Six Salary Negotiation Tips For Young Professionals

Yes, money is tight. And yes, the economic recovery is sluggish. But that doesn’t mean you can’t negotiate a better salary for yourself.

Whether you’re negotiating your pay at a new job or a raise at your current one, here are six tips to help you get the compensation you deserve.
   

1. Read the job description carefully. If you’re on the hunt, pay attention to the job description, says Sarah Renard, marketing manager for Successful Impressions, a company that specializes in career management for young people. “If the company has provided a flat salary, that could be the company’s way of telling candidates there is no negotiation,” she says. But if you see a range, there’s an opportunity for discussion.
2. Do your research. Sites like CBSalary.com can give you an idea of salary ranges for your job based on the title, responsibilities and geographic location. “It’s a great tool,” Renard says. This can help you make your case.
3. Show. Don’t Tell. Rather than telling your manager you deserve a raise, show him or her why, Renard says. Show sales reports or other metrics that demonstrate your contributions, or compare your original job description with the tasks you’re doing today.
4. Ease in. Review your offer letter, and, Renard says, go into the negotiating process with questions. Start with the easier questions to let the hiring manager (and yourself) get comfortable — then, approach the salary discussion.
5. Understand the total package. Salary is only one component of compensation. So, if your employer has started picking up a bigger portion of your healthcare benefits or matching 401(k) contributions, it may be tougher to justify salary increases — but you still win.
6. Be respectful. In the end, you have to do what makes sense for you, but keep your professional relationships in good standing, Renard says. Maybe you’ll want to come back to this company some day. “Respect the timeline a company gives you to respond to an offer,” she says. “And when turning down a company, be respectful so you don’t burn bridges.”

Get Connected
Successful Impressions
www.successfulimpressions.net

This article, written by Stephanie Conner, is part of the Chamber's monthly Valley Young Professionals email. To find out more about being a part of the VYP group, click here. To sign up for any or all of the Chamber's newsletters, click here.

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