Negotiate a New Job or Pay Raise Without Begging

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Homes & Gardens

Tuesday, 20 January 2009 14:59

By Mechele on Twitter - careervanity

Can you successfully negotiate a job or pay raise without begging?
Improper English aside, who wants to beg for a job, is not another jungle reality TV show on FOX. I'm against begging in all circumstances. And you should be too.
Skilled negotiators know that begging for anything kills any chance of future leverage and respect.
But times are hard, what’s should a girl with bills do?

I hear your concerns, loud and clear. Gas is high. Food is higher. Money is tight. Foreclosures are abundant. And to top it all off, mama needs a better job to provide for her family. These are real issues that can’t be ignored.

Be aware of the current problems...but never let the fear of the unknown, cloud your extremely bright future.  A careerist with a little faith in her abilities and the following 7 rules can find a job she loves, without continuing to beg for monetary scraps from the corporate table.

Be confident and prepared

Believe that you deserve a new job or pay raise. Faith in your abilities can convince the most seasoned interviewer that you are the only candidate for the job. Second to faith is confidence and preparation. A negotiation for a pay raise or new job relies on two factors: planning and strategy.

The person who knows the most information about a position - including salary and qualifications - can become victorious even in the most hostile negotiations. Prepare for a job or pay raise as you would a serious final examination. It's best to be over prepared rather than under prepared. Expect the best and prepare for the worst.

Always bring visual aids (beyond a resume or a cover letter) to a job interview, performance review or pay raise meeting

Regardless of your experience, you’ll need more proof, outside of the references and resume, that you are qualified for a new job or pay raise.

In addition to your resume, write a one page case study highlighting your skills and experience. The case study should be short and to the point. Above all, it should be personalized to the position. This approach also eliminates the idea of presenting one facet of your skills, and can present your services as a complete solution.

Ask questions, but don’t bluff or be overly emotional

Evaluate, understand and be able to articulate and demonstrate your skills and value. Asking questions proves your interest in the position and desire to succeed. Preparing a detailed list of questions prepares you for any objections that may arise during the negotiations for a new job or pay raise.

Never let the person on the other side of the table see you lose your cool, panic or not represent yourself well.  Above all you should tailor your negotiating style to match the person you are bargaining with.

It’s ok to say no. Never be the weakest link in a negotiation

If you receive an offer that’s beneath your ideal goal; just say no. Forget about making a bad impression or angering the interviewer. Everyone has limits. If your new or current boss can’t respect your ability to say NO…right now, he or she never will. You can achieve a win-win outcome without being a doormat.
Know the job market and the salary for the job or pay raise you're seeking


Decide on the salary you need to survive, and the one you really want

Use a range. When I was a recruiter I never quoted a flat salary to my clients or prospective applicants. People need a little wiggle room that a salary range provides, to haggle during a negotiation. Whatever your lowest possible salary requirements are, add an extra $10,000 for unseen aggravation to the negotiation.

If you need $65,000 to make ends meet, ask for a range between 75-85 thousand dollars. Based on my 15 years of victorious negotiation experience, most people will settle somewhere within the middle range of the two numbers.

Take your time

Don't accept an offer immediately unless it matches your monetary or lifestyle goals. If the job offer and pay raise numbers aren’t close to your “make-ends-meet-salary”, ask for more time to think about the offer. Take a couple of days and counter with a higher offer that suits your needs. But be careful and realistic.

You don’t want to burn any bridges with an outlandish counter offer. Most importantly if you are well prepared for the negotiations and the boss doesn’t agree with your request for a better job or a pay raise…this might not be the best job for your future.

Who wants to wave goodbye to higher salaries or future professional advancement because of a little fear? Instead learn how to unleash the art of persuasion and negotiate a better future for yourself and your family.

In spite of the current money-shortage headlines, you deserve a new kick-ass job or that dream pay raise, without losing any parts of your dignity. Unlike the Temptations’ famous Motown ditty, you definitely are too proud to beg.

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