When job seekers receive a job offer, it's understandable to feel ecstatic and relieved. However, that offer may not always be what they were looking for, especially in terms of salary. The thought of negotiating a salary offer can be intimidating, but it shouldn't be. In fact, negotiating can be a positive sign. Why?
1. You're worth more than the initial offer.
Did you spend considerable time researching the position and coming up with a realistic salary range? If that's the case, you might have discovered that the initial salary offer is lower than what you had expected, or even below industry standards. In situations like this, you should not hesitate to negotiate for a salary that reflects your skills, experience, and qualifications.
2. It shows that you're confident in your abilities.
When you negotiate your salary, you show confidence in your abilities and what you bring to the table. Employers want someone who can be assertive and advocate for themselves, and negotiating salary demonstrates that you are capable of doing so. When you negotiate salary, you assert that you are aware of your worth and that you are not afraid to try to attain it.
3. It's expected and commonplace.
Employers expect candidates to negotiate salary, and it's commonplace. In a Glassdoor survey, over half of the respondents stated that they did not accept the first job offer they received. The same survey found that gender minorities and younger workers were less likely to negotiate salary, which demonstrates even more strongly the importance of salary negotiation.
4. It demonstrates your commitment.
When you're able to negotiate positions that matter to you, it shows that you're committed to what you want. You're not just willing to take what's given but rather going after what you want. Negotiating salary could be telling the employer that you appreciate them, and you want the employer to recognize you, too.
5. People will like you more.
I know this sounds strange. Most candidates are reluctant to negotiate because they are afraid of being disliked or worse, rejected. But people will not remember what happened during the salary negotiation. They will remember what you deliver afterwards. If you are happy, enthusiastic, committed and perform well because you are satisfied with your compensation - believe me, that is what matters to them in the end.
In conclusion, negotiating your salary offer shows confidence, self-worth, and that you know what you want. Don't be afraid to ask for what you know you're worth because it might end up as a win-win for both parties.
Remember, negotiating is commonplace and expected, and you wouldn't be going against the grain, so go ahead and advocate for yourself.
Work with me and train your negotiation skills.
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