Introduction

Are you up for a promotion or considering a new job offer and looking for tips on how to negotiate a salary offer with examples?

Negotiating a higher salary can feel uncomfortable or weird for some of you, but just know there’s nothing wrong with it; it’s part of the workforce game. In this video, we’re going to go over some common mistakes people make when negotiating for a higher salary as well as some tips on how to avoid these mistakes and put yourself in a stronger position. 

I would be a pretty crappy attorney if I didn’t have a disclaimer for you; so here it goes: The information I’m about to give does not constitute legal advice or guarantee any specific outcome, including getting a higher salary from your employer. This information is simply my opinions based on my life experiences and observations and are only suggestions or ideas for you to keep in mind.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid when Negotiating a Salary Offer 

The opportunity to negotiate a salary offer only happens in two situations:

1) If you are looking to work for someone else; or

2) You are already working for someone else.

Each of these situations calls for a slightly different approach, but here are 5 common mistakes people make in either situation.

Mistake # 1: Feeling too “Grateful”

Some of you out there may have a “grateful” attitude towards your job: Many people (especially immigrants) feel grateful to their employer for giving them a job and subconsciously (or consciously) feel they’re doing wrong by their boss by asking for more money. While it’s good to be grateful, you can be grateful AND stand up for yourself at the same time.

Mistake #2: Not Realizing Your Power

You have to realize your power in the grand scheme of things: Many people worry about getting their Employer annoyed or even upset if they ask for more money. Employers and Employees need one another; whether employers want to recognize it or not, the truth is it’s a symbiotic relationship; If everyone had their own business and worked for themselves, everyone would be a company of 1-2 people and there would be no employees. That’s a fact.

Mistake #3: Not Realizing Negotiation is an Option

Some of you don’t realize that negotiation is an option, so you jump at the first offer. If you don’t remember anything else from this video, remember this simple concept: EVERYTHING, IN THIS LIFE, IS NEGOTIABLE. AND I MEAN EVERYTHING…well, except death (but everything else is up for grabs).

That being said, keep in mind that there are certain situations when taking the first offer may be a GOOD STRATEGIC play. Keyword is “STRATEGIC.”

Mistake #4: Not Knowing How Much to Ask For

You maybe don't know how much money to ask for (or how to properly support your figures). Talking about money can feel intimidating especially if you don’t do your research. If you ask for too much, you risk not being taken seriously, and if you ask for too little, you risk selling yourself short and leaving money on the table.

Mistake #5: Forgetting the Bigger Picture

You may be hyper-focused on the money, and forgetting (or not realizing) that you’re getting other things that have value too. I know, I know. Money is important, but it’s not the end all, be all. Every job comes with intangibles that have value. For example, your job exposes you to new things and skills, or your job provides for a great work-life balance (you don’t work weekends and you’re never there past 5), or provides free lunch, or provides benefits or your job provides all three (and the list goes on). You get the point (I hope). Take a hard and deep look at your job circumstance and see what other things of value you’re getting from it. 

10 Tips on How to Negotiate a Salary Offer

Tip #1: Always Do Good Work & Know Your Value

First (and foremost), “knowing your value” means realistically knowing (for yourself) the many great things you bring to the table regardless of what others may think about you. Being confident means knowing the things you’re good at and can deliver on without being full of yourself. Confidence does not mean being arrogant; there’s a fine line between the two, and being arrogant just makes life more difficult for yourself.

Now, on a fundamental level, you can’t expect to get a higher salary if you don’t do “good work” or bring some “value” to the table. This is what I mean by that: 

• Your work-product (whatever it is) is always top-notch / high-quality;
• You’re rarely late;
• You rarely call out; 
• Your productivity is rarely low when you’re at work–we all have some off days; 
• You always put your absolute best foot forward;
• You work well with others;
• You’re friendly with your co-workers & bosses;

The better your work-product is, the more solid ground you’re on to negotiate a higher salary because you bring added value to the company. For the most part, that value gives you a certain power, which you can leverage because the company wouldn’t want to lose it. So, the more value you give, the more power you have (within reason, of course). Don’t go on a power trip!

Tip #2: Do Your Research & Some Math

Research and get as specific as the Internet will allow. Use sites like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, Payscale, and Salary.com to research the average salary for your position in your city or town with the same or similar years of experience as you. When you have your information, it’s time to do some math so you can be confident in the amount you’re asking for.

Tip #3: Consider Your Living Expenses

Put together a budget and see how much you spend each month on living expenses and make sure you pick a salary number that covers all of it after taxes. Employers can always dispute or raise issues about your work performance to justify not giving you a higher salary, but it becomes more difficult for them to raise issues with your living expenses without coming off like a jerk. Now, the majority of people and employers live life trying not to come off as jerks or insensitive, but there are those who don’t care if they do. So, you need to be mindful of that. 

Tip #4: Determine Your Ideal Amount & Your Minimum Amount (at the very least)

You should definitely determine your Ideal Number, and Tip Number 2 can help with that, and your Minimum Number, which Tip No. 2 & 3 can help with. You should know your parameters before going into the discussion with your Employer because it will help you be prepared for whatever they throw your way, which will make you more confident, and that's the majority of the battle.

Tip #5: Consider Non-Monetary Benefits

Although money is important in this society, it’s not the only thing with value. You need to consider all of the non-monetary intangibles that come with the job, like new skills, work-life balance, perks of the job. Depending where you are in your life and career, you may need to make a strategic decision in taking whatever they offer because it’ll be better for your professionally in the long-run. Only you can make that decision though.

