What do you do if you're unsure how to negotiate salary and benefits in a new career?

Start by researching typical salary ranges and benefits packages for your position and industry. Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn can provide valuable insights into what others in similar roles are earning and the benefits they receive. Reflect on your skills, experience, education, and any relevant certifications or achievements. Be prepared to articulate why you deserve a certain salary and benefits package based on your qualifications and the value you bring to the role.

Unless you are desperate to get through to a role, don't under sell yourself. Articulate what you bring to the table, believe it yourself and don't be shy to negotiate.

1. Do the research. Know industry standards. 2. Evaluate your own skills and experience. See how these map best to what the role is asking for. 3. Articulate how best you bring something unique to the job. 4. Uncover what’s the critical priority in the role and pitch your value towards that. 5. The time to compromise on what you earn is when it’s compensated heavily by what you learn.

Be sure to do your research before articulating your needs. When a client of mine changed careers and moved to a different city, I asked her to research the difference in the housing prices and other cost of living first. We also looked back on the jobs description. She had met all of the requirements and many of the “nice to haves.” When she articulated her wants and needs and was able to back it up with research, she was able to negotiate $7,500 more than their original offer. Thoroughness pays!

Start by researching industry standards for your position and location. Practice articulating your value proposition and highlight relevant skills and experience. Consider non-monetary benefits like flexible hours or professional development opportunities. During negotiations, maintain professionalism and confidence while being open to compromise. Remember, it's a conversation aimed at finding mutual benefit. If unsure, seek advice from mentors or utilize resources like salary surveys or career coaches to navigate the process effectively.

Research your market and network to understand the dynamics and numbers relevant to your field. Then, work with a career coach or counsellor to gain self-awareness. The key to reaching your ideal salary is to confirm it with yourself first. Make sure you know your own value, understand how much your skills are worth in the market, and identify a salary you are comfortable with. When you know your value, asking for the right compensation in the job market becomes much easier!