Tips To Negotiate Salary After Receiving a Job Offer?

When your prospective employer extends you a job offer for your position, they'll mostly discuss the salary package that includes your in-hand salary. However, you should discuss if you don't feel that a proposed pay scale of a company doesn't align with your experience, skillset, strengths, and career level. Getting settled in less pay scale than you expected will not let you give your 100% to your work. It's more important to speak up than to get settled because by talking, you can help the recruiter better understand the value you provide. 

Salary negotiation is a new skill to master- Never accept the first offer". And there's some perk to this. You probably get hired in less pay scale for opt candidates while applying for your first OPT jobs in USA. But if you're an experienced job holder, it's better to put your views and expectations on the table before signing up. 

Mastering the art of salary negotiation is important and might also impress the employer of a company that hires opt students. Getting into the debate about why you deserve more than a proposed amount gives the impression that you value your work.

Do I need to negotiate my salary?

Salary negotiation is deemed as a "Suicide move" in countries like India, and the reason is the unprecedented explosive growth of the population that leads to unemployment. Your employer will get ten more people ready to work in the lesser amount you're negotiating. But if we talk about western countries like the USA, salary negotiation is not a bad idea. Most people are concerned they might lose the job offer if they negotiate for more money. But that's never the case; recruiters don't get offended if you talk about it respectably. Even some recruiters are even surprised when candidates sign up for a proposed amount. 

When to negotiate salary

Most people do negotiate about their salary, but they make some common mistakes which often cost them losing a job. Here's the ultimate guide to knowing at what times or instances negotiating salary is okay. 

  • Wait for the offer letter

A common mistake that most candidates make is to negotiate before they receive a job offer. Ensure that the employer also wants you, and it should be there by a written offer. Don't celebrate too soon; wait for the written approval and then put your opinions over a proposed salary. 

  • You should clearly quantify your contribution to the company

The company is not interested in how you would manage your monthly expenses on a proposed pay scale but rather how you would fulfil the company's expectations. So you can definitely negotiate if you can clear things that you can offer the company in your service. 

  • When your job requires extra hours and efforts in the office

YOu should put your views on the table if your new job requires you to go the extra mile to justify your working hours in the company. For example, if the employer told you that we are offering $1200 for 2000 words of content, you're given more tasks during the day that exceed the word limit. You should negotiate on it; if the salary doesn't feel enough at the beginning, then it would be no different in the future. 

How to negotiate salary?

Here we have listed some helpful tips to consider while preparing for salary negotiation. 

  • Measure your skills in the market

Start by calculating your value, as you should know how much you can offer the company before you go for salary negotiation. Several factors can influence your compensation, such as- 

  • Education level 
  • Career level 
  • Skills 
  • Geographic location 
  • Your total experience in the industry 
  • Licenses and certifications 

Research the market value

Knowing the market value of your skillset can support you for more successful negotiation. DO thorough research; it gives you a good baseline for justifying your expected salary. Here are some questions that you should consider while doing your market research. 

  • What is the average salary pay scale for the position? 
  • How much other companies in your area are paying for this position 
  • What is the geographic condition of your cities? 
  • Be confident 

Delivering your words with confidence is important; it gives the impression that you know the market value of your skills. The more clear and confident you convey, the more influence you will have on the employer. 

  • Keeps your number slightly high 

"Shoot for the moon, and you'll land on stars" means always giving a higher number than your expected salary. They will surely negotiate on it, but you'll still end up with the desired salary offer you were expecting. So, always tell the numbers higher than your salary range, the employer will probably settle lower, but you will get a fair amount. 

  • Don't be afraid to walk away 

If you're good at something, never do it for free. Don't be afraid to walk out if the company is not able to meet your desired payscale. Settling for less can affect your resume, and you will get less hike if you try to switch after one year or more. But, if the job is less stressful, gives you more flexible time and is closer to your home, you can give it a thought. However, if this is not the case, you should walk away and start looking for other job opportunities elsewhere. 

Closing thought

Salary negotiation is an important skill to master. By talking about what you feel about the proposed amount, you give the impression that you value your work and can't settle for less. But for optional practical training candidates applying for jobs in the USA, you need to gain experience in the relevant field. Learn about the market, do thorough research, and gain practical knowledge at the initial stages. We hope that you have gained some relevant insights today and mastered the skill of salary negotiation while adhering to the Do's and Don'ts that we have addressed in this blog.