Salary Negotiation

Even in the best economic situation, salary negotiation is a tricky job; more so for freshers. Planning and preparation should be done much in advance for success. My experience tells me that some people are always in demand, and even during recession they can bargain / leverage - courtesy a good institute or additional skills. But in most cases, starting salaries are almost fixed with not much room for negotiation. Also, your lack of industry experience and exposure act as a deterrent for the employer. However, Terese Corey Blanck, Director of recruitment and placement for Corporate Interns, an entry-level placement firm says: “You can negotiate if you have something extra special to negotiate with.” Here’s what you can do for negotiating salary:

·         Only a Bachelor’s degree and some internship aren’t good enough: 

     

     Some extra experience or expertise can help in negotiation. But mostly companies will have to train you and make you proficient. Hence, negotiating isn’t the best of thing to do when you’re just out of college with no experience or additional skills.

·         Use your head and not heart while negotiating:  

     

     Well! It’s not written in the rule books that you can’t negotiate even if you think and feel that there’s scope for negotiation. More so, when you know that you can offer the employer some uniqueness. But be very careful in doing that as your entire career’s at stake as it’s only the beginning, your first job. Be rational. You need to stress on facts as to why you want to be paid more - and part-time experience, major events organized, passion and interest for the job etc. You need to be confident and speak with conviction.

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           Do your homework thoroughly: 

     If the employer opens the gates of the salary discussion topic, be reasonable in your demands. Do your research thoroughly and be aware of your market value before making a compelling spiel. You can use the Shine Salary Tool to figure out the starting salaries for fresher in your industry with your level of education.

·        Keep a tab on the markets: 

    Know the market well in order to negotiate successfully. Also, be aware as to whether you’ve the requisite skills when you enter the job market.

·        Try only once: 

      Try raising the topic only once and if they say there’s no room for negotiation for fresher, end it there. Don’t continue with the grudge for long and be erratic. Show your sincerity as otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your chances by going too far.

·         Be polite and respectful: 

    Your negotiating should be done respectfully and thoughtfully whilst upholding your worthiness. Don’t get aggressive or act stubborn at any cost. 

As a fresher, negotiating salary is a tough ball game. You can go with an attitude of “I’m entitled to…” but a better approach is “I can offer this expertise and hence can the salary be negotiated?" as this will help your cause more. Ultimately, you may end up not getting what you wanted, but you don’t lose what you have.

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