Negotiating Salary

New Job Salary Negotiations

So you've decided to move on from your current role, or looking to start out on the jobs market.

You've sent in your CV. You've had your interview and the job is yours. Now all you need to do is agree on the remuneration you will receive.

When it comes to Negotiating Salary too many people accept the first offer that is made to them. Even worse, their offer is accepted when they propose it.

Why is it worse? You may think you could have asked for more, or got even better terms than you have agreed upon.

When it comes to Negotiating Salary and terms, you should have a clear idea what your value to the company is, what you can bring to the company and how you see yourself progressing there in the future.

Let's say you are offered a position as Systems Analysist at a firm in the city centre. You have a good indication that other companies offer €40,000 per year. So you know that you will be looking for a salary at this range, as a minimum.

They may well ask you what you are looking for, salary wise.

Being the first to say a figure puts you in a weaker position. This is because they know what you are happy to accept. So best thing is to avoid this question all together.
Turn it around. Say something like:

"Well, obviously I would like to be on a top salary for the role as I see myself bringing great value and experience to the company, as well as determination and commitment. What do you think is a fair salary for what I hope to bring to your company?"

So let's say for example they come back with €40,000 as a figure.

You could say "Well the figure you proposed to me has come in way lower than what I was thinking about."

They could ask "What range were you thinking of?"

At this point I would look to say "Somewhere near the high €40K mark, around €48-49,000"

Now they have an indication as to what sort of salary you are looking for. At this point they may counter back at €42,000.

Say to them "Thanks for the offer. Unfortunately I don't think I can commit to moving across for €42,000. I will have to speak with my spouse/partner/brother about this and see where we are with it. Can I get back tomorrow?"

You are buying yourself some time here with the negotiating. Mainly because if you stay there, Negotiating Salary decisions will solely be on you, and you alone. They can zone in on you making decisions.
Referring to your spouse gives you a chance to think about it.

Next day, call them back. Explain you talked it over with your partner, but really can't come anywhere near €42,000. €46,000 is the best you can come to".

They more likely will counter with €45,000. Now you can try to negotiate for better bonuses, more holidays and even health insurance.

"I may be able to accept the €45,000 but to be able to do this, I would need an extra three days holiday added to my entitlements, and health cover".

They may see your demands as too much here, but the reason for adding two extra things here is that they are more likely to give you one, rather than had you gone to them with just the one extra you were looking for.