We gave you 5 tips on negotiating a pay rise, and now we've got 5 more.
If you missed Part One on ‘5 tips to score yourself a pay rise’, then you should head read that first.
If you’ve already read Part One, then you’re in the right place!
Okay - now you’re starting to feel like you can tackle this beast. F**k yes!
You’re probably feeling more nervous about talking to your boss about a pay rise than when you went on your first date, but trust us, it’ll be worth it.
So let’s get you negotiation ready, Harvey-Specter-style with 5 MORE tips to score yourself a juicy pay rise.
Each organisation approaches compensation in their own way and it’s important to be across your workplace’s practices before you approach your boss.
Think about:
You can find the answers to these questions either by asking HR, or by reading through an employee handbook.
In your time at a workplace, you’ve probably done heaps of awesome things, but in a salary negotiating meeting, you won’t have time to talk about all of them in detail.
So, you’ve got to be selective with the nuggets of evidence you choose to build your case.
Go through your past work at the organisation and pull together any emails, messages or notes of good feedback.
Ultimately, a company is designed to make money so you should lead with the evidence that shows a direct impact on the company’s growth. It’s even better if you can quantify the value you’ve brought to the organisation.
It’s a baller move.
For example, a Salesperson might point out how many new clients they bought in since they joined, and how much revenue they’ve contributed to the business.
Negotiating a pay rise means you need to talk yourself up a bit, and that can feel really weird.
But you don’t want that discomfort to show when you’re face to face with your boss.
Once you’ve collected your evidence, and you know how much you plan to ask for, it’s time to make sure you’re ready for game day.
Practicing is especially important if you’re someone who’s never negotiated your pay before, because you don’t want the nerves to throw you off from being able to make your case.
Now, this doesn’t mean you’ve got to stand in front of your mirror and rehearse your lines - but if bringing out your inner Alexander Hamilton is what you need, then go for it .
At the very least, it’s a good idea to dot-point what you want to say in your meeting with your boss and go over it a couple of times to feel prepared.
For whatever reason, you might find that negotiating a salary as high as you want is difficult.
Maybe the organisation is strapped for cash this year, or you’re working in an industry which has an enterprise bargaining agreement that sets a minimum and maximum pay.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t sweeten the deal for yourself with other perks.
Consider asking for things like:
Say you ask your employer for a 5% raise, but they’re only agreeing to give you a 2% raise.
Challenge their no.
If you’re negotiating at a current workplace:
You can say, ‘this isn’t in line with my expectations,’ and then explain your reasons as to why.
This is a good opportunity to bring in your evidence.
If you’re negotiating your pay for a new role:
You can say:
‘Thank you so much for the offer. Frankly, this is a bit lower than what I was expecting.
Given the responsibilities I’m required to take on in this role, and my experience in A, B, C, I was hoping for something closer to $X.’
Chances are, your employer will provide you with something above their initial offer, and hopefully it’s exactly what you were hoping for.
If however you walk away from your conversation without a deal you’re happy with, it can be frustrating and feel like a let down.
But you should be proud of yourself for having the conversation regardless - cuz it’s hard!
And it also gives you the opportunity to reflect on either ways you can continue to grow and learn at your organisation to bag a future pay rise, or to consider exploring other job options.
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