The idea of negotiating a higher salary is something that scares the living daylights out of most people. It doesn't seem likely that walking up to your boss and demanding a pay increase is going to come to fruition. However, you'd be surprised. Salary negotiation is a normal part of business and if it is conducted in the right way, you could be singing all the way to the bank.

Whether you are starting a new job or have been employed for a long time, there is always an opportunity to negotiate your salary. Today my blog will focus on negotiating salary for a new job, but I will also be providing advice for those currently in employment at the start of next week, so check back soon!

And remember "If you don't ask, you don't get!"


Negotiating your salary for a new job

1) The most fundamentally important tip when negotiating your salary in a new job is that you don't discuss salary until you have a job offer. Remember, the job market is currently an even more competitive place than in the last few years, so if you go into the interview all guns blazing about your need for a high salary- the interviewer will automatically write you off. Wait until you have a job offer on the table before you even begin to discuss salary, and make sure to approach this in a realistic and sensible manner.

2) Do your research. A key factor in establishing your price when asking for a pay rise has to come from some old fashioned research. Use jobs websites and whatever information you can get your hands on to see what other companies are offering candidates with your job title and skill set. If other businesses are offering much higher, then fantastic, you have a case for negotiation, but if you are after a sum that is just not paid in your current role, then don't shoot yourself in the foot by asking for an unrealistic number. Remember, salary is not the only thing that may be up for negotiation, there are also perks and benefits that you could discuss to make the job offer more favourable to you.

3) Before even going for an interview it is important to work out your minimum. This is the figure that your interviewer absolutely must meet at all costs. You should take into account previous earnings, any travel costs you would incur in the new job, and how much you need to live comfortably and pay all of your usual bills. You need to be aware of this figure so that you can negotiate successfully, as it is no use taking a job offer that will mean you are unable to pay all of your bills.

4) You may be asked at interview what you previously earned. Now it may seem like a good idea to lie here, because you may think it gives you more chance of receiving a higher salary. DON'T- this is a big mistake. You should never lie about your previous salary as this is easy for an employer to find out. Your P45 will tell your new employer exactly what you were worth in your last employment, so however tempting it is to boost your numbers, it won't be worth it in the long run.

5) Know your circumstances. When you go to an interview you already know how important the outcome is to you. You may have already got another job offer, and if this is the case it allows you to turn down any offer you are made that you aren't happy with. Alternatively if this is a job that is most likely to be your only current option, then be more careful, as you don't want to talk your way out of the job.

6) If you are unsuccessful in your salary negotiation, remember not to panic. 'No' now doesn't necessarily mean 'no' forever. If you are offered less than you were hoping for, dust yourself down and find out about the review structure of the company. Ask about how salary rises are assessed and whether there is a chance in the future for further negotiations. Just because your employer is saying no now, doesn't mean it will be a no in a few months time.

7) Your interviewer is probably going to ask you some question about what you think your role is worth or ask what is your desired salary. Remember if you haven't got a job offer on the table then this discussion should be approached with restraint. Instead of reeling off some fantastical number, why not turn the question around to the employer, so that you can get an idea of what they may offer you. You could ask the employer "What kind of salary range do you have in mind for the position?" or to avoid being forthright you could just answer by saying that you "hoped to make as much as other employees with your skills and qualifications". This puts the ball firmly back in the employer's court, which will enable them to give you an indication of the type of salary on offer.


Remember, you might be lucky enough not to need to negotiate salary at all. You may be perfectly happy with the salary on offer, and if this is the case, great! Even if you don't get the salary you want right off the bat, your employer will not think badly of you for asking. With the right approach, it shows that you are confident and not afraid to go after what you want. One unsuccessful negotiation should not put you off asking in the future- In the words of Only Fools and Horses... "he who dares wins, Rodney..."