Does it really matter what you are being paid? After all, there’s plenty of things you can do for free. Obviously the answer for most of us is a resounding yes. We want to be able to afford to live comfortably at the very least.
Send the kids to a good university, go out for dinners without worrying about the cost or even save for a house deposit. Whatever your pay grade goal, chances are you are not going to be handed it on a plate.
Employers want the best return on their investment, if they think you’ll do the job for less then that is what they’ll offer you. The trick is knowing what you’re worth and having the courage to ask for it.
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#1, Do Your Research
A company might advertise a job with a ‘competitive salary’ but what they mean is, how little they can get away with paying the best person who applies it. Doing a little research before your interview can pay off. If someone offers you a rate below the industry average, it’s important to be able to identify that.
Using resources like glass door are a great way to gauge what big employers such as White Stuff, Sams club and Nike pay. This knowledge lets you counter low offers with facts and figures. It shows that you are not only aware of your worth but that you can handle potentially awkward situations in a professional and non-provocative way. When talking money, it’s important to be data driven.
Image by: Phil Whitehouse
#2, Make Your Case
Whether you are approaching your existing boss or discussing salary at the interview, research is only half the battle. Make sure you have a list of reasons in your head, attributes and experience that qualify you for the salary you are asking for. Be confident and articulate, don’t rush through your points in a nervous mess. Practice beforehand and take your time once you are in the meeting. State your case and, most importantly, don’t rush to fill the silence once you’ve stopped talking.
Sitting quietly after you’ve spoken subtly indicates your confidence and belief in what you have said. It also prompts the other person to offer a response and helps to facilitate a two-way communication. Maybe they want to offer you more money but they feel you need more experience first? That gives you a great lead in to ask for further training. Even if management disagree with your assessment of your worth, let them know you are willing to put the work in to meet their expectation for the pay grade you’re striving for.
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#3, Don’t Get Complacent
Even if you achieve your goal and get the salary you asked for, or even if you don’t, it’s important to keep striving for the next goal. Put yourself forward for training opportunities and volunteer for extra responsibilities. It’s important your employer feels they can rely on you. Remember, no one is going to keep investing in you without the guarantee of a good return.
