How to Negotiate for What You Want
Posted December 8th, 2014
We all have a lot invested in our jobs. So, when we become frustrated at work for some reason – either because we think our salary is too low, or we’re not advancing as we believe we should, or we’re just not being challenged – it can have a big effect on our outlook and life in general.
In cases like this, it may be time to have a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your situation and to do a little negotiating. If, however, you want to negotiate, you need to prepare properly. Here are a few tips on how to do that.
1. Know what you want.
This may sound like a no-brainer, but it really isn’t. You need to think through exactly what you are after. Usually, our frustration is expressed only in vague ways, like “I’m not paid enough.” Well, how much do you want? What is acceptable? If you feel you are not getting ahead, what is it that you really want – a promotion, more responsibility, more challenges?
Also, if your initial demands are denied, you need to think about some compromise positions. If a pay raise is off the table, are there any other perks that would be acceptable, monetary or otherwise? If you have no compromise positions, you run the risk of seeming unreasonable and inflexible.
2. Know what you are worth.
If you are going to be making demands, you have to show that you are worth what you are asking for. What evidence do you have to back up your worth to the company? You need to think about what skills you have to offer and what accomplishments you have delivered.
When you make your case, you need to frame it in terms of the benefit to the company. This is not just about you, but how getting what you want will also benefit the company and exactly how it will do that.
3. Clarify exactly what has beendecided.
After you have finished the conversation, go over exactly what you have worked out, so there is no confusion or ambiguity, and put it in writing. Also, be clear about when things are going to happen as well.
If you’re a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area and are looking for work in the IT sector, send your resume to Bayside Solutions, one of the premier staffing agencies in the Bay area. We look forward to hearing from you.