If you’re getting benefits like health care, dental vision, 401K, etc., it’s only natural that your salary is going to be relatively lower because the employer has to pay for all these other benefits on your behalf. If you’re not getting these types of benefits, then you should factor these things into your budget in Tip Number 3 to come up with an appropriate amount. 

Tip #6: Have these Discussions In Person or By Phone When Possible

You should have these discussions in person if you’re already employed by the company. If you’re not, and negotiating a higher salary offer, you should have this discussion over the phone. E-mail should be a last resort for the following reasons: 1) it’ll be more effective if these discussions flow like a natural conversation (and you really can’t do that via e-mail), 2) it shows strong character on your part, 3) you’ll have the opportunity to pick up on useful information from body language or spur-of-the-moment responses, and your Employer (or potential Employer) will have the same opportunity, but you won’t be giving them spur-of-the-moment responses because you’ll be prepared. 

That said, in today's digital and remote world, sometimes email is the best or only option for communication. If that's the case it's important to have a well written email that clearly communicates what you want in a polite and respectful way. That's why I put together some email templates to help you through the process. (More on that below).

Tip #7: Play it Cool and Don’t be Afraid to Walk Away

You should NEVER (AND I MEAN NEVER) BE AFRAID TO WALK AWAY. I don’t care if it’s your dream job. Some employers may like to tout that you’re easily replaceable. Well, the same goes for them. Employers are easily replaceable too; you just gotta be comfortable with doing the work in finding a new job (just like they have to do the work in finding a new employee). Shortly after graduating law school, I realized that the workforce game is no different than the dating game. And we all know that thirsty individuals don’t do well in the dating game. (For those who don’t know what “thirsty people” means, google “simp”). So the same applies here. Show that you’re interested, but don’t be thirsty about it.

Be willing to walk away if necessary. And even if you’re not, ACT LIKE IT! 

Tip #8: Aim Higher than You Hope For (Within Reason)

Many people will recommend asking for 10-20% higher than you except to receive so that you don't leave extra money on the table. I personally don’t like doing this song and dance in negotiation because I prefer to get straight to the point, but this approach only works if you're not an a*****e about it. Whether you aim higher or not is matter of preference.

Tip #9: Never Make a Decision on the Spot

Even if your Employer (or potential Employer) gives you what you want, always, always, always ask for time to consider it. I don’t care how awkward it gets in the room or on the phone. Take some time to think about it.

Tip #10: Completely Understand the Contract Before Signing It (If One is Provided)

If an Employer provides you with a contract to sign, you should read that contract yourself AND hire an Employment Attorney licensed in your State to read through it so the Attorney can give you all of the legal implications and identify any red flags or things that are not favorable to you.

If You Need Advice on How to Negotiate a Salary Offer in New York, Schedule a Consultation with Trivino Law Firm.

How to Negotiate a Salary Offer Examples

How to Negotiate a Salary Offer Example #1

You got a job offer from your Potential Employer and you gave a counter offer. Your Potential Employer then responds by going a little higher than the initial offer, but not giving you what you want, saying that “they can’t afford to go any higher.”

How can you respond?: At first glance, it may seem like a conversation killer, but it’s not. You can ask for the reason(s) why they can’t afford to go higher. Once you get an answer, you can say “I see. As you know, my counter offer is based on my research and living expenses. If I were to accept this offer, would we be able to revisit this matter in 3-6 months?” Try to get them to commit to revisit this discussion in the near future. Depending on their answer, you take that information and make a decision.

How to Negotiate a Salary Offer Example #2

Your Employer or Potential Employer has decided to give you a higher salary and then says “Take some time to think about it, but it would be appreciated if you can let me know by tomorrow?” (or something like that). The point is that they give you a short period of time to think about it.

How can you respond to something like that? Easy. In a cool and calm manner, ask them the reason for the short period of time. Many Employers will not be expecting this kind of response, and it will throw them off. It’ll force them to give you an honest answer OR they’ll try to BS you. Either way, whatever comes out of their mouth is good information for you.

Once you get an answer, let your Employer know you need more time to think about it and specify the amount of time you need. Remember, be reasonable (a total of 3-5 days is a good range to consider an offer). 

Don’t succumb to this kind of pressure. It’s totally reasonable to make a decision after you’ve thought about it. No Employer should withdraw their offer because you’re taking the time to think about it. If they do, then it says a lot about their character and you should decide if you want to work for someone like that.

Sample Salary Negotiation Email PDF

I know I said to leave email as a last resort, but even with all of these tips, many people still struggle with putting their thoughts into words, especially when it comes to how to negotiate a salary offer, and would prefer to communicate via email.

That is why, I put together some sample e-mail templates that will save you some stress and help you effectively communicate with your employer through the negotiation process. These templates can be used during every step from receiving the initial offer to proposing a counter-offer to finalizing the terms of your contract.

Ultimately these templates will save you hours of your time and give you the peace of mind to confidently negotiate your salary. And they’re FREE! Hit the link below to grab your sample salary offer negotiation emails now!

Conclusion

I hope this article has shed some light on how to negotiate a salary offer with examples. As employees, the truth is that it’s your job to carry out the responsibilities of the position, but also to make your boss’s job easier by giving them less things to worry about. As long as you’re actually doing that (or you can do that), you have a good platform to ask for more money and the confidence will follow. So be absolutely real with yourself and self-evaluate the quality of your work. If it’s actually high-quality and you know it, salary negotiations will be a walk in the park. If not, work on the quality before asking for more money to keep credibility.