[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading source=”post_title” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”no_stripe”][stm_spacing lg_spacing=”6″ md_spacing=”6″ sm_spacing=”6″ xs_spacing=”6″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”1130×450″][stm_spacing lg_spacing=”50″ md_spacing=”50″ sm_spacing=”50″ xs_spacing=”50″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-8″ css=”.vc_custom_1576127026730{padding-right: 45px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1597625881183{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]Whether you are in the final stages of the interview process or you’re currently working for an organisation and feeling undervalued. The unfortunate truth is that many of us struggle when it comes to salary negotiations. Or we avoid them altogether. The good news is that there are proven methods you can adopt right now that will position you in the driver’s seat and provide for the best possible chance of that allusive increase.

A proactive approach to salary negotiation is almost always required, bar for the most astute of employers or if the question is simply asked during the interview process. Throughout this article I’ll address both scenarios and how to best turn the tide in your favour.

Before we get into that – let’s be real. Every single person’s job is about value. How much value do you bring to the company? Knowing the answer to this question is the first barrier to break though and by being prepared and presenting your value with facts, not emotions, will have those barriers shattered in no time.

Therefore, the first step is to be prepared with facts, not feelings. Research your value by analysing your contributions to your current company or previous successes if in the interview process. Don’t make the mistake of neglecting market research thereby selling yourself short. Be prepared and never negotiate by email, text or even the phone if possible. You want to have that face-to-face interaction. You want to use your body language to compliment your case and you want to analyse theirs.

Never underestimate the importance of likability. Being adaptive to the situation, to their personality throughout the negotiation process is a key skill and can be quite a balancing act. Anything you do that makes you less likable reduces your chances of success while adapting and becoming more likable improves your chances. Be polite, confident and present your value methodically and avoid common traps such as seeming greedy, confrontational or overly persistent.

Try not to focus on needs and wants. Rather set the agenda and control the conversation by asking leading and open ended questions. This creates a collaborative environment thereby reducing inevitable tensions in the negotiation process. Don’t use closed ended statements that leave no room for collaboration. This is a sure-fire way to create a negative impression.

Be as valuable as you possibly can. Focus on your results, past successes and qualifications. Demonstrate what stands out about you and how that directly correlates to the current or past company achievements. What problems can you or have you solved?

As with most things in life, nothing is guaranteed and you may not be successful even after following the best advice possible and nailing the negotiation like a pro. It could be a question of value or it could be that you’re in the wrong industry/company. If it is value based then there are many things you can do to become more valuable. You can even ask the question directly – How can I become more valuable to you and the company?

If it’s a question of the wrong industry or company then it could be a good time to reflect on your career choices and determine a suitable path for growth &/or change that will lead you to where you want to be. There are many reasons we stay in jobs or industries we may not be best suited for. But one thing worth mentioning is that the most satisfied individuals are those that spend the time working out exactly what that is.[/vc_column_text][stm_post_comments][stm_spacing lg_spacing=”80″ md_spacing=”80″ sm_spacing=”30″ xs_spacing=”20″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][stm_share_buttons][stm_news posts_per_row=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]