Did I say four?

It’s really only one way and that’s simply to ask.  The hope is that expectations are discussed with the recruiter and you don’t have to negotiate but this isn’t a perfect world. Here are 4 ways to confidently negotiate your pay and increase the success rate when starting a new job.

1. Do research.  Know the current salary range, years of experience, and even what the competitors are paying for that job.  Your  worth is more valuable than what any company can ever pay you but to successfully negotiate your pay you need to have a benchmark. Helpful resources at the end.

2. Demonstrate your value and experience through your  interviews and your performance on the job. It just never goes well if you are a sub-par candidate for the  job, yet you want the highest pay rate. Did you set yourself apart from the other candidates? Hopefully that’s one of the reasons you are offered the position. Use that to help articulate your worth and why you believe a higher salary is warranted.

3. Find out more about the compensation program. How often do they review salaries. When will your salary be reviewed. Do do have annual merit increases ? Is there a bonus program? Eligibility requirements?… Understand what comes with this offer in addition to base pay.

4.Choose and use words wisely. It’s so important to choose your words wisely. When negotiating salary thank them for the offer, express excitement for the opportunity to join the organization/team then express how you were expecting to be offered the range of $ X. Let them know that you are aware of the market pay for your level of experience in  the position and are well within that range. While  you  are thrilled at the opportunity you were fully prepared to accept the position closer to <insert salary> Recap your qualifications and what value you will bring to the organization. Then close with a solid ask for the starting salary to be considered.  Even if you are interrupted, hitting those points are important.

There are so many different scenarios that I’ve encountered related to negotiating pay . I’ll tell you that this is a way easier discussion if you are speaking with a recruiter or HR representative so don’t get shy. Women especially have a tendency to shy away from the topic and men come right out with it. Women let’s close that wage gap and negotiate for what we know we are qualified to earn.

Also there are scenarios when you shouldn’t be negotiating your pay. Stay tuned for that.

The US Dept of Labor-Occupational Outlook Handbook is always helpful http://www.bls.gov/ooh/

Salary.com is an okay site http://www1.salary.com/Accountant-I-Salaries.html

Payscale is another site that can be resourceful http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Accountant/Salary

A combination of these resources should get you in the ballpark of what the position should earn.

Good luck! and you are welcome!

XOXO

Risa