Do your research: Before applying any negotiation tactics, consult your network and research on the average compensation for your particular position. Determine a salary range that is reasonable for your industry and your geographic location, and take into account your experience, credentials, academic degrees, and related accomplishments.
Don’t accept the original offer: Don’t agree to the initial offer if you aren’t happy with it. Keep in mind that the best time to negotiate is as soon as you’ve been given the offer. If you need to consider the package being given to you, thank the employer and ask for time to think it over.
Keep it to the point: When it comes to negotiation tricks or bargaining tactics, one important thing to remember is to keep things short. Get to the point, and don’t talk on and on in order to justify what you are asking for. State your offer and conditions on the table and do your reasoning later.
What’s most important to you? A good negotiation tip is being ready to give up some of your requests. Think about what you absolutely NEED to have, as well as what benefits you can more easily afford to give up. You can’t be too demanding though-the other party will be more willing to give in if it feels like a win-win situation on both sides.
Avoid the bidding war: You may have multiple offers, but avoid pitting companies against one another at all costs. Asking companies to outdo each other in terms of salary will only make them question your loyalty and integrity, and will also put you in an unfavorable light.
Don’t throw in the towel: If the salary negotiation doesn’t seem to be going in the direction you want it to, don’t give up too early at the first sign of a struggle. Instead of heading straight for that door, prolong the conversation a bit by asking expounding questions. You never know how the conversation will end up and what new insights you will get out of it. You will likely be able to achieve a positive response.
Consider your other options: If you are being offered a low salary and there’s absolutely no room for bargaining, then focus on negotiating on other forms of compensation. Why not ask for a signing bonus, moving expenses, or even additional leaves?
Try again: Another simple, yet effective negotiation technique is not to lose hope if your counteroffer is rejected. For now, meet somewhere in the middle and request that you be given a performance review in a few months time-with, of course, an opportunity to reconsider a raise.
Martin P Collins is a negotiation expert at Geneva Education who frequently gives very useful advice in his articles and blog posts. Look here to learn some very effective negotiation techniques. Or visit here for further negotiation tactics.
