Successful Salary Negotiation

5 Ways to Avoid Low Salary Rate

I recently interviewed for a position in my field of expertise and found myself in an uncomfortable offer mid interview. I was offered a couple of dollars below my requested rate (from my application) in front of my interviewer and a vendor.

In shock, I heard myself blurt out "Okay." I could feel my puzzled expression and dissatisfaction immediately. I asked myself "What? Did you really agree to that low offer?"

As I sat there filling out "new hire" paperwork, I began feeling nothing but disappointment. I couldn't feel happy knowing I was offered a rate so much lower than what I'm worth. I even texted a couple friends saying "I got the job, but at ten lousy dollars an hour."

salary.com

After talking with my husband and a couple of friends, I decided I had to call my new employer and tell her how I felt. I knew I would never be happy there and perform to the best of my abilities if I wasn't getting paid what I'm worth.

Long story short, I called my boss the next day and told her how I felt. A couple of days later she called and offered my requested rate per hour. I was thrilled and thanked her!

There are 5 ways to avoid a low salary rate.

     5.  Research

• Know history of the company 
• Current revenue & profits
• Current salary rates

     4.  Flexibility

• Ask. Is there room to counter offer?
• Negotiating is a test of your confidence & experience

     3.  Put yourself in someone else's shoes

• If you don't feel comfortable negotiating for yourself, imagine you are negotiating for a loved one
• Take yourself out of the equation for a moment. It's easier that way.

salary.com

    

     2.  Know Your Value

• Know your self worth & value to the company
• Express what you will bring to the table & how you will improve the company
• Be confident
• Don't settle for less

     1.  Patiently Wait

• Wait to hear from your interviewer
• Don't become scared & start offering lower rates before you've heard from them
• Backing down shows lack of confidence & weakness

Employers will generally offer 10-20 percent below the company's budget for salaries. It's very common for people to say "Okay" and accept the first offer. Don't. Negotiate first and you'll be happy when you make the extra couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars later.

You should always negotiate your salary. The worst a future employer can say is "No." It's better to ask and be denied, then not ask and always wonder.

Thanks for stopping by and if you'd like to connect, leave a comment below!

Instagram @stubbyourtoe