What do you do if you want to negotiate your salary confidently in Systems Engineering?

Always do your homework regarding salary negotiations. You KNOW they are going to come in low, so you go high. Here is my question. "Why do they have to come in low?" Aren't they bringing you on to help the company? Low balling just allows me to see what type of company it is. They should not over pay you or under pay you, just be fair.

To negotiate effectively, ALWAYS have your 'walk away' number fixed in your head. Call 2-3 personnel agencies and ASK them what you're worth. They're usually happy to talk to you as a prospect. Look at your accomplishments and skills and decide what sets you apart. Ask - ' how much more is that worth?' and set a top level expectation in your mind. Now you have a salary range to work with. NEVER fall for benefits as salary unless they have current value or a high potential for return. Equity doesn't always work. Finally - and this is just info, I was once interviewed and asked about motivation - I said bluntly, money. They asked 'what about loyalty?' and I responded 'That's why I have a dog'. I was there 7 years. Don't take this as advice!

Key is to understand what you think you are worth - if you're happy with what you're getting (recognising that that its much more than just money that matters) and you feel valued then that's a win. At times we get overly concerned and distracted by what others are getting or might pay

Understanding what value on brings to the negotiation table. Having a list of accomplishment along with Industry patents previously submitted under your name. Quickly be able to summarize how these accomplishments improved Engineering or product Efficiency. Also please be able to discuss and leadership participation in Lean Workshops and the outcome. Having this information reveals how valuable you are and the mature experience you are able to integrate with a new team and or company.

Research: Understand the market value for your role in Systems Engineering. Websites like Glassdoor, Salary.com, or Payscale can provide insights into average salaries based on location, experience, and industry.

Know Your Worth: Evaluate your skills, experience, and qualifications. Consider any specialized knowledge or certifications that add value to your role.

Choose the right time to negotiate. This could be during the job offer stage or during performance reviews. Ensure you're negotiating from a position of strength, such as after receiving a job offer or after completing a successful project

Present Your Case: Articulate why you believe you deserve a higher salary based on your research, experience, and contributions. Use confident and assertive language while remaining respectful.

Pay attention to the employer's response. If they counteroffer or express concerns, listen attentively and address their points thoughtfully.