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A career guru has spilled the beans on all the mistakes to avoid when negotiating your salary, and the biggest things to remember when you head into the meeting
There’s no denying the world is getting expensive, so it’s no surprise getting a payrise is at the forefront of many people’s minds.
The rising costs of living is the biggest concern for Gen Z and Millenials for the third year in a row, and the stark reality means many people are living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to make ends meet.
However, the thought of asking for a payrise can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. But there are cunning ways to get the most out of those nerve-wracking conversations. We chat with career expert Dan Bruce from Reactively about the best ways to negotiate higher pay with your boss.
His biggest tip before you even get the ball rolling is to not go in all guns blazing – it’s all about strategy. “If you can see that your manager is overwhelmed by deadlines and stress, or if the business is amid redundancies, pick a different time,” he explained.
“Don’t throw the question at your manager as you pass them in the corridor,” Dan warned, as it may look like you’re not serious, or they could feel like they’re being ambushed.
The expert also advised employees to “do your homework” and understand their value. It’s important not to compare your salary to how much you think your colleagues are earning, as this can “come across as bitter and unprofessional”. Instead, research the average salary for your role, industry, and location, Dan said.
When it comes to figuring out what to say, the pro suggested to get a strong pitch together packed with evidence of why you deserve the raise. “It shouldn’t just be because you’ve worked there for a long time. Put together everything you’ve accomplished, targets you’ve hit, or exceeded, and anything you’ve contributed to the success and growth of the business,” Dan explained.
It also essential to be prepared and have a figure or an increase percentage in mind, and to practice your pitch so you’re confident. “Don’t fumble over your words, as this can make it seem like even you are not convinced you deserve the raise,” he warned.
If you do find the courage to ask your manager, and the answer is no, it’s important not to give up. “If a pay rise isn’t possible at the moment, see if there are other ways you can increase your compensation, like extra annual leave, more work-from-home days, or opportunities to develop your career,” the pro advised.
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