Perhaps the hardest part of the jobseeking process is negotiating your pay and benefits package. If you don’t have sales and negotiation skills, this can be be a bit of an obstacle.
Here are some key pointers for tackling the subject:
• Be aware of your market value – use a salary checker to find out the market worth of the job role according to the location and industry.
• Make sure you know the salary range for the job you are going for prior to interview – you may be asked what salary you're looking for at this early stage
• Don't be modest – if it's not too big a jump from your current salary, ask for the top end of the pay scale on offer
• Don’t ask about salary – wait for the employer to make the first move. If they haven't addressed the subject by the end of a second interview, ask what sort of salary they’re looking to offer for this position.
• If you're comfortable handling negotiations, wait for a clear sign that the employer wants to offer you the job before stating what you're looking for
• Bear in mind pension contributions, training allowances and other benefits (laptop, BlackBerry, bonus) that come with the job
• Be prepared to give specific examples of how you add value to the organisation to back up why you’re asking for that particular salary
• Always start your negotiations with a figure slightly higher than the amountyou’ld be willing to accept
• Don’t lie about your current salary and package – you will be caught out. If you’re good enough for the salary you’re requesting, you’ll be able to negotiate your way to it through demonstration of your skills
Further links:
- Pay As You Earn
- Pensions advice
- Tax rebates
- IR35 explained
- Find an IT job
