The Common Myths Of Salary Negotiation
Making sure you get paid what you are worth can be difficult, especially if you have just been offered a great job. But don’t be shy – and remove the myths about salary negotiation from your brain, because if you don’t, they can prevent you from getting the salary you deserve.
Be aware of these myths, and don’t fall victim to them:
Myth 1: Aim for the highest salary
When you look at your life, you will probably realise that cash is not always the most important thing. Consider carefully other benefits, bonuses and quality of life that a position affords. The job with the highest salary might enslave you and leave little time for home, hobby or sport activities.
Myth 2: Employers don’t like negotiating salaries
Most employers have respect for a person who is firm in the way he values him/herself. There is no hARM in justifying to an employer why you deserve more.
Myth 3: Your application will not be reviewed if you do not indicate your expected salary
You will sometimes find ‘expected salary’ to be a requirement in job ads.If you request a salary that is too low, you can be locked into getting paid less than you’re worth, while if it is too high, you may eliminate yourself from even being considered.
If you are qualified and meet all other criteria, employers will not ignore your resume because it doesn’t list a salary range.
Myth 4: There is no room to move
If an employer believes you are the perfect candidate for the job, and the offer on the table is below your expectations, it is rare indeed that they have no room to move. Exceptions are possible.
Myth 5: A ‘starting salary’ is OK to begin with
Don’t fall for this one! Most salary increases are negotiated on your current wage. Accepting a lower ‘starting’ salary, without any negotiation, will impact your negotiations for years.
Myth 6: Asking for less improves your chances
Few employers hire on salary alone, and his strategy can sometimes backfire by devaluing you in the eyes of the company, and actually decrease your chances of landing the job.
Myth 7: Agree to the offer as soon as possible
Don’t believe that if you don’t jump at an offer, an employer will rush to make the offer to someone else.Don’t rush into accepting the offer, if you have any doubts get the offer on paper and take a day to consider.
Understanding that you have room to negotiate will help you to get the salary you deserve – the first offer from an employer is rarely the last and final offer – salary negotiation is part of the process.