How to negotiate your salary offer with the HR

For as many as 81% tech professionals, negotiating salary is the biggest challenge in the recruitment process. Negotiating your salary is a crucial part of the job application process and should not be ignored or rushed through. You know you deserve to get paid for the value you bring to the company, but managers have thousands of candidates vying for a limited number of positions. So, you will have to prove to them that hiring you is worth their while.

What you’ll want to keep in mind while you negotiate your salary is that it’s not personal. Just like you are looking out for yourself, the hiring manager is looking out for the company’s best interest. When negotiating, you have to be professional and patient. Be prepared to compromise. While it’s always advisable to use a positive tone in negotiations, giving an ultimatum or lying is always a no-no.

Here are our top 5 best tips on how to negotiate your salary offer with HR.

#1. Ask for a range of the salary the company wants to offer. Get a ballpark figure before you negotiate your salary. And always give the interviewer a range – don’t just state exactly how much you’re looking for. In the course of negotiation, you may end up settling for a lower salary than you desire. 

#2. Find out what’s normal for the job and industry. Negotiating your income is an uncomfortable topic, but it doesn’t have to be. Being prepared will give you a tactical advantage. You might want to research how much the job market is paying professionals with the same skill sets you have. And when you speak with the interviewer, let them know that you have taken some time to research the industry trends and the company.

#3. Be clear about what you want, and why you deserve it. Be clear about what you want, and why you deserve it. Make sure that you are getting paid as much as you are worth. Identify your skills, qualifications, and training and work out your market value. You need to know how much other people in similar roles and with similar training earn in order to have something to work with. Make sure that you ask for a reasonable increase, rather than an amount that is way out of line with what other people in similar jobs are being paid. If there really is no room to negotiate the salary, then ask for a review period so that if you prove yourself to be an asset to the company they will consider increasing your pay.

#4. Ask for perks and other benefits that matter. Think about the big picture. Negotiating benefits can be just as important as negotiating salary. Think about what else is important to you, such as health insurance, flexible hours, or working remotely. Also, consider what this job means to you – think about the types of projects, how much experience it will give you, and how it will contribute to your personal and career goals.

#5. Don’t be afraid to walk away from the deal. If you get turned down for an increase, keep your cool and do not express disappointment or anger. Be willing to walk away from a job offer before accepting a salary you feel is unfair to you. Never back down from your minimum acceptable salary unless the job offers other benefits that make up for the lower salary, such as ESOPs, insurance, having an excellent manager, or workplace flexibility.

Negotiation is not a one-time thing. It’s an ongoing process and can continue even after the acceptance of your offer letter but you should have your final agreement early in the interview process. Remember, HR managers have had training and experience in salary negotiations and are most likely to give you a fair deal.