What do you do if your salary negotiation is met with resistance?

1 Understand Resistance

When you encounter resistance during salary negotiations, it's essential to understand the reasons behind it. Employers might have budget constraints, pay structure policies, or concerns about setting precedents. Listen carefully to their objections and ask clarifying questions. This will not only show that you respect their position but also give you valuable information that you can use to tailor your counter-arguments or find a compromise that satisfies both parties.

2 Strengthen Case

If your initial salary request is met with resistance, take the opportunity to reinforce your value to the company. Highlight your achievements, experience, and the unique skills you bring to the table. Be prepared with concrete examples that demonstrate how you've contributed to the organization's success. This approach can help shift the conversation from a cost-focused discussion to one that acknowledges your worth as an investment.

3 Explore Alternatives

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, an employer may not budge on salary. In such cases, exploring alternative forms of compensation can be a smart move. Consider asking for benefits such as additional vacation time, flexible working hours, or professional development opportunities. These alternatives can often be more palatable for an employer and still provide you with significant value.

4 Practice Patience

Patience is a virtue in salary negotiations, especially when facing resistance. Avoid showing frustration or desperation as these emotions can weaken your position. Instead, maintain a calm and professional demeanor. If the discussion reaches a standstill, it may be beneficial to suggest revisiting the topic after a certain period, which allows time for both sides to reflect and potentially reassess their stances.

5 Seek Feedback

Understanding how your employer perceives your performance and worth can be eye-opening. If you're facing resistance, ask for feedback on what it would take for them to consider your salary request. This conversation can provide insights into areas where you may need to improve or accomplishments you might have overlooked mentioning. It also demonstrates your willingness to grow and meet your employer's expectations.

6 Plan Next Steps

If all attempts at negotiation have been exhausted without success, it's time to consider your next steps. You might decide to accept the offer as is, continue negotiations at a later date, or evaluate whether staying with the company aligns with your career goals. Whatever decision you make, ensure it's informed by both the negotiation outcome and your professional aspirations.

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?