What do you do if your salary increase negotiation as an experienced Account Manager is not going as planned?

1 Stay Calm

When you encounter resistance during salary negotiations, it's essential to stay calm and collected. Reacting emotionally can damage your professional relationship and undermine your position. Instead, take a step back and assess the situation objectively. Use this as an opportunity to reiterate your value to the company, highlighting specific contributions and results you've achieved. Remember, negotiation is a process, and initial setbacks don't necessarily mean the end of the discussion.

3 Market Standards

It's important to research current market standards for your role. This includes knowing the typical salary range for Account Managers with your level of experience and in your region. If your salary request is aligned with these standards, present this data to your employer to substantiate your ask. Being informed about the market can also help you gauge whether your expectations are realistic and if there's room for negotiation.

4 Alternative Rewards

If a salary increase isn't on the table, consider negotiating for alternative forms of compensation. This could include bonuses, additional vacation days, flexible working arrangements, or professional development opportunities. These alternatives can be valuable and may even align better with your personal and career goals. It demonstrates your flexibility and understanding of the company's position while still valuing your professional growth.

5 Right Timing

Timing can be a critical factor in salary negotiations. If the company is going through financial difficulties or a hiring freeze, it may not be the best time to ask for a raise. In such cases, it might be more strategic to wait for a more opportune moment, such as after a successful project completion or during annual performance reviews when budgets are typically allocated.

6 Explore Options

If all else fails and your salary negotiation reaches a standstill, it may be time to explore new opportunities. The job market is dynamic, and other organizations may value your experience and skills more appropriately. This doesn't mean you should make any hasty decisions, but rather consider what's best for your career growth and financial needs in the long term.

7 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?