KCKCC Career Services offers resources and one-on-one guidance to help students learn about salary scales and gain confidence in negotiations.
Most people do not negotiate out of fear – fear of being disliked, that the offer will be rescinded, or that the answer will be no. Remember, over 80% of recruiters expect you to negotiate your salary; your offer will not be taken away! Worst case, they will simply tell you they cannot increase their offer – and that’s okay! Only 1/3rd of people negotiate salary – let’s make sure you do!
Get information on the salary range for your position using the links provided above! This will give you a good idea of the pay you should be aiming for based on your
- Experience level (e.g., how long have you worked in this field; how much you have accomplished in the field),
- Value in the role (i.e., additional skills, such as languages or technology expertise),
- Market rate/salary range (type of role and location matter). Being prepared with data and information will make you feel more confident in the application and negotiation process!
It is important to know your value and decide on the minimum salary you are willing to accept before walking away from/saying “no” to an offer. After doing your research, pick the minimum range that applies to you and add 10% to that amount. This is the minimum offer that you are willing to consider.
Employers take a long time to interview and select the right person for the job and their company. The recruiters want to work with the candidate and make sure to present a desirable offer.
Recruiters understand that you need time to review your offer and benefits and weigh how this decision will affect different aspects of your life, such as financial needs, family, location, etc. It is perfectly acceptable to request time to review the offer and establish a timeline with the recruiters to give a final answer. Before giving your final answer, ask any questions you may have, negotiate salary, and make your decision.
Remember to ask HR for the net amount or the “take home amount.” The gross amount can look good but remember to consider the how much will be discounted from your paycheck.
Showcase your skills, outline your accomplishments, and know your value. Remember to always be honest! If you have other job offers, you can use it to showcase your value! Just be careful not to threaten recruiters with it or “hold it over their heads.”
Remember, it’s more about HOW you say rather than what you say. When trying to negotiate your salary, respect and kindness is essential. Negotiation is a delicate situation, so getting angry, becoming disrespectful, or threatening with other offers or threatening to leave unless you receive a certain amount could cost you the job offer. Remember to say, “thank you so much,” “Thank you for your consideration,” If it is okay,” “I understand” and ask, “would it be okay to discuss salary?” or other similar considerate and polite questions or statements.
Remember that everything is negotiable, such as professional development, vacation days, bonuses, transportation, relocation, etc. It is possible your salary negotiation may not be approved, and that’s okay! Just remember there is more than money that can be negotiated.
Other Sources
- PayScale.com – Gain the insights and confidence to get pay right with relevant, validated salary data and industry-leading software.
- Salary.com or Monster.com – Get your salary estimate
- Glassdoor offers a free account allowing job search, access to companies hiring now, useful interview tips, salary and pay scale information, and comprehensive job search tools and advice to help you get where you want to go.
- Search Salary and Compensations for free at https://www.glassdoor.com