Negotiating pay is where alot of people seem to have issues. On the occasions where I had hired people, I was never challenged for a payment amount. I negotiated, as the employer, for the individual to receive less than what their abilities were worth. Had they challenged me, they could have negotiated a higher pay as I was already interested in them. Here is a method to assist you in payment negotiations.
Never tell them what you would like to be paid until after you know what the job pays. Sometimes you don't have a choice in the matter. If you apply online and it is required that you submit what your pay requirements are. However, if you are in an interview and they ask you what your requirements are, they are interested in you. Here are some situations to help you avoid the question and ensure you negotiate what you desire.
a. When in the interview process and the employer asks you what your pay requirements are, take control of the interview and make the following statement. "Well, before I can provide you with a dollar amount, I would like to know the full functions required with this position". By knowing all of the ins and outs about the job, you can better decide what your payment should be.
b. If you have completely discussed the full functions and responsibilities of the job, you still don't provide them with your requirements until you know what the job pays. When the interviewer asks you what your pay requirements are, place it back on them by asking "What does it pay"? By doing this you have passed the ball back to the interviewer and are looking for a response. Majority of the time the interviewer generally will provide you with an amount which is less than they are willing to pay.
Negotiations
If the interviewer tells you that the job pays $50,000 per year. You were only looking for $40,000 per year. Had you mentioned that earlier, the employer would have made an agreement and paid you less than your worth. In this situation, I highly recommend that you come back with a counter offer.
"That is slightly lower than what I was looking for. Is it possible to negotiate for $55,000 per year"
I know what you are thinking. This is already more than I was looking for. This does work and it helps you in getting more for your efforts. Usually they will negotiate with you and will probably settle for around $52,000. If in your negotiations, you feel they are not going to offer more than their last bid. There is still more you can gain in the negotiations. Some businesses will not offer vacation until after one full year of employment. If they did not meet your negotiation price of $55,000 per year, ask to have your vacations added to the first year instead of waiting.
REMEMBER
The employer is interested in you. If he/she were not, you would not be in the negotiation process. Don't push too hard, but let them know you will provide quality work for them and their business, but you need to ensure your needs are met as well.
Comments and suggestions are encouraged
