Negotiating for Better Opportunities and Higher Pay

Ready to make more money? Of course you are. But talent and hard work aren’t always enough to maximize your salary. You also need to know how to negotiate, with your powers of persuasion opening the door to better opportunities and higher pay.

Unfortunately, most people feel restrained when it comes to asking for more money. One study showed that almost half of workers (48%) always feel anxiety about negotiating their salary. Another 39% sometimes get nervous about the process, while only 13% (about one out of every eight) never get butterflies when thinking about a contentious salary discussion.

Part of the problem might come from a mismatch with employers. A top recruiter, like SmartTalent, will guide you to companies that will appreciate what you bring to the table. Reach out to SmartTalent to maximize your potential.

Still, even in the best situations, it’s important to understand how to showcase your abilities in the best light. Improved negotiating skills will raise the ceiling in your career. Here’s how to ask for better opportunities and higher pay:

Be Great at Your Job

Don’t rely on a convincing negotiating strategy alone. No matter how great your powers of persuasion are, you won’t get the raise you’re looking for if you don’t have a stellar performance to justify the pay bump. In other words, walk the walk before your talk the talk.

Know Your Worth

As you start thinking about getting ahead in your company, understand the overall market. Research what your skills would be worth on the open market. At the same time, think about what your company would need to go through to replace you.

By understanding these dynamics, you can make a reasonable estimate of your value. This will help you set expectations as you head into negotiations. You can be ambitious while grounding your approach in a rational assessment of the situation.

Lay the Groundwork

Start planning your raise request well before the time it becomes critical. This will give you a chance to develop a strategy and make any necessary preparations. The more runway you allow yourself, the easier it will be to make a convincing argument.

As you assess your options, it helps to have an expert on your side. SmartTalent can give you additional information about the market, helping you fine-tune your plan for professional development. Reach out to SmartTalent to accelerate your career.

Understand the Process

Every company has a different structure. Find out the details for your employer. By understanding the decision-making mechanics, you’ll know how best to maneuver through the system and get the result you want.

Build Connections

Moving forward in your career is impossible without allies. You need people on your side to help you get ahead. That means nurturing relationships at every level of the company.

Don’t Only Think about the Salary

You want to maximize the overall value of your compensation package. As such, don’t get penned in by a salary figure. The more fronts you can open in the negotiation, the more likely it is that you’ll get meaningful concessions. Here are some areas to consider besides your paycheck:

• Health Benefits
• Retirement Contributions
• PTO/Vacation Days
• Subsidies for Travel
• Childcare Help
• Additional Perks
• More Flexible Schedule
• Remote Working Option

Ready to unlock your full potential? SmartTalent can help accelerate your career, making sure you’re always getting what you’re worth.

Contact SmartTalent today to find the perfect job for you.