It can even feel awkward, says Malcolm Munro, president of management consulting firm Management Foundry. "We're not used to placing a dollar value on the skills, knowledge and abilities we bring," Munro says. Once in awhile, asking for higher salary can even put you out of the running.
Still, delicately negotiating salary upon taking a job offer provides a significant boost in pay down the line and is well worth the complexities. Compiled over subsequent years, a few thousand dollars quickly adds up, say experts.
Considering a new role? Here's how to excel in the art of negotiation:
Know your benchmarkBefore you start speaking dollar amounts with your new employer, it's important to know how much others in similar positions earn. There are a variety of ways to find this information. In addition to salary websites like CBSalary.com, seek input from those in your network. When speaking with others, casually bring up the topic and never put them on spot by asking for direct information.
One way to phrase the question is: "Based on your experience, what kind of salary would a person with my level of skill and knowledge expect to make?'" Munro suggests.
Set a minimum thresholdBefore negotiating salary, it's important to know the least amount you would feel comfortable earning. Setting a limit can help you negotiate a rate and be specific about your needs.
Don't start too earlyWhile some companies inquire about salary on the first application, it's best not to get into any negotiations until after the company is interested in hiring you. Stay somewhat flexible until you see real interest on behalf of a potential employer, says Jack Chapman author of "Negotiating your Salary: How to Make $1000 a Minute." "Give them enough salary information so that they feel it's not a waste of time to interview [you]," he says. "Then quit talking about it until you win the interview." If you're pressed for a number early on, then it's best to offer a range and stay flexible until the final negotiation.
Demonstrate your valueIf you're not switching jobs, it can be even more complex to negotiate a raise. The most surefire way is to convey your value to your supervisor is with specific examples. "Avoid terms like 'I want' and 'I need' -- structure it like you would any deal: They give you a particular salary, and in return you're prepared to do X, Y and Z," says Matt Wallaert, lead scientist at GetRaised.com, a website that helps users negotiate raises. "Give evidence of the value that you can provide, the more concrete the better, so that they can make a logical, dispassionate decision."
Even if you have a great relationship with your boss, securing a raise involves a complex look into the quality of your work. Delving into how you can improve is a key step to moving up the pay scale. "If you are doing the exact same thing you did six months ago, you don't deserve a raise," he says.
Be assertiveRehearse what you'll say beforehand and look out for some push back, McBride suggests. "Prepare and practice ways to address [objections]," she says. "This will make you feel more comfortable during the negotiation."
Alina Dizik researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com. Follow @CareerBuilder on Twitter.
Still, delicately negotiating salary upon taking a job offer provides a significant boost in pay down the line and is well worth the complexities. Compiled over subsequent years, a few thousand dollars quickly adds up, say experts.
Considering a new role? Here's how to excel in the art of negotiation:
Know your benchmarkBefore you start speaking dollar amounts with your new employer, it's important to know how much others in similar positions earn. There are a variety of ways to find this information. In addition to salary websites like CBSalary.com, seek input from those in your network. When speaking with others, casually bring up the topic and never put them on spot by asking for direct information.
One way to phrase the question is: "Based on your experience, what kind of salary would a person with my level of skill and knowledge expect to make?'" Munro suggests.
Set a minimum thresholdBefore negotiating salary, it's important to know the least amount you would feel comfortable earning. Setting a limit can help you negotiate a rate and be specific about your needs.
Don't start too earlyWhile some companies inquire about salary on the first application, it's best not to get into any negotiations until after the company is interested in hiring you. Stay somewhat flexible until you see real interest on behalf of a potential employer, says Jack Chapman author of "Negotiating your Salary: How to Make $1000 a Minute." "Give them enough salary information so that they feel it's not a waste of time to interview [you]," he says. "Then quit talking about it until you win the interview." If you're pressed for a number early on, then it's best to offer a range and stay flexible until the final negotiation.
Demonstrate your valueIf you're not switching jobs, it can be even more complex to negotiate a raise. The most surefire way is to convey your value to your supervisor is with specific examples. "Avoid terms like 'I want' and 'I need' -- structure it like you would any deal: They give you a particular salary, and in return you're prepared to do X, Y and Z," says Matt Wallaert, lead scientist at GetRaised.com, a website that helps users negotiate raises. "Give evidence of the value that you can provide, the more concrete the better, so that they can make a logical, dispassionate decision."
Even if you have a great relationship with your boss, securing a raise involves a complex look into the quality of your work. Delving into how you can improve is a key step to moving up the pay scale. "If you are doing the exact same thing you did six months ago, you don't deserve a raise," he says.
Be assertiveRehearse what you'll say beforehand and look out for some push back, McBride suggests. "Prepare and practice ways to address [objections]," she says. "This will make you feel more comfortable during the negotiation."
Alina Dizik researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder.com. Follow @CareerBuilder on Twitter.
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