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Targeted research -

Before ever sitting down with your manager to negotiate, take time to research your employer’s financial health, recent funding rounds, and average salaries for someone in your position.

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Industry benchmarking -

To present a well-rounded number, make sure you also gather salary data for similar roles in your industry and location. This will give you more leverage in the negotiation.

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Knowing your worth -

Even with all the information out there, it can be challenging to know your worth for certain. However, assessing your skills, education, experience, certifications, and accomplishments can help you articulate your value proposition.

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Understand your needs and goals -

Prior to the negotiation, it’s important to determine your minimum acceptable salary, including desired benefits and even career aspirations.

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Highlight quantifiable results -

Focus on the measurable impact you've made in previous roles (predominantly within your time at the company), using metrics and data to showcase achievements.

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Align your skills with company needs -

You have an advantageous view as a current employee. Take a look at what projects are happening and what roles the company is hiring for. Then, see how your unique skill set could fulfill their needs.

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Prepare success stories -

In advance of the negotiation, craft one to two compelling narratives detailing how you've overcome challenges or delivered exceptional results while with your current company. It’s all about the value you bring!

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Anticipate concerns -

Predicting potential objections from the employer will help you be ahead of the curve. Take it a step further and prepare strong counterarguments based on your skills and how you could positively impact the team (or company).

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Practice your pitch -

Practice makes perfect. Take some time and rehearse articulating your value proposition and desired compensation package confidently. Pay attention to your non-verbal communication, too.

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Understand benefits and their value - Enabling yourself to successfully negotiate means doing things beforehand such as calculating the financial worth of your current benefits (salary, health insurance, retirement plans, etc.). Knowledge is power.

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Negotiate specific benefits -

Write down a list prioritizing the benefits that are most important to you. Examples include: additional paid time off, flexible work arrangements, and more. Knowing what you actually want is half the journey.

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Consider paid relocation costs -

Have you been wanting to move either to a different company location, or work remote from the beach perhaps? Consider asking to be relocated on the company’s dime.

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Professional development opportunities -

Continued education can help sharpen old skills and prepare you for new options, too. Explore ongoing training, conferences, or educational stipends that the company could potentially pay for in lieu of a salary increase.

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Leverage market research - If needed, mention your findings from earlier on industry salary benchmarks to support your request. If the employer sees you could go somewhere else and earn more, they’re often more likely to negotiate in order to retain you.

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Express appreciation and confidence -

After presenting the information and reasoning for reconsidering compensation, thank them for their time and confidently state your final number or compensation package that you’re requesting be considered.

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Focus on value delivered -

Reaffirm the unique value you bring to the company and how you contribute to their bottom line. Pro-tip: don’t be afraid to also mention your positive impact on things like team morale.

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Maintain a positive demeanor -

When negotiating with your current employer, make sure you are confident and enthusiastic throughout, but also be sure to maintain a respectful and professional tone.

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Active listening and clarification -

Your employer will likely refute your offer initially, but listening attentively to the employer's response and clarifying any questions or rationale you don’t understand will show you’re committed to furthering the discussion.

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Focus on "we" language -

Negotiations should ideally be a collaborative effort to find a mutually beneficial agreement (think win-win). Using "we" language conveys you’re a team, not adversaries.

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Be willing to compromise -

Evaluate exactly how flexible you are and, without explicitly stating that you have some ‘wiggle room,’ keep an open mind to finding a middle ground that satisfies both parties.

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Highlight other opportunities -

If absolutely necessary (and with caution) you can mention that recruiters from other companies have been reaching out to you lately with very competitive offers.

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Don't give ultimatums -

Threatening to quit, leave, or otherwise can lead to feelings of animosity and a lack of desire to listen to you further, let alone negotiate.

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Don't negotiate just because -

If  something is truly important to you then that's fine. But focusing on tiny things that you don't actually care about in order to prove a point can rub a manager the wrong way.

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Negotiate serially -

Present all your ‘asks’ together versus discussing one in entirety then moving on to another. Eventually, if you keep saying, “and another thing is,”  people will become tired and potentially frustrated at the seemingly never-ending list.

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Dress professionally -

While a formal suit might not be needed, your attire should aim to reflect professionalism and confidence during the negotiation.

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Negotiate with a smile -

A smile welcomes others to do the same. Also, a positive and confident attitude can go a long way in reaching a successful outcome with your manager.

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Negotiate in writing -

When you finally come to an agreement, request a written offer outlining the final salary, benefits, and total compensation. This ensures the terms are solid and no confusion exists.

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Maintain professionalism on social media -

Regardless of the negotiation outcome, be mindful of your online presence and absolutely avoid negative posts about the company.

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Express gratitude -

Should you be successful in your attempts, send a simple thank you email reiterating your excitement and gratitude about the newly agreed upon terms and appreciation for their time and help.

Sources: (Harvard Business Review) (The Salary Negotiator) (LinkedIn) (TopResume)

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