Discussing the Salary Offer

Finally, there are several things to consider when discussing the salary offer. First, you should be prepared with options. Most employers are willing to negotiate, but they need to know you are also willing. Be sure to have established your absolute bottom acceptable figure and be prepared to walk away if necessary. You may have to explain your salary history or use it to justify the desired salary. Be prepared with facts and figures. Anticipate any objections the employer might be able to raise and be prepared to justify your cost effectiveness. Negotiating a salary package reconfirms to the employer that the decision to hire you over other applicants was the right choice. Make intelligent, well-informed salary statements and be sure your requested salary range is within the market value for your profession in the geographic area.

• Present a salary range that demonstrates your knowledge of the local market value.
• When requesting a salary range be sure to include a record of your contributions that defend the amount of compensation you are requesting.
• In salary negotiations demonstrate the benefit to the organization in paying you more.
• Be realistic in the amount requested.
• Be sure to include other types of compensation that would be valuable.
• Address the interests of the boss, therefore, know the interests of the boss.
• Proposal should be grounded on objective criteria.

Source:  US Department of State