How can you negotiate a competitive salary when transitioning into a DevOps role?

1 Know your value

Before you apply for a DevOps role, you should research the market rates and the average salaries for your experience level, location, and industry. You can use online tools, such as Glassdoor, PayScale, or Indeed, to compare different DevOps positions and see what employers are offering. You should also consider your unique skills, qualifications, and achievements that make you stand out as a DevOps candidate. For example, if you have certifications, awards, or successful projects that demonstrate your DevOps expertise, you can use them as leverage to justify a higher salary.

2 Prepare your pitch

Once you have a realistic salary range in mind, you should prepare your pitch for the negotiation. Your pitch should highlight your value proposition, your expectations, and your reasons for wanting a DevOps role. You should also practice answering common questions, such as why you are interested in DevOps, what are your career goals, and how do you approach DevOps challenges. You should also be ready to provide evidence of your DevOps skills, such as code samples, portfolio pieces, or testimonials from previous employers or clients.

3 Be confident and flexible

When you enter the negotiation, you should be confident and assertive, but also flexible and respectful. You should avoid being too aggressive or too passive, as both can hurt your chances of getting a fair deal. You should also avoid being too rigid or too desperate, as both can signal that you are not confident in your value or that you are willing to settle for less. Instead, you should aim for a win-win situation, where both you and the employer are satisfied with the outcome. You can do this by being open to different options, such as bonuses, benefits, or perks, that can complement or compensate for the salary.

4 Handle objections and counteroffers

During the negotiation, you may encounter some objections or counteroffers from the employer. These may be based on their budget, their policies, or their perception of your skills. You should not take these personally or get defensive, as they are part of the negotiation process. Instead, you should handle them professionally and diplomatically, by acknowledging their concerns, providing facts and data to support your case, and proposing alternatives or solutions that can address their issues. You should also avoid accepting or rejecting an offer too quickly, as this can show that you are not serious or that you are not interested. Instead, you should ask for some time to think it over and review the offer in detail.

5 Follow up and close the deal

After the negotiation, you should follow up with the employer and confirm the details of the offer. You should also express your gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity and reiterate your value and fit for the DevOps role. You should also review the offer carefully and make sure that everything is clear and in writing. If you have any questions or concerns, you should address them as soon as possible and seek clarification from the employer. Once you are happy with the offer, you should accept it formally and sign the contract. You should also keep in touch with the employer until you start your DevOps role and prepare for a smooth transition.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?