Negotiating pay, a thread…
Here are a few tips on how to negotiate pay, whether it’s for an upcoming job interview, or if you’ve struggled with negotiating in the past follow Washington Post’s editor Laura Helmuth’s tweets below.
A few general principles: It is VERY hard to advocate for yourself or talk about money, especially if you don’t come from money.
— Laura Helmuth (@laurahelmuth) April 1, 2018
You are valuable to your employer. Anybody can be replaced, but doing so is expensive and disruptive. They want to keep you.
— Laura Helmuth (@laurahelmuth) April 1, 2018
Okay, now that you know a few principles, let’s get started with the tips. If you’re interviewing for a new employer review at the following,
If they’re offering to hire you, they probably had a long job search process and really want it to come to a satisfactory conclusion for all of you, YOU included.
— Laura Helmuth (@laurahelmuth) April 1, 2018
There is ALWAYS more money. If you get a job offer, thank them (profusely is fine), ask to get details of the offer in writing (it’s hard to think clearly about dental plans during a high-stakes conversation), and say you will get back to them soon.
— Laura Helmuth (@laurahelmuth) April 1, 2018
Talk to people about the offer. It’s awkward to talk about money, but ask people with experience in your industry if they would be willing to help you evaluate the offer. If you’re in science writing, ask me.
— Laura Helmuth (@laurahelmuth) April 1, 2018
To negotiate an offer, say you admire the work and mission of your potential employer and would love to work there, but your only hesitation is the compensation package.
— Laura Helmuth (@laurahelmuth) April 1, 2018
Then it’s up to them. There is more money, and they will find it for you. If it doesn’t seem like enough more money, say that you’re very grateful for the new offer but would like to know if it’s possible to go higher. Remind them of your dedication and enthusiasm for the job.
— Laura Helmuth (@laurahelmuth) April 1, 2018
You don’t need to have a reason why you need a higher salary (you don’t have to say you’re paying off student loans, for instance). BUT, if you are changing jobs and this would be a salary cut, you can let them know that.
— Laura Helmuth (@laurahelmuth) April 1, 2018
If your potential new employer says they don’t have more money and explains WHY – maybe they’re small or have a narrow pay band or whatever – that establishes that they are being honest and open with you, which is itself a job benefit. You want to work with people you trust.
— Laura Helmuth (@laurahelmuth) April 1, 2018
You may be able to negotiate other things rather than pay – working remotely, more vacation, career development, etc. It’s not all about the money.
— Laura Helmuth (@laurahelmuth) April 1, 2018
If you’re interviewing for a promotion or just for a raise at your current employer follow these tips,
Do NOT assume your boss knows about your achievements. Bosses are idiots much of the time. (I am a boss, I am often an idiot.) During performance reviews and especially when you’re asking for a raise, list specific examples of your contributions.
— Laura Helmuth (@laurahelmuth) April 1, 2018
If you’re asking for a promotion – and really, isn’t it time you got a promotion? – highlight how what you’ve been doing goes beyond your current job description and is work that is often done by people in X other (higher-paid) positions.
— Laura Helmuth (@laurahelmuth) April 1, 2018
Even if you don’t get a raise or promotion this time, it tells your boss that you expect to be recognized for your work. It’s a process. Asking for more doesn’t make you look greedy, it makes you look ambitious and eager for new opportunities.
— Laura Helmuth (@laurahelmuth) April 1, 2018
Good luck on getting that raise you’ve been thinking about for the past few months.
Don’t kill yourself for a job that would replace you within a week if you dropped dead. Take care of yourself.
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