Salary Advice: Quick Tips For Getting The Salary That’s Right For You

The secret is out. Employers rarely make their best offer first and candidates who negotiate generally earn much more than those who don’t. “Well-thought out negotiation plan makes you look like a stronger candidate and an employee worth keeping”, says Ms. Cynthia Wangeci, Recruitment Manager at Corporate Staffing Services.

Salary questions are never easy to handle as you are afraid you might spoil your chances. Over-quoting might show you are not aware of the market rates, while under-quoting might go to show you don’t know your value.
We are going to tackle the salary monster through a number of pointers, which are significant enough to make or break your job search.

Here’s a guide to things you should know about getting the salary that’s right for you.

During the interview process

1.Research
Before going for the interview at that organization you are looking to move to, get to learn about the company’s salary ranges and benefits. Compare this to the industry ranges and you will be in the know.

Understand as much as you can about the organization, in terms of their competition and opportunity for growth, and weigh that against the salary and benefits to know if it’s something you want to go for. Having this information before the interview process will become valuable during your salary negotiations.

Read Also>>> What Salary Should You Quote in Entry Level Jobs? 

2.Don’t rush to the salary talk
As exciting as the position sounds and as eager as you are to negotiate your terms, keep calm. Talking about money too early does not mean you will get the best offer there is. Wait until you have effectively sold your skills and they are falling in love with you to bring up the salary. Only when an employer is pleased that you have something to offer the organization can you bill your terms to them.

During the offer

1.Evaluate your value and performance
Talk about your value to the organization and the position in quantifiable terms. “Talk about how you are going to be valuable and even quote some quantifiable experiences that you will bring on board”, says Ms. Wangeci. With the value you are bringing to the organization, quantify that to your expected offer. For example, “I will increase your social media presence and engagement from the current XYZ to PQR continuously to drive the organizational market presence and sales”

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2.State your expectations
When the employer is making an offer, state your job expectations; what do you want from the job in terms of salary, benefits, and opportunity? Different things have perceived value to each one of us; it might be time off, reporting time flexibility or even your job title.
Some of us might prefer an “executive” title compared to “manager” title or might want to report at 7 am and leave at 4 pm or report at 9 am and leave at 6 pm. Show how flexible you are from the word go and peg your salary negotiations on that.

3.Open room for later negotiations
I’m the ambitious type and if you are, you will want to negotiate for extras. How do you go about it? If the employer is not willing to bend on their salary offer, you could ask for a salary review to be conducted after six months, having proved yourself in your new role.

You could also ask for some commission on hitting some amount of money/ target ceiling. “This shows that you are confident and committed about what you will bring on board. Bringing in significant value will put you in a better negotiation place”, concludes Ms. Wangeci.

You now have the salary tips to getting that pay package that is right for you. Sharpen your negotiation skills during the interview process and during the offer. When you get an offer, take your time and see how you can make it better with the above tips.

See Also>>> What Is The Salary Range Of HR Professionals With 2-3 Years Of Experience? Plus Free Sample CV

Having challenges with articulating the above pointers? Talk to our interview coaching manager. To book an Interview Coaching session email elizabeth@corporatestaffing.co.ke

The writer is a Communications Officer at Corporate Staffing Services, a leading Recruitment firm that offers CV Writing, Job Placement & Career Advice. Email:elizabeth@corporatestaffing.co.ke

6 Comments

  1. very educative, i have faced this challenge and i tried to renegotiate but the employer could not change what he stated.

  2. Hi team,
    The guides is very educative and have learn a lot.
    Am looking forward to have more of them.

    Regards
    Bonface

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