Salary Negotiation - What Career Coaches WON'T Tell You ( EXACTLY what to say )

Summary

This video provides essential tips for negotiating salaries during job interviews. It covers strategies like never giving your salary expectations first, deflecting the question, and handling tricky tactics companies use to pressure candidates. Viewers are guided on how to respond to common challenges, such as disclosing salary history or dealing with lowball offers. The video also emphasizes the importance of negotiating non-salary benefits and understanding company compensation structures. Practical phrases are shared for confident negotiation, empowering job seekers to secure fair compensation without feeling pressured.

Takeaways

• 😀 Never be the first to state your salary expectations; let the employer provide their number first.
• 😀 If a job application requires a salary, provide a researched range rather than a single number.
• 😀 Use deflection techniques like asking for the company's salary range before giving your number.
• 😀 Consider suggesting a salary slightly higher than your current pay to position yourself for negotiation.
• 😀 Politely stall discussions by emphasizing you want to ensure the role is a good fit before talking salary.
• 😀 Focus on the value you bring and the market rate, not your previous salary, which may be irrelevant or illegal to disclose in some regions.
• 😀 Be aware of employer tactics like anchoring, creating urgency, offering perks, or emotional appeals to pressure you into accepting quickly.
• 😀 Negotiate non-salary benefits such as vacation days, signing bonuses, or equity if the base salary is non-negotiable.
• 😀 Avoid relying on promises of future raises; always negotiate based on current, tangible value.
• 😀 Be prepared to walk away if the offer does not meet your expectations or reflect your worth.
• 😀 Use research-backed, professional phrases in interviews and emails to handle salary discussions confidently.
• 😀 Avoid playing companies against each other unless you are fully comfortable with the risk involved.

Q & A

What is the golden rule of salary negotiation according to the video?

The golden rule is to never be the first to state your salary expectations. Let the employer provide their range first, as your opening number can either lowball or overprice yourself.

How can you handle the salary expectation question on job applications?

If possible, leave the salary expectation blank. If the platform requires a number, provide a reasonable salary range based on market research for your job title using websites like PayScale or Glassdoor.

What are some techniques to deflect giving your salary expectation in an interview?

Three main techniques are: 1) Reversal: ask the employer for the salary range first. 2) Current + 10–15%: state a number slightly higher than your current salary. 3) Polite stall: express willingness to discuss salary later, after evaluating fit for both sides.

What is a sample phrase you can use to state your salary expectation politely?

You can say: 'I’m hoping to find a role that aligns with my skills and experience and provides a fair and competitive salary. Based on my research, I believe $X–$Y is appropriate. How does that align with your compensation structure?'

How should you respond if an employer asks about your previous salary?

You can respond with: 'I prefer not to disclose my previous salary. Based on my research and experience, a fair salary for this role is $X–$Y.' Alternatively, you can refocus on the role’s responsibilities and market rate.

What is anchoring and how do companies use it during salary negotiations?

Anchoring is a tactic where employers set a low initial salary to influence negotiations. They make small concessions to create the illusion of progress, but the initial low anchor is meant to keep the overall offer lower.

What are some common employer tactics to pressure candidates into accepting offers quickly?

Employers may create urgency by implying limited availability, offer incentives like bonuses or perks for signing quickly, appeal to emotions about the role’s importance, or present a take-it-or-leave-it proposition.

How can you counteract pressure tactics from employers?

You can request additional time to consider the offer, usually a few days or a week. If salary is fixed, you can negotiate non-salary benefits such as vacation days, signing bonuses, or equity packages.

Why is it important not to base your value on your previous salary?

Previous salary reflects what one company valued you at, not your worth in a new role. Your current market value and the responsibilities of the position should guide your negotiation, not past compensation.

What should you do if a company refuses to budge on salary and benefits?

If all negotiation attempts fail, be prepared to walk away. Only proceed if you are comfortable accepting the offer, as some positions may not allow further negotiation.

Are employers legally allowed to ask about your previous salary?

In 25 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and some other jurisdictions, asking about previous salary is illegal. Even when legal, there is little benefit to disclosing it, and candidates can politely decline to share it.

What is the 'future potential promise' tactic in salary negotiations?

This tactic involves offering a lower initial salary while suggesting potential for future raises or growth. Negotiations should focus on current salary value rather than hypothetical future increases.