Often, some of us will feel awkward if they have to negotiate a salary at a job interview. It could be, we feel reluctant because we do not want to look too demanding, even though it is not necessarily accepted by the company.
In fact, a job interview can be the best moment to get the desired amount of salary. Moments for negotiations may not come back easily in our careers, especially if we have entered and stayed in a particular company.
Therefore, there is nothing wrong if we prepare ourselves better before negotiating salaries in job interviews. Various things we can do to deal with this moment, from gathering information about the existing salary range, to representing yourself with confidence in the presence of hiring managers.
In full, here are some tips for being able to successfully negotiate salaries during a job interview.
1. Be confident, but not arrogant
Some of us might feel awkward if we have to negotiate a salary at a job interview. However, in order to get what we want, we are advised to confidently express the desired salary, without being too demanding or self-doubtful.
We can do this by choosing the words that will be expressed in the negotiation process. For example, by saying diplomatic things, like, “I want to take this job. But, is it possible to increase the compensation offered?”
By using this method, we provide space for further offers and discussion. However, we remain in a corridor that is polite and not overly demanding.
2. Do not mention the desired amount of salary in the initial stages
In some cases, we will immediately get questions about salary expectations in the initial stages of the interview. For example, at the document screening stage, before we meet face to face with recruiters from the company though.
When faced with things like this, some experts suggest that we do not fill in the desired salary. Josh Doody, author of the book ‘Fearless Salary Negotiation: Finally Get Paid What You’re Worth’ from the US, said this needs to be done because there are still so many factors that we didn’t know about in the initial stages.
“(If you do), you lock yourself to the initial number you mentioned, even though you still don’t really understand what opportunity is in front of your eyes. Because, at that time you still haven’t talked to the existing hiring manager,” said Doody , as quoted by Huffpost.
3. Make the desired salary range
Before conducting a job interview with a new company, it’s a good idea to gather data on the salary range that can be given for the position. This can be the basis for you to answer questions about salary during the interview, by expressing the range that you feel is suitable for this position.
In general, there are several things we can try to find out the salary range that exists in an industry. In addition to reading about the annual employment report, we can also ask people who work in the industry.
“The most important thing is to have business reasons behind the salary range you choose,” said Kathryn Saxer, a career management coach from the US.
4. Don’t focus too much on your own weaknesses
Sometimes, another thing that makes us reluctant to negotiate salary is because we focus too much on our own shortcomings. It may be that we are hesitant to increase the offer, because we feel we still have shortcomings in certain fields.
Instead of focusing too much on self-deprivation, we are advised to focus more on preparing in answering questions at the interview, including regarding salary. According to an article on the official Harvard Law School website, we can do this by gathering information that can enable you to maintain a request regarding the desired salary amount, as well as be prepared to explain what you can give to the company.
In addition, if you still feel disturbed by the weaknesses that you have, try to learn exactly what you are worried about and look for ways to compensate for these deficiencies. For example, by preparing answers to what positive things you have done, to answer questions about what you have done after quitting work for several years.
Experienced Recruiter with a demonstrated history of working in the media production industry. Strong human resources professional with a Bachelor’s degree focused in Psychology from Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana.