How to Handle IT Salary Negotiations

A salary negation can be a nerve-wracking process, but also a major asset to your career. If you handle the process correctly, you can demonstrate your true value to your employer and earn more overall compensation. Here are a few tips to help you overcome your nerves, get well prepared, and handle a salary negotiation like a professional:

Make Your Case

If you think you deserve more money, you’re going to have to demonstrate why. Build your case in advance of the negotiation and come ready to talk about your major achievements and your singular contribution to the company.

Be Ambitious but Realistic

You don’t want to negotiate for a figure that is too low, but you hurt your case just as much if you commit to a figure that is too high. Research the average salaries of similar professionals working in the same part of the country to get some objective data about what you should be earning.

Stick to a Professional Tone

A salary negotiation can be a high-pressure situation with a lot on the line. Despite that, never resort to threats, ultimatums, or tantrums. You should treat everyone involved the same way you would want to be treated.

Consider All Compensation

Salary is important, but so are medical benefits, tuition reimbursement, and perks like opportunities to travel. Make sure you consider all of these options while you are negotiating.

Understand the Other Side

You are trying to make more money. Your boss is trying to keep costs in check while still keeping you on the IT team understanding and acknowledging that the other side has a valid agenda, tends to civilize the negotiating process.

Give Yourself Options

Negotiating is a back and forth, meaning that you can’t come to the table only willing to accept one outcome. Be willing to commit to one of several options.

Prepare a Plan B

Despite your best efforts, the salary negotiation might not go the way you had planned. If that happens, make sure you have a plan for what you will do next.

Review and Reflect

Once the salary negotiation is over, take some time to reflect on the process and determine what you did well and what you did not. That can help you conduct a better negotiation the next time your salary is up for review.

If you are about to start a salary negotiation, take it as a compliment. It means that your company values your work and is at least willing to considering offering your more compensation. Learn more about taking a proactive approach to your career by partnering with the employment experts at INSPYR Solutions.