Talking about and negotiating money when it comes to a job search can be one of the most intimidating challenges. How do you know what to say? What if you price yourself too high for the job? What if you could have made more money? Here are some sure-fire negotiating techniques for your next job offer.

• At what rate would you walk way? More than anything else you need to know the very lowest salary you would accept to say yes. If you would agree to take the job at a low salary but continue to look for a higher paying job you are not being fair to yourself or your new employer. How much would you need to pay your expenses and be comfortable with the job?
• What is your ideal rate? Just because that is your minimum doesn’t mean you should settle. Consider the ideal rate for this position. What do you think that your skills are worth? Look at websites like Salary.com to determine what the average rate for this role and come up with a number that would not only cover your expenses but also provide an excellent savings plan.
• Present a salary range to your interviewer. Inevitably the question of salary will come up during the interview process. Now is the time to use your two numbers to provide a salary range. There will be a big difference between your lowest and highest number. Let them know that the broad range is because you understand that every job is different and your acceptance of the job may depend on additional factors such as the benefits and vacation package. Let them know this is your range, but that you are flexible within it.
• If they demand a single number. In the event that they won’t’ accept a range give them a conservative estimate at the middle of your two numbers. This will probably be under their target but over yours. It is a gamble but one that you will need to take.
• How to negotiate a low-ball offer. Don’t be insulted when the company comes back with an offer that is too low for you to accept. You may feel like you don’t have the ability to negotiate, but you do. Remember, your lowest number was the one at which you were willing to walk away so you don’t have anything to lose. Remember, they wouldn’t have made an offer at all if they didn’t want to hire you. Keep in mind that the hiring process is very expensive and they don’t really want to start over. Tell them that the rate is below your minimum and if they were able to meet you in the middle you would reconsider. Provide a number between your walk away rate and the middle of your range.

Do you need some professional advice for negotiating salaries? Contact the team at StaffEx to learn more today!