Salary Reviews

There are many points of negotiation when discussing your contract, but salary is usually the primary issue. This is the same whether you're negotiating for a salary increase or for your salary and benefits in a new job. To get the best possible outcome you need to do your research and prepare your case.

Do your research

Find out the salary range of the role you are applying for. Many industries produce salary guides or you can ring a recruitment consultant and talk to them - they will know what employers in your industry are offering.

If you know someone in a similar role, ask their advice. They may not be comfortable discussing what they earn, but they will have a good idea on what the role you are applying for should pay.

Prepare your case

Make sure you know what you are worth and how to articulate this in an interview. Most companies have a salary range for each level of job so you need to show that you are worth going to the top end of the scale for.

Bring specific examples of your achievements to the interview. Make it easy for the interviewer to see what you will bring to the role, and how employing you will benefit the company.

Make sure you keep your personal budgetary needs out of the conversation. What you need to earn to pay your bills has nothing to do with the employer, and adds nothing to your worth.

Talking salary

It is often better not to be the first person to raise the salary issue. You will have the most negotiating power after you have been offered a job, but before you have signed the contract, so leave salary negotiations until late in the interview process.

Remember, salary is only one part of a contract, so it is ideal to wait, and look at a complete list of benefits before making any decisions. Career paths, company car parks and an office with a view will all impact on whether or not you take a job. So it is important to wait and talk salary when you have the full contract in front of you.

Make sure you are honest if you are asked what you currently earn. If the job is completely outside your salary range you do not want to waste your time or theirs by going further in the interview process.

Try not to say an actual salary figure in the interview. If it is below what the role is worth, the employer may use this when putting together your offer. If it is above the salary range, it may turn them off before you have had a chance to sell yourself.

Weigh it up

When you have your contract in front of you, make sure you fully understand the salary component, and how it is structured. Things to look out for:

• what is considered your base salary?
• what are bonuses?
• what else is included? - is a mobile phone, laptop or parking space provided?

Ask what the salary range for that level of job is and see where you are in that range. If you are at the top, what is the career path for promotion?

In the end, salary is not the only thing to consider. Make sure you are happy with the complete package and that you are doing a job you love.

1. www.career-advice.monster.com
2. www.collegegrad.com