Labor Law Consultation

27.03.2024

NEGOTIATING A HIGHER SALARY WHEN STARTING WORK

Many job seekers are unaware of the fact that most companies actually leave a buffer zone for salary negotiations, as well as bonuses, benefits, and other perks.

  1. Be well prepared

A responsible candidate does not go into a job interview without knowing what to expect in terms of salary. Preliminary research will be of great help to you. There are many websites where you can find out about the average salary for different positions in different cities. If you don't find enough information, you can always ask people's opinions in forums and social networks.

  1. Be evasive about salary

It is common for employers to ask about a candidate's past salary history and expectations after offering them a job. An honest answer can be risky as it can turn off the employer if the numbers are too high. However, underestimating your work can also play a bad joke on you. To be on the safe side, you might say that it would be better to find out what the job entails first and only then discuss the salary.

  1. Negotiate at the right time

It's a good idea to start the actual negotiations when you have a written job offer. This gives you certainty that the employer really wants you. If approval is only verbal, it is advisable to postpone salary negotiation. It is important to know what you have to offer and highlight the benefits of your work for the company.

  1. Don't accept the first offer

This is especially important if the first offer doesn't seem high enough. Wages are usually raised based on the previous rate. In this case, it is appropriate to tactfully ask what the company's salary cap is and use this as a basis for negotiations. If at the beginning the proposed salary does not seem sufficient for your needs, then it will not be any different in the future.

  1. Don't just negotiate the salary

While a paycheck is the biggest motivator for doing the job, it's not the only thing that can compensate for hard work. For example, the new hire may request a more flexible schedule or work environment, sponsorship for continuing education or membership in a professional organization. The benefits of negotiating fringe benefits outside of salary should not be underestimated.