Get Paid What You Deserve

They call it “work” for a reason and let’s face it; most of us wouldn’t be doing it if it didn’t result in some kind of compensation in the end. But what if that monetary compensation just isn’t enough? According to a recent poll of more than 3,000 business professionals across the Nexxt Network, the world’s largest network of niche career communities powering thousands of sites, more than 77 percent of business professionals feel they are underpaid. In today’s declining economy, employers are looking beyond salary to stay competitive and attract key talent. This movement is causing many professionals to place a higher value on job attributes such as benefits, work/life balance, commute time and career advancement. In fact, a previous Nexxt poll indicated 51 percent of professionals do not consider salary the most important factor when deciding whether or not to take a job. This just goes to show, we work to live and not live to work. As important as salary may be, professionals should keep in mind that additional benefits can add as much as forty percent to any base salary. However that forty percent “benefit bonus” surely is not going to help you if the salary being offered is not sufficient. If you’re one of the 77 percent of business professionals that feel you are underpaid, consider the following tips to help you to effectively negotiate an acceptable salary:

• Create a Strategy - Set guidelines for yourself on what you deem acceptable. Have your limits in mind and know what you want, what you expect, and what you will settle for.
• Do your Homework - The key to a successful salary negotiation is preparation. Research your market worth to determine what a person with your skills, education and qualifications is earning in your area.
• Convince the Interviewer That They Need You - When you begin the negotiation process, position yourself as a “must have” candidate. Be prepared to confidently boast your skills and achievements to demonstrate your value, but at the same time not show desperation that you NEED the job. This will give you more leverage at the negotiation table.
• Wait to Talk Numbers - Gauge the employer’s interest in you before you start talking numbers. If the employer is interested, they will reveal the level of compensation they are willing to offer. The salary you received in the past is your bargaining chip, so don’t disclose these numbers too soon. If the interviewer does raise the question of salary before you have received an offer, try to return the question to them by asking what they are expecting to pay someone with your qualifications. If that doesn’t work, give them a range that you are comfortable with based on the research you have already conducted.
• Get the Offer In Writing - Don’t start negotiating until you have received an offer in writing. Job offer terms are not always crystal clear, so before you officially accept, examine the job from all angles. Don’t feel pressured to immediately respond to an offer.
• Practice with Multiple Job Offers - Refine your negotiation skills by practicing your negotiation strategy with companies that extend an offer that you most likely would not consider. You never know, your great negotiation skills may turn a “not so good” offer into a great offer.
• Stay Strong and Stay Professional - It is important to remain professional throughout any negotiation process, despite all of the feelings that you may be experiencing. Remain calm, cool, collected and confident.

Breaching the subject of salary is never easy. Ask for too much and you can be seen as money hungry. Ask for too little and you can risk earning less than what you deserve. Knowing how to ask for what you want is a great skill to master and maintain not only throughout your job search but also as you grow within your career. For more career-related tips and resources, please visit our Career Resources Center. Content for this article provided by Nexxt