Salary is no doubt part of the job offer. At the end of the day, you have to address it if you are successfully hired. So, think about it before you attend the job interview and be well prepared so that you can negotiate at any time.
Preparation 1
Study the strengths of yourself and show how you can add value to the business of the company if you are hired. This is to enhance your bargaining power to ask for a higher pay.
Preparation 2
Find out and study the salary packages offered by other companies of similar ranking because companies usually benchmark against each other. You may ask for a better pay if the company is comparing itself with other large corporations.
Preparation 3
Salary does not mean “money” only. It includes non-cash rewards such as medical benefits, bonuses, retirement plans, stock options, overtime compensation, etc. These can add at least 25% to your salary. Calculate in details beforehand and you will know how much you should negotiate.
Preparation 4
Find out what your bottom line is. Remember that your aim is not to negotiate but to get the job. To set a bottom line is to let you know when to stop negotiating. If you do not know how much you want, you will lose the direction in negotiation.
Preparation 5
Be positive and prepared for the “worst”! If by the end of the job interview, you find that the salary package proposed by the potential employer does not meet your expectation, you have only two choices. If you have confidence to find a better offer somewhere, proceed. But if you find that this position seems to suit you, you should consider the company culture, location of work, and the job nature to see if it is worth taking up this job regardless of a not-so-satisfactory salary. Be optimistic that you may get salary increase afterwards!
