Negotiating a pay rise at your current job

Negotiating a pay rise at your current job

Negotiating isn't always about what you can do but rather what other's can't do.

To demonstrate your value (and what others can't do) is to withhold supply. In other words, working less or producing less if you are truly in a position of power. Working longer and harder isn't always the best negotiating tactic.

Therefore take those long extended holidays or many sick days. Your employer will notice that things are falling apart at work in your absence. When you return, quickly remedy all the problems that occurred while you were absent. This will impress upon your employer that you are invaluable.

Negotiating salary for a new job

Always let the interviewer reveal the salary. Do not be the one to initiate a salary negotiation.

When the interviewer does bring up the question of desired salary, try to reflect the question back to them by asking what the employer is expecting to pay someone with your qualifications/experience.

My favourite reply is:

Regarding my expected salary, I envisage that a more appropriate time to discuss this matter would be during or after my meeting with [NAME OF SUPERVISOR], when we have reached a meeting of the minds. However, I have no doubt that a prestigious firm such as [NAME OF FIRM] would be offering a competitive package consistent with the market for a person with my experience, background and technical skills.

Alternatively, you can deflect the question with this:

I am much more interested in doing [TYPE OF WORK] here at [NAME OF FIRM] than I am in the size of the initial offer.

If the question is repeated, then be more direct with this reply which is a stalling tactic:

I will consider any reasonable offer

If the question is repeated once more, then everyone is knows they're playing the game. So reply with this:

You are in a much better position to know how much I'm worth to you than I am.

If this does not work, provide a relatively large salary range that you are comfortable with.

Do not disclose your past or present salary as this reduces your negotiating power.

If the offer is too low, then tell them its too low but do not say by how much. Your only response to any counteroffer is OK or higher, until they break off negotiations.

When a salary offer is on the table, do not say yes immediately. At least 1 day to think it over.

Negotiate for more.

When there is agreement on salary, then it must be put in writing, disclosing everything from the salary to the benefits (insurance, holiday leave, etc) you will be receiving.