What do you bring to the table?
Nowadays it is very common for companies to directly ask you for what you expect to earn working for them. So it is a question that you need to bear in mind before going into an interview, otherwise, you can potentially miss out on a higher income. We understand that it can be very difficult for you to do this, discussing what your earnings should be with your interviewer is not easy, but it’s not wrong if it is done correctly. You just have to make sure that you have done the correct research, and that you know what the appropriate compensation should be for someone with your skills and qualifications in a specific state. At Architect-US we provide you with guides on how to do this and help you throughout the process get the best offer possible.
Here are 9 points you should consider before negotiating your salary
1 Work on making a good presence
At this point, you want to make sure you start off on the right foot. Remember that one of the questions which they will have in mind is: will I like working with this person? So, you want to make sure that you can level with the person that is hiring you. That way you have better chances when it comes down to negotiation.
2 Do you deserve it?
They have to believe that you are worth hiring for the position! So, do everything that you can to sell yourself. Also, don’t feel bad about raising the salary, but make sure you don’t exaggerate either! In our program, we will always do everything we can so that you receive salary commensurate with your experience level.
3 Think long term
Remember that the initial salary is not everything. Many companies offer a probation period with the possibility for a salary raise after an «x» amount of time. So, make sure to take everything into consideration. Of course, life in the U.S. isn’t cheap, so we know you want the highest offer, but remember that getting the experience at a top firm will build your resume and give you the credentials to negotiate higher salaries as in future contracts.
4 Make sure they know that you are interested
Sometimes there are candidates that take interviews just to see what their options are and also to have more options on the table. While that is perfectly fine, make sure that the firm believes in your interest, otherwise, it may show, and they will not enter negotiation.
5 Competitive Salary
Find out all you can prior to the interview about past employers and their projects so that you can see what gives you the competitive edge with them!
6 Keep a few options open
Think about different salary options that you may have just so that you don’t limit yourself. Like re-negotiating after a probation period, doing reviews, personal days, work hours, really everything is on the table. You just have to take everything into consideration.
7 Stay
Make sure you always get a “yes” or a reason “why not”. It is ok to ask for clarification. Also, you can always ask for more time to think about the offer that you received.
8 Don’t rush
Never rush a negotiation. If you need your time to look over the details that is perfectly fine! Don’t feel pressured into accepting an offer which you don’t like.
9 Final answer
Don’t agree on a salary after negotiation and go back in asking for more! However, every situation is different and depending on what was discussed that can change. As contracts take time to put together, you should try so that everything is discussed before hand, that way there is no miscommunication.
Don’t stress out too much! We are here to help you along the way.
