Any tips on negotiating salary raises?

Question

I'm pretty good at negotiating, but I always tend to feel as if I settle when it comes to negotiating those dollars with employers. Any tips on how to get a little more cash?

Answer 1

Hi there, I can give you a few tips.

1) do some market research to find out the value of the role you are filling.  Check salary.com or payscale.com or monster.com for those.

2) write down all the things you can think of that you do or have done that add value to the company.  Think especially hard about items that are over and above expectations.

3) figure out where you are relative to other people in the company.  This may take a bit of research on your part.  

4) think of a strategic time to plant that seed in your boss's mind.  Approach them when they have time, and are not rushed out the door or off to their next meeting.

5) ask if you can discuss it with them when it is a good time, and then ask.  And present your case.  

6) make sure you've mentally rehearsed some and have thought through possible objections.  

7) be confident, don't get discouraged, and never give an ultimatum that you're not prepared to follow through on.

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Wishing you the best of luck in getting the salary you deserve!