The Exclusive Career Coach 211: Do These Five Things Before You Negotiate a Salary or Raise
I’ve talked in previous podcasts about the three numbers you need to know before you enter into salary negotiations. Today, I want to talk about what you should do BEFORE you get to the negotiation phase.
1. Research your local job market.
The salary numbers you bring into the negotiation should not be pulled out of a hat, but rather based on careful research of the local job market.
What does this job command in your local area? If you would have to move for the job, what is the salary band for your job in that geographic area?
2. Determine where you fit within that salary band.
Advanced degrees, certifications, and experience can move you up within the salary band – especially if you possess most or all of the preferred qualifications of the job.
If you are asking for a raise, where are you currently within that salary band? Objectively, where should you be?
3. Write out 3-5 facts you want to talk about, and practice them.
In addition to any of the things I talked about in the last point – advanced degree, certifications, and experience – what projects have you managed with great success? What stretch assignments have you been placed on? What committees or initiatives have you participated in?
4. Clean up your mindset.
Central to all these steps is being confident in what you bring to the table. Believing firmly, and without wavering, in your deserving-ness.
Insidious thoughts like “They’ll never offer me that much money,” or “They’ll pass me over for a raise just like last time” will absolutely sabotage your efforts.
I recommend you take a legal pad and fill a page with positive thoughts you can believe and start practicing. For example,
“I am the best person in my department for___.”
“My client praised me for____.”
“I am so ready to take on this new challenge.”
5. Assume the position.
I’m talking about Wonder Woman here. (Pick your favorite superhero if WW doesn’t do it for you.)
Stand in front of a mirror with your legs far apart, hands on hips, shoulders squared.
Smile at yourself, state your positive thoughts out loud, and feel the strength and power you are harnessing.
Bonus points if you play an uplifting, encouraging up-tempo song while you are posing!
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