Here's How To Get Paid What You're Worth
Do you find yourself feeling overworked and underpaid? What are you doing to change your circumstances? It’s an all-too-common occurrence that people generally feel they aren’t sufficiently compensated for the value they feel they bring to their jobs.
While it isn’t necessary to have a higher salary in order to enjoy your job, it certainly helps you feel appreciated for the work you do. According to PayScale, 59% of employees feel they aren’t paid enough for what they do. Yet most people don’t know how to go to bat for themselves. They rarely know exactly what the market salary rate is for their specific job titles. We’re going to provide you some tips on how to negotiate your salary so you can get paid what you’re worth, and broaden your financial horizons.
Provide Qualitative Research to Back Your Claims
It’s no secret that part of negotiating your salary involves selling yourself and your contributions to your role, but it’s not as effective if you don’t come prepared with data that supports your claim. Instead of relying on persuasion, consider researching the market salary for your job title with a salary calculator.
Salary calculators use aggregate data from anonymous surveys, taking into account your geographical region, your title, as well as your acquired skills and education. When you support your request for a pay rate with consistent and reliable data, you’re much more likely to achieve your desired outcome.
Timing is Everything
If you’re currently in the interview process, remember that hiring managers are prepared- expecting, rather- to negotiate your salary once the initial offer is made. Don’t skip the chance to ask for more in the beginning. Consider it an opportunity lying in wait for your confident response!
If you don’t know how to ask, you may want to ask the employer more details about the job responsibilities beforehand, and then provide them a salary range based on your research. If possible, refer to the research you’ve taken the initiative to do before your interview. Even if the employer has a strict budget, you’ll have a better chance at negotiating your salary toward the top end of the employer’s budgeted range.
Get Creative with Your Approach
It’s not necessary to solely focus on your salary. Your employer may be limited to the amount he or she can offer, so consider making suggestions that open up the opportunity to revisit your salary at later dates. You can talk about the frequency with which they handle their review process. You may also find value in asking for more paid time off, or performance-based rewards.
It’s important to show enthusiasm for the job and express your excitement to work for the company. If the company provides valuable benefits and you notice the work culture seems upbeat and positive, you may find that it’s an environment that will allow you to thrive. If you enjoy your job, future opportunities for growth and salary increases will present themselves. When it comes to asking for what you’re worth, patience will be a key component to your success. But when the opportunity presents itself, you’ll know how to go after what you want!