You may love your job, but the truth is you work because you need the money. Since money is important, there’ll come a point when you’ll need to negotiate for a better salary. Let’s be honest, speaking about salaries is not a comfortable subject for most of us but it’s something we cannot avoid because salaries have to be negotiated sooner or later.
To help you, I’ve compiled seven tips to help you negotiate a better salary before you start your new job or when you request a raise.
- Know your value: Do not go the negotiation table without having done some research. Do some research on what the average salary is for people in your field (Not sure where to get started? Check out the results of Hacking Adulthood’s salary survey of professionals in Ghana). If you go to the negotiation without knowing your value, you will be at the mercy of the HR/hiring personnel.
- Be persuasive: You cannot force a salary increase but you can be convincing. Back your need for a salary increase with facts, figures and your performance if you’ve been working with the company for a while. If you’re new, use either your experience or your knowledge to your advantage.
- Aim high, yet be realistic: Salary negotiation is a game of numbers. Be sure to mention a figure higher than the base salary. You may have a specific number in mind that you want to earn, so mention slightly above that number. Chances are the hiring personnel will negotiate down so you will end up on our desired salary.
- Be confident: Going into the negotiation room with no confidence is a mistake. Maintain consistently strong body language throughout the negotiation talks. Avoid frantic movements. Be sure to speak slowly and make yourself sound in control and confident.
- Don’t accept right away: There is the temptation to accept an offer we view as perfect, but instead hold off on giving a reply. Ask for time to review the offer. That being said, don’t also take too much time to think.
- Be silent: Even though it’s a negotiation, let the other party do most of the talking while you listen. Only remark where necessary.
- Be flexible: What if your boss is not willing to increase your salary? Well, be prepared to negotiate for other benefits. For instance, more leave days, a more flexible work schedule or a one time performance bonus.
At the end of the day bear in mind that you may not land the big raise you want but it should not deter you from negotiating for a better salary. Research, ask, and do your best negotiating!
By Guest Hacker Ohui Kwao
Ohui A Kwao is Head of Communications at Jumia Classifieds and Social Media Manager at ICGC Yahweh Temple. She is an aspiring public speaker and personal branding & communications coach. In her spare time, she likes to read and watch tv shows. Her ultimate goal in life is to be an influencer
