What do you do if you're unsure of your worth and value when negotiating a salary?

When it comes to salary negotiations it's really important to know the exact figure that's non-negotiable to you and you can't fall below that. If you haven't done that, that's the 1st exercise you need to know. Run your finances and check what you need to live comfortably and have a number ready. Next is research the market, read the papers and reports published by recruiting agencies to see what the role offers in different sizes of companies and also in different parts of the country. Practice your pitch and how you will bring up the topic to discuss if the hiring manager/ recruiter hasn't. Be open to negotiations and checking in on every aspect of what's in it for you to get to the right decision for you.

Some things I have found helpful, is highlighting areas of contributions that has attributed to the enhancement of a team environment or the organization as a whole. Focus on your key strengths & values that you bring to the organization. Do a salary benchmarking exercise using Glassdoor. Make bullet points of key issues/matters you wish to raise ensuring a structured conversation. Focus on articulating yourself in a manner that reflects your confidence & experience.

Before you dive into preparing your negotiation pitch, it's crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of your strengths, skills, achievements, and areas of improvement. Conducting a self-assessment of your skills and accomplishments and compiling a record of your achievements can significantly boost your confidence. Moreover, having knowledge of your areas of improvement will demonstrate your self-awareness and willingness to learn.

Reflect on your skills, experiences, and achievements. Consider the impact you've had in previous roles and how your contributions benefited your employers. Evaluate the breadth of your responsibilities and your ability to handle complex tasks. This self-awareness will not only bolster your confidence but also provide tangible examples to showcase your value during salary discussions. Remember, you're not simply requesting a number; you're substantiating why you're worth that investment.

Researching salary averages for comparable work in your geographic region and using that data to inform your salary negotiation process, is an objective way to get what you deserve.

One thing I’ve found helpful is Glassdoor. If you have contacts either in HR or recruitment, engage them as they are better positioned to give you guidance & advice in this area. Also factor in your skills, qualifications & years of experience.

Conduct research to determine the typical salary range for individuals with your qualifications and experience in your industry and location. Utilize online resources like salary calculators and job boards to gather this data. Understanding the market rate provides a benchmark to ensure your salary expectations are both realistic and competitive. Moreover, it equips you with evidence to substantiate your request, demonstrating your informed approach and commitment to your professional advancement.

This is your opportunity to showcase what sets you apart from other candidates. Highlight specific skills, experiences, or achievements that directly align with the requirements of the position and the company's objectives. Demonstrate how you can solve problems or contribute in ways that distinguish you from others. Your value proposition should be concise yet impactful, summarizing why you are an invaluable asset worth investing in.

Something I do with all my clients is really take time to map out their value proposition. It's about going beyond 'what you do' and focusing on 'what is the result and impact of what I do' what difference does this make to the company? When I am successful, how does this help positively contribute to the company? Take your time and list as many outcomes as you can. The results you have previously created, what is possible as a result of hiring you. As you do this, your confidence will grow seeing what is really available to you and the value you bring to your role. Get confident behind the value you really bring that you might not be recognising....you are sitting on gold!

When it comes to negotiating, it's important to realize that both parties are trying to get the best deal. Therefore, avoid being too rigid and inflexible with your demands. Instead, try to find a reasonable middle ground that works for both parties. Remember, negotiation is all about cooperation, not competition. So, try to work with your employer to find solutions that work for everyone involved. This way, you're more likely to reach an agreement that satisfies both parties. And if all else fails, be prepared with a backup plan that allows you to adjust your expectations accordingly.

Here's an ultra practical framework to measure your salary range in 3 steps: 1) Find people on LinkedIn who have a similar role you want, and map out their work history by position and years in each. 2) Now map out your own career trajectory - the closer you can match your career story to theirs, the better you'll explain it in an interview. 3) Go to Glassdoor.com and find salary ranges for the role you want, matching for years of experience as well. Now when you go to negotiate, you have a compelling story and a clear range you can aim for. There are internal ways to build confidence too, but it helps to have the data too :)

Many leaders have undocumented successes … and I don’t mean that it’s not written down. Of course it is because we have resumes. I mean the in-between… the connection to how you specifically work your skills and get the results. When you are more connected in that way, second-guessing your value in negotiations will be little to none. Know what you do the way you do it. Don’t be afraid to be unconventional. You’re in the room, so show out

Negocia tu salario con confianza siguiendo estos pasos: ? Investiga salarios típicos para tu posición en la industria. ? Evalúa tus habilidades y logros, destacando cómo aportan a la empresa. ? Establece un rango salarial con un mínimo y máximo justificados. ? Practica tu estrategia de negociación y prepara respuestas a contraofertas. ? Enfoca la conversación en el valor que aportas a la empresa. ? Considera beneficios adicionales como parte de la negociación salarial. ? Mantén una actitud asertiva pero profesional durante la negociación. ? Esté preparado para cualquier resultado, incluso rechazar la oferta si es necesario. Implementando estos pasos, podrás asegurar una compensación que refleje tu verdadero valor.