company’s first offer is their only offer. However, this is not true! If you believe that your work may be worth more depending on past experience or education, it may be worth presenting a counteroffer with some rebuttal points. In addition, even at a job that you are already committed to, there is no harm in bringing up a raise during any performance reviews that you may have. Here are a few tips to get you started! 

  1. WALK IN WITH A NUMBER IN MIND

It is always important to know your own worth! There are many different resources in order to put a price point on yourself, including several websites such as Payscale and Glassdoor. Use them to your advantage! When you walk into these conversations knowing what other people of your same skill level are earning, it can do several things. First, it helps you make sure that you’re not asking for too much, which is what many people are worried about. Second, it helps give you leverage. If other people are earning an amount higher than you with a similar experience level, you most likely deserve that amount as well. Use the average to your advantage!

  1. PLAN YOUR TIMING

When asking for a raise or negotiating a salary, it is important to look at context and timing. If you know that your company is doing poorly, it may not be a great time to ask. However, do not let this deter you too much. If you know that you are being underpaid, you deserve a fair wage just as much as other people. Just evaluate the context for yourself!

  1. TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE

If you’re not new, make sure that you are letting them know how you plan to be a better asset in the future. If you are new, talk about how you can really make the most out of this position and why you are a great fit. Why is this raise/salary worth it for them? Let them know!

  1. TALK ABOUT YOUR WORTH

When asking, make sure to bring up the things that you have done that would make you stand out as an employee for the company. What sets you apart from other employees? Are there certain projects that you went above and beyond on lately? If you’re new, what are specific things within your experience level that make you deserve a bigger salary? The important thing is to capitalize on your strengths and make them apparent during the asking process. It makes it more likely that you will convince them!

  1. PRACTICE ASKING

It can be incredibly nerve wracking to approach your current or potential higherup! It makes sense if you are nervous. However, it is important to work through most of those nerves before you meet with them. Ask a trusted friend/family member to practice with you and run through different scenarios! It may help your nerves to write down all of the different scenarios and practice in a mirror if you are unable to recruit someone to help! Wondering about the different scenarios? Try an acceptance, counteroffer, or refusal for start. Mostly, just make sure that you run through your ask several times before walking into the meeting. 

All in all, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you deserve this! Do not let your nerves talk you out of asking for what you ultimately deserve. Lastly, do not be afraid to walk away from an offer that is seriously underselling you. When you know your worth and they can’t match it, you can most likely find a better position elsewhere at a place that respects your worth. However, always have backup plans in case things go south. We hope this helps!