How to negotiate your own salary

Some jobs, particularly in sales, do not have a fixed salary to offer. They set pay individually as a result of a negotiation with the candidate after a job offer has been made. You will normally know if this is the case as there will be no salary details available on advert or job details. Being forewarned means that you can think through your position prior to having to discuss it.

Start by working out exactly how much you need to earn. What is the lowest salary that you can afford to earn and still survive and maintain the lowest standard of living that you are prepared to accept?

Next what is the maximum that you could expect? Look carefully at the equivalent salaries available to see what the range covers. These two totals represent your lower and upper limits within which you can negotiate. Keep these figures to yourself, as they represent your own private calculations which should not be divulged. Any offer lower than your minimum should be rejected as impossible or unpleasant to live on. Any offer lower than your maximum amount, you should try to increase nearer to the maximum.

You may well be asked about your current pay level. Make sure you represent the whole package including any perks, overtime or bonuses that you regularly receive. Remember to calculate your present holiday entitlement as this can range between different jobs. If asked to say what salary you are expecting, you can quote the current package and say that you would want to be improving on that level. Stay enthusiastic about the job whilst in these negotiations and talk about what you think you are worth because of the contribution you can make to the role. Maintaining a position often works. When the employer is really not going to go any higher and says that it is their final offer, you need to see where such an amount comes in your limits before deciding. Remember not to be too rigid on pay though. If the job is really interesting, you may be better off accepting lower pay for better prospects in the longer run.

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