Best Practices to Negotiate Your Salary

So you’re starting a new job. Did you negotiate your salary? Seems like an obvious tactic, sure. But for many job seekers, not always an easy one.

Don’t leave potential money at the table. Here are a few best practices to help negotiate your salary for that next job or promotion. Trust us, you’ll be happy you did.

KNOW YOUR WORTH

The first step to salary negotiations: do your research. Our recruiters regularly negotiate salaries on behalf of candidates, and understand that paying top professionals at market rate is key. The market dictates what people are making. And if one company isn’t willing to pay that, another one will.

Not sure how to price yourself? Century Group recommends looking to salary guides to find what peers in similar roles and/or backgrounds are making in your area. Arming yourself with that information is a useful tool when deciding on a number that makes sense for you.

STICK TO YOUR NUMBER

Now that you’re equipped with your role’s market value, it’s time to get specific. Be prepared with a number that you’re comfortable with. Most importantly, stay committed to it. A salary range gives employers an out — an option to give you an offer that falls toward the lower end of that spectrum. But with a specific dollar amount, they’re more likely to give you a final offer closer to the mark.

BACK IT UP WITH STATS

A sure way to prove you’re a good investment: show it. Whether it’s for a new role or a promotion, create a brag list of your accomplishments, skill set and career highlights to better help illustrate your value. Employers are gradually cluing into the notion that competitive pay is integral to securing skilled workers, but supporting your ask with how your work positively impacts the company’s bottom line may bolster your case.

Download our 2021 Salary Guide to make sure you’re pricing yourself correctly and assist with your next salary negotiation!