How To Talk About/Negotiate Salary Without Feeling Uncomfortable
Talking about salary can feel uncomfortable – thats normal, but it really shouldn’t be!
So many candidates hesitate when the conversation turns to money. They worry about asking for too much, sounding greedy, or saying the wrong thing. But here’s the truth, it’s part of the process! At the end of the day, a job offer is a business transaction, and both sides are there to find a fair and mutually beneficial outcome.
Here are our tips to get the cashola you deserve and in the right way!
💸 Know your market value – research typical salaries for your role, level, and location. If you feel comfortable, speak with peers or industry contacts, and review salary surveys to understand general market medians (we’ve just released ours!).
💸 Know your worth – while it’s important to understand what you want from a salary conversation, don’t confuse confidence with cockiness. There’s a fine line between sounding arrogant and simply knowing the facts about where you sit salary-wise for your level of expertise and stage of career.
💸 Be clear on your expectations before the conversation starts.
💸 Speak about salary confidently and matter-of-factly – no apologising needed.
💸 Remember that negotiation is normal. Employers expect it.
💸 Practise makes perfect – It can also help to practise the conversation beforehand, whether with someone you trust or even in the mirror, and make sure you’ve got the facts about your value before you walk in.