Getting a dream job in a company of your choice is a great thing. But jumping on the first offer is not the wisest approach as you may end up with a lowball salary. Seasoned professionals recommend negotiating to maximize the offer value and ensure you get the deal you deserve. Even newbies shouldn’t shy away from doing so. While there are no shortcuts to the package you want, you can follow some tried and tested rules to get the best deal. Here are some expert-recommended dos and don’ts of salary negotiations.
Do begin with industry research
Extensive research of the industry landscape gives you a good start with the negotiation part. You can gather valuable information for Glassdoor to understand the pay rates for your role. Dig deep to get specific details regarding skills, experience, and location. Go company specific when you have an offer in hand. For example, you can connect with Apple employees on LinkedIn if you want insights into how to negotiate an Apple offer and need to assess its viability.
Do be confident
Confidence is the key to success when it comes to salary negotiation. Everything boils down to how confidently you convey your worth to the recruiter. They will be ready to negotiate if you can convince them about the value you can deliver to the company. Work on your communication skills, as they make you more confident, even as a beginner. Also, knowing your facts gets you in a better place.
Do seek advice
Seeking expert advice is another way to navigate salary negotiations effectively. An expert can offer valuable industry- and company-specific insights to get the best possible figure. Expert input on Apple salary negotiation beforehand will lower your apprehension about missing out on the chance. Even big brands are willing to negotiate, so you can ace the process by doing things right. Expert opinion is not just for newbies, and even pros can gain immense benefits from it.
Don’t focus only on salary
Most beginners go wrong while comparing pay packages for different offers. One may seem better than the others, but there’s a catch more often than not. The high-value package may be less alluring when you uncover its perks and benefits. Consider factors like bonuses and incentives, remote work flexibility, free lunches, training and development opportunities, and wellness initiatives to compare and negotiate. Remember to see the bigger picture because it matters more.
Don’t lie or misrepresent
Perhaps the most crucial rule of salary negotiations is being honest with your word. Lying or misrepresenting facts can get you into deep trouble and affect your reputation as a professional. Recruiters always verify salary history by checking recent pay stubs or even contacting the previous employer directly. Fresh candidates should also state their qualifications and internship experiences genuinely. Do not expect to deceive recruiters because you cannot do it.
Following these proven dos and don’ts is essential to stay ahead of salary negotiations. Most importantly, be aware of what you want and ready to start the money conversation with the recruiter.
HR Future Staff Writer