Negotiating your salary can be intimidating for recent graduates getting their foot into the door. However, it’s a powerful skill that requires preparation and practice — similar to other aspects of your career. Salary discussions may be a touchy subject, but it’s ideal to remain assertive and identify what you want in your job offer, compensation included.
Before setting foot in your next job interview, consider some of these skills to help you negotiate your way into a salary you deserve!
Assume That The Interviewee Will Ask the Salary Question
It’s a silly thing to mention but anticipate that the question will pop up during your interview. Like snowflakes, no two job interviews are alike and depending on where you are in the job application process, the question regarding your expected salary may (or may not) be asked. If you find an employer popping the question during the final stages of an interviewer, it may signal a promising sign.
As the saying goes, “it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.” Before your interview, practice some common employer questions while preparing your answer to the question, “what is your expected rate of pay?”
Do Your Research!
Do some research online to find out how much—on average—the job position you’re applying to pays, specifically in your province, city, and region. On the Government of Canada’s Job Bank website, you can compare the wages of many occupations from different provinces and major cities.
You can also use search engines to find a typical salary range for the role you’re applying for on specific job boards and social media apps (for example, LinkedIn’s Salary feature). You may find that salaries may encompass a wide range, so try to determine the median—or average—wage for the role.
Be Realistic About Your Expectations and Experience
It’s not unheard of that someone’s experience affects their salary. For instance, someone with five years of work experience may have a higher salary target than recent graduates applying for an entry-level gig.
Don’t be discouraged if you’re at an early point in your career and find your salary range on the lower end of the spectrum. As you go through your career gaining skills and experience, take solace that it will move upwards eventually.
If you’re seeking an entry-level gig or trying to get your foot into the career door, be aware that while negotiating your salary, you may find yourself negotiating for a range in the middle (or towards the lower end) of your expected rates. To gain more insight, ask a trusted professional in your network for their advice.
Provide a flexible salary range that resembles what’s being offered in the job market while also considering how low of a salary range you’re willing to accept.
There Are Other Factors You May Want to Negotiate For (Other Than Money)
Being compensated fairly for your work, effort, and time is the name of the game. However, be aware of the other perks that your potential employer may offer you, whether it’s in the form of unlimited paid sick days, paid lunches, excellent health benefits, or bonuses.
The company itself may have an outstanding work-life balance for their employees. Companies may also pay for their employee’s professional certifications, whether it’s through post-secondary education or preparing for your CPA designation.
It’s a good idea to do some background research on the company’s career website or scour popular job boards to discover any perks that a company offers. If you’re at the negotiation phase of your interview (and if you feel that the vibe is upbeat and going smoothly), politely inquire for more information about these incentive programs.
Analyze The Offer And Prepare For A Counteroffer
If you do get an offer letter for the role you applied for—congratulations! Pat yourself on the back for selling your skills and for showcasing your experience to prospective employers. Once you receive your offer letter, make a note of the deadline by which you must respond (if it’s not written, kindly ask the employer). After you’ve confirmed the deadline, scan through the letter and take note of the given wage for the role.
Before formulating a response, ask yourself some questions:
- Am I satisfied with the salary offer?
- Will this wage support my finances?
- Does this offer align with my expected range?
- Does this wage fairly represent the skills and experience I can bring to the job?
If you’ve answered no to any of these questions, be sure to organize your thoughts and negotiate a counteroffer to the employer while remaining professional and expressing your continued interest in the role. Politely cite the salary ranges you discovered for similar positions, as well as your skills and experience. Remain approachable and polite and thank the employer for their interest in you.
Be Confident—Know Your Worth!
Just because you need to get your foot in the door doesn’t mean you have to settle for a salary that won’t support you financially. As you gain more career experience, you can expect your salary to move in an upwards fashion. However, be sure to keep in mind that another role’s salary also may come with other perks through the form of bonuses, healthy work-life balance, paid certifications, and much more.
The art of negotiating—especially for something like salary—is a skill that becomes more polished with experience. Be self-confident: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your career!