Seven Basic Salary Negotiation Tips

by Mickey Mixon

Money is the most sensitive issue in the whole hiring process. Discussing the compensation often causes anxiety on both employee and employer. Here are seven ways to make the process of salary negotiating efficient. But remember, any negotiations should only take place AFTER an offer of employment is made. Until you are offered the job, salary or compensation package negotiation is a moot point.

1) Research: Before the interview process begins, contact the professional organization that represents your field of career. As soon as they provide you with your salary information, you can now examine your monthly cash requirements. Remember that once your taxes are added to your paycheck, approximately 30% of your gross monthly salary is deducted.

2) Determine your skills: You should understand that different segments of the economy require a variety of skills depending on the industry setting. Once you have established what your skills are and what they are worth to the current employment market, you would know the limitations of your negotiation.

Salary range information is available at American Almanac of Jobs and Salaries, National Association of College and Employers, Career Center, and professionals in your related field.

Try not to tell your salary requirements or your past salary. If you must give your salary information, try to give a salary range, i.e. “The $30’s would be good, the $40’s would be better, and the $50’s would be great.”

3) Weigh the company’s compensation package: To determine your fair market value for a specific job, you should consider the economic, geographic, and industry factors of the job offer. Weigh the benefits of compensation and promotions, insurance, allowed time off and retirement settlements of the offer to ensure a fair proposed salary.

4) Sell yourself: If you know what you could offer the company, you’ll know if the proposed salary is appropriate for your background.

5) Project a positive attitude: In negotiating, never haggle. Negotiation is basically a friendly process which could benefit both parties. Understand your needs and those of the company. Remember, you are negotiating with your future employer.

6) The final offer: Be aware that when the negotiation is done, pushing further when a deal has been set could give a negative impression of you. If you accept the employment offer, do so graciously.

7) Show what you are made of: The interview is only the first step in your compensation. Once you are hired, offer your skills to the company and prove your worth by doing quality work. You may even get a promotion for doing so.

Based on a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management, four out of five employers are willing to negotiate compensation. Understanding these basic tips will allow you to enhance the terms of your new job.

About the Author - Mickey Mixon
Sugar Land Businessman Mickey Mixon is a Licensed Private Investigator, and a Talented Internet Marketer specializing in Affiliate Marketing. Mickey’s career includes a 15 year career in Houston Texas area retailing, owning stores in 5 malls until 1998. In 1997 he formed the PI firm American Information Bureau/American Investigation Brokers LLC. In 1996 he published his first book, Job Search Survival ,with an updated edition released on July 4, 2009. He is also Ministry Coordinator for the SCBC Job’s Ministry in Sugar Land TX. Contact Mickey at JobSearchSurvival@gmail.com http://www.JobSearchSurvival.com