Negotiate doesn’t have to be a dirty word

For some, just thinking about negotiation is stressful. But failing to learn how to negotiate your salary can cause daily stress if you’re underpaid as a result.

Why don’t people like to negotiate? Some think it’s awkward or rude to ask for money.

Others were raised to believe it’s better work hard, because it will eventually be recognized and result in a raise.

Does research support that common theory? Not so much.

A Jobvite.com 2018 Job Seeker Nation Study found that you are always better off actively going after the salary you want. While just a third of those surveyed negotiated the salary at their current or most recent job, 85% of those who did received higher pay.

How much higher did they negotiate?  Forty-four percent received a 5% to 10% hike, and 21% received 11% to 20% more.

The survey also found that only a quarter of female job seekers negotiated their salaries, compared to 35% of men. What’s encouraging is that when they did negotiate, both men and women were similarly successful (85% and 86% received higher pay, respectively).

As part of their negotiation tactic, more male job seekers used an offer from another company to negotiate salary at their current company.

Here are few ways you can boost your earning potential.

Research: Before you say anything, find out what the local salaries are for your position. Have the data handy to back it up.

Change your mindset: You aren’t begging. Think of the employer/employee relationship as a partnership. Done well, it’s a win-win for everyone. It’s not a zero sum game where someone walks away the loser. The worst an employer can say is no, but at least you’ve shown the initiative to ask for what you want.

Base your salary negotiations on the company’s needs: It’s about showcasing the value of what you add to the organization. Be clear about the ROI of that raise – stress what’s in it for your employer. Don’t talk about why you need more money, because employers don’t care.

Don’t just look at the money: Truly everything is negotiable, not just your salary. Maybe you want more flexible work hours or a title change. Perhaps having more vacation time is worth more to you than a bump in salary. Think about what matters most to you and how it can ultimately serve the organization.