The Best Ways to Negotiate a Higher Salary

Who wants to be paid more? Oh, that many of you, huh? Well, you've come to the right place then because this next article from Money is on the best ways to negotiate a higher salary. Money's tips:

When asked what was most likely to persuade them to sweeten their offer, the largest group (34%) said they want to hear you explain why you're worth more by highlighting specific accomplishments.

Another 30% said they rely on references from past and present peers and bosses in deciding whether to offer you more money, so try to make sure these people will give you rave reviews.

Let's say you get a juicier offer from another prospective employer. Should you use it as a bargaining chip? Probably not: Only 13% of the hiring managers polled said that would sway them.

In my career, I've been hired and been the one hiring, so I can see the situation from both sides, and this advice makes sense. If someone can show that he/she is worth more by demonstrating how they've been able to deliver strong business results, a few extra thousand dollars can usually be found.

You have to remember that when an employer offers you a job, they're at the end of what has probably been a long and difficult road -- they've been short-handed for awhile -- and they want to see it end quickly. They've spent lots of time and energy finding you and now that they've made the decision, they want you on board immediately. Under no circumstances do they want to start the process over (and even going to the #2 choice often feels like a defeat). So if they have to find you a bit more, especially if you present it in the right way, it shouldn't be that big of a deal.

Only one time in my career did I ask for more and the guy said, "nope." That's it, he just said, "nope" and gave no explanation. Needless to say, I didn't take the job. (And I'm glad I didn't -- it was a turnaround situation that ended up going from bad to worse.)

If you want more information on the subject of getting a pay raise (in a new company or in the one you're in now), check out these links:

• 5 Steps to Getting that Raise
• Want a Pay Raise Next Year? Start at It Now

Comments

[Her]

My best negotiating strategy has been to just stay silent when you receive an offer. Most people can't stand the uncomfortable silence and will raise their offer afetr a few tense moments. This worked very well for me. I was able to negotiate an extra $5,000 a year without saying a word!