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How to Negotiate Your Salary

Kimmerly Moore | , | October 21, 2024

How to Negotiate Your Salary By Kimmerly Moore

To those of you who may be looking for effective salary negotiation tips for a new job offer from a potential employer or in planning your next career move, here is some of my best advice.   

With 1.5 years of experience in the talent recruiting space and an additional 25+ years of management and recruiting experience in the hospitality and manufacturing industries, I’ve had the good fortune of helping many job candidates understand and increase their salaries.    

A few of these tips can also be helpful in securing a higher salary in your current role or moving up or laterally with your existing employer.   

1. Know Your Worth  

Be aware of what a position you want typically pays in your market and your level of experience for that role. This helps you determine whether you’re a match for the salary you’re after. Here’s one easy way you can do some market research and explore payscales: Indeed has a Career Salary Explorer where you can enter the role you want to pursue, along with your city and state, and get an idea of the average salary you can expect. They also include low-end and high-end salary ranges.   

2. Be Truthful with Your Talent Recruiter 

From Day One, be truthful with your recruiter about your salary expectations. The last thing you want is to lose out on a position because you weren’t transparent with your recruiter about the salary you want or need. If your desired compensation is higher than what’s posted in a job listing, let your recruiter know. We are here for you and able to go to bat for you with our clients if your background is the right match for their needs. The bottom line is that you’ll find much better success in landing the role and salary you want if you’re 100% truthful about your expectations from the start.  

3. Be Respectful in Salary Negotiation  

There’s nothing wrong with negotiating salary, but there’s a right and wrong way to go about it. This Forbes article provides an overview of how to effectively negotiate your salary. In essence, you should understand what the role you seek is offering and understand your own professional worth. If the salary range for a potential new job is lower than you’re willing or able to go, be upfront and honest about that – but don’t don’t walk away from the opportunity yet. One of the many benefits of working with a talent recruiter is that we are your advocate in helping you crystalize your true value and can help you successfully negotiate your salary.  

4. Consider the Benefits and Perks   

Salary ranges typically represent base annual pay, so don’t forget to factor in benefits as part of your total compensation package. For example, is the job a remote work position, where you won’t have to sit in traffic and pay for gasoline or car repairs? Does the role offer a signing bonus, solid insurance, a 401k plan, unlimited paid time off (PTO), professional development, or certifications? Are stock options available? All these benefits should factor into your decision, as they can equate to a major part of your overall compensation package.  

Let a seasoned recruiter support your journey and success 

As you can see, negotiating salary involves a bit more than just ‘ask for it’ or making a counteroffer for a new role. Why not increase your odds of making it happen with the support of an expert by your side? 

If you’re looking for help in figuring out what your salary range should be based on your experience and skill set, or for assistance in professionally negotiating salary ranges, contact me today. I am a DEI-certified senior recruiting partner with Goodwin Recruiting and can’t wait to be your biggest advocate in your job search and landing your next role!