NEGOTIATION SKILLS

Negotiation Skills



Negotiation Skills

Interview Skills

One step forward; one step back; step together, and back again.

To perform the job interview salary negotiation dance steps, you must have a good sense of balance. Knowing your value and your worth will help you feel more confident about staying in step during the salary negotiation process.

The employer takes the lead and you follow, staying with the rhythm.

You move together through the interview process; aware of the other, taking care not to step on one another. The salary negotiation dance is never confrontational or harsh, but smooth and in harmony.

It Begins

It is not uncommon for the first step to begin on the phone. The interviewer asks for your salary requirement, or what salary you are currently making.

You take a step back and try to postpone this discussion until you have more information.

"Could you could tell me the range budgeted for this position?"

Or, "What salary would you typically pay someone with my background and experience?"

Postponing the salary discussion is the best step for you, at least until you have the information needed. By doing research ahead of time, you will feel confident knowing your worth. There is a point during the interview when the range, or your expectations, will be revealed, but it is better to wait for the interviewer to lead and give out the information first.

The Offer

If the interviewing employer determines that you are right for the job, they will take the lead and make an offer. It is now your turn to move the salary negotiation dance to the next stage. But, first you must evaluate the package. Take into consideration

the -

Base rate (always the top priority) - timing of annual job reviews

Alternative compensation - bonus, commission, stock options, profit sharing

Benefits - premiums for insurance, paid time off, matching, working conditions

Other ...