How to negotiate a pay rise

How to Negotiate Your Way to a Pay Rise

Salary negotiations are something very few people enjoy, which is why we put them off for as long as we can and continue to get paid less than we’re worth. In an ideal world, your employer would recognise that your responsibilities and the quality of your work is well beyond your pay grade and approach you with a salary offer to put that right. Sadly, that’s rarely the way employment works.

We’ve previously discussed how to improve your chances of a pay rise, but what happens when you’ve proven your worth and it’s time to start negotiating? Should you accept the first offer, or bargain hard for the salary you deserve?

1. Never accept the first offer

When negotiating a salary, it’s difficult not to be so delighted and surprised at the prospect of a pay rise that you accept the first offer immediately. However, you should really take more time to consider the offer carefully. Asking your employer if you can get back to them in the next day or two with your response will buy you the thinking time you need.

It’s important to consider whether you’ll still be happy with the pay rise six or twelve months down the line, as it could be a long time until there’s another one. You should also use your knowledge and experience of the company and what colleagues might earn to determine whether it’s a fair offer. You can then go back to your employer with your counter offer and justify why you think it’s the right amount.

2. Keep your cards close to your chest

If there’s one thing to remember before discussing a pay rise, it’s to always let your employer make their offer first. The last thing you want is to ask for another £3,000 a year when your employer is prepared to give you £5,000. The key is to wait for your employer to tell you what they think you’re worth. There’s a good chance you might be pleasantly surprised. If your employer asks what your expected pay rise is, tell them, but make sure you don’t sell yourself short.

3. Be professional

Salary negotiations can be a roller coaster of emotions. It’s all too easy to build it up in your head and release all the stress, frustration or excitement in one go. Regardless of how challenging the negotiations may become, make sure you maintain a positive and professional attitude. Your workplace is certainly not obliged to give you a pay rise, and if you let your professionalism slip, they may not be inclined to do so.

4. Don’t forget the additional perks

It’s usually the case that a compromise can be reached between the salary you want and the amount your employer is willing to pay. However, if your employer cannot reach an amount you’re happy with, then maybe you can create a package you are willing to accept through the use of additional perks. Annual leave entitlement, the opportunity to work from home and health benefits can sometimes be even more valuable than your salary.

Get the salary you deserve at Linguistica Recruitment

With bilingualism more in-demand than ever before in the UK, we can help you find a rewarding, well-paid position on the south coast of England where your skills are valued. Browse our vacancies and submit your CV today.