What do you do if you want to negotiate your salary during a job interview in Mechanical Engineering?

1 Research the market

Before you go to the interview, do some homework on the average salary range for your position and location. You can use online tools, such as Glassdoor, PayScale, or Indeed, to get an idea of what other mechanical engineers are earning in similar roles and companies. You can also ask your network, mentors, or former colleagues for their insights and advice. Having a realistic and data-based expectation will help you avoid asking for too little or too much.

2 Know your value

Besides knowing the market rate, you also need to know your own value as a mechanical engineer. What are your unique skills, qualifications, and achievements that make you stand out from other candidates? How do you contribute to the company's goals, projects, and challenges? How do you demonstrate your professionalism, creativity, and problem-solving abilities? Prepare some concrete examples and stories that showcase your value and impact, and be ready to share them during the interview.

3 Be confident and respectful

When it comes to negotiating your salary, you want to be confident and respectful. Confidence means that you believe in your worth and you communicate it clearly and assertively. Respect means that you acknowledge the employer's perspective and constraints, and you avoid making ultimatums or demands. You want to create a positive and collaborative atmosphere, where both parties can find a mutually beneficial solution. Avoid being too aggressive or too passive, and use positive language and body language.

4 Ask open-ended questions

Negotiating your salary can be made easier by asking open-ended questions that invite the employer to share more information. Questions such as how the salary range is determined, what factors influence the offer, how performance is measured and excellence rewarded, and how flexible the employer is on salary and other benefits can help you gain insight into their needs and priorities. By doing this, you can better understand their rationale and identify potential areas of negotiation.

5 Consider the whole package

When negotiating your salary, don't forget to consider the whole package of compensation and benefits that the employer is offering. Sometimes, the salary might be lower than your expectation, but the benefits might be more generous or valuable. For example, you might be offered a lower salary, but a higher bonus, stock options, pension plan, health insurance, or vacation time. You might also be offered opportunities for training, development, or promotion that can enhance your career growth. Think about what matters most to you, and weigh the pros and cons of the whole package.

6 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?