5 Tips to Negotiate a Higher Salary in an Interview

Although plenty of workers are currently happy with the career they have, it is obvious that down the line you are going to come across a need or want for a higher salary.

Most people are concerned with having enough money to cover their monthly spending budgets. But some are greedier with promotions and aim to build staggering wealth with their new salaries.

However, no matter what approach you take, everyone must make more money somehow.

The main problem most workers have are poor negotiating skills for a higher salary. Some even forget that salary negotiation is a driving factor in the interview process altogether.

In this article, we will be going over the five most important tips to negotiate a higher salary in an interview so you don’t get cheated out of the hard work you do.

1. Do your Research and Know Your Value.

Before you march into your hiring manager’s office and demand a higher salary, you need to first know what your experience and skills are worth.

This way, you can come up with a more reasonable salary that your managers will appreciate paying. Plus, your research will also help back up your salary increase demand with actual evidence instead of proclaiming it on a whim. Not to mention, it will help build up your confidence when asking for it as well.

Above anything, researching a higher salary for your position is one of the most important steps to take when negotiating one in an interview.

The amount of experience and skills you have means more to your employers than the job you’re applying for.

For example, a senior marketing manager with an extensive history with 10 years of experience with skills in programming and graphic design, is going to be worth much more than a simple senior marketing manager with five years of research.

Don’t take your skills for granted. They will help you land your dream job and dream salary down the road. Never forget to include them in your resume and bring them up when negotiating your salary.

You should also take into account that your value to the company you’re working for is more than just your experience, instead think about how you could help the company down the line.

For example, let’s say you are looking for a job in the IT field. There is a lot of demand for highly skilled professionals and salaries are usually on the top end of the spectrum.

For receiving the salary of a computer technician, you should know how to set up hardware and maintain technological equipment. But if you do, be sure to emphasize it, as this will be in your favor.

2. Don’t Think About Your Previous Salaries.

A common mistake that most people make when negotiating their salaries during an interview is bringing up their previous salaries.

Your employers may take advantage of you and keep your previous salaries or add a small percentage to it. However, this can be a struggle when making negotiations towards a higher salary.

Remember that during your interview, you shouldn’t bring up your previous salaries or use it as a base for your new pay. Instead, you should use the research from the section above to find a more competitive salary amount that you hope to be paid in the future.

3. Choose the Top Market Value of Your Job as Your Salary.

While researching your market salary, you’re more than likely to find a range of salaries that your market pays people in your job position.

Although you may want to opt in for a middle range number for your salary, don’t be afraid to choose a higher number to negotiate your salary with in your interview. This way, even if your hiring manager negotiates down, it will still be a high salary.

Researchers at Columbia Business School suggest that you should also ask for a specific number.

For example, you should choose $63,950 instead of going with $64,000. This shows that you have done extensive market value research to your employers, instead of just choosing a random number for your salary.

4. Focus on What the Market Value is Paying Others in Your Position.

Instead of focusing on discussing what your new salary can do for you, mention how your salary amount is paying people in your job position. This includes negotiating using percentage differences versus dollar amounts.

The worst thing you can do in a negotiation is bringing up personal needs.

For example, if your monthly expenses have risen. Instead, you should try reasoning with your manager that your experience and skills cost more.

5. Don’t Let Making a Counter Offer Intimidate You.

You may be wondering what to do if the hiring manager says no. Though you may not have received the answer you wanted originally, it does not mean the discussion is over.

Don’t be discouraged from making a counter offer. Try reiterating how much you want to work with the company and the team. Make sure you focus on how well you are suited for the job and how much your skills are worth.

Try to keep the conversation positive and refrain from making any threats. Don’t threaten to leave the interview.

You should also avoid mentioning any other job offers, interviews, or conversations with recruiters as a threat.

How to Ask for a Raise Without Coming off as ‘Entitled’

Courtesy of Resume.io

Avoid any negativity and focus on the value you add to the company.

Though there is no guarantee that you will receive the higher salary, you will regret it if you do not ask.

Negotiation can be intimidating, it is an important skill to learn. Be sure to do your research, crunch the numbers, and don’t be afraid to bring it up during the interview.

With a little bit of work, courage, and these tips to negotiate a higher salary in an interview, you will be able to get the salary that you deserve.

About The Author

This article was written by Cassidy Hennigan, an avid part-time writer with a passion for career classes.