Negotiating can be tough but it is SOOO necessary! If you don’t you will most likely be underpaid compared to your industry and your co-workers and constantly be playing catch up. Here are some tips on how to make sure you are prepared when you walk into a negotiation.
- Glass Door. Glass door is an anonymous site that allows other people in the company to leave reviews, post their salary range and give tips on how to nail the interviews. If you are serious about a position or organization Glass Door should be your first stop!
- Companies never give their best offer at first. I know you are excited to start this new chapter but understand that you should always ask for more. Remember that in some companies you are locked into that position for 1 -3 years until you are able to apply for a promotion.
- Don’t accept the first bid and always ask for more
- Ask for 5,000 more if you don’t know what to do.
- Remember the non-monetary benefits too. Vacation Time, Work From Home Opportunities, Gas Reimbursement, Car Payment, Frequent Flier Points, Etc. are all to be considered when negotiating.
- Always express gratitude, this is not a war this is the “art of negotiation” with a company you will be working for. I like to already have a counter offer prepared so that I am not working on emotion and can just plug in the necessary information.
- Are you in an at-will environment or will the company have to give you a 30, 60, or 90 days notice before they are terminating your contract? This is something to think about and something to bring up. What are their policies for removing people once you pass your probation period?
What happens when you don’t negotiate?
- You are stuck with that salary until you change positions.
- You may get a bonus but if your co-worker negotiated and you didn’t, you will always be playing catch up.
- Some corporations have an internal calculator that only allows you to go up a certain range once you start the job. That means that you may never catch up to your colleague.
Danielle Mitchell is an International Marketing Strategist and founder of Average Black Girl. At Average Black Girl, the mission is to create more black millionaires through marketing, web design, product management and securing partnerships. Connected with Average Black Girl is her partner brand called Melanin Business. Melanin Business is a free global business directory that is free to sign up, add a business and leave a review.
