What do you do if your salary expectations are not being effectively communicated during negotiations?

1 Know your worth

Before you enter any negotiation, you should do your research and have a clear idea of what your skills, experience, and achievements are worth in the market. You can use online tools, industry reports, or network contacts to find out the salary range and benefits for your role and level. This will help you set a realistic and fair expectation, and also provide evidence to back up your request.

2 Be confident and respectful

When you communicate your salary expectations, you should be confident and assertive, but not arrogant or aggressive. You should state your desired amount or range, and explain how you arrived at it, highlighting your value and contributions to the organization. You should also be respectful and courteous, acknowledging the employer's perspective and constraints, and expressing your appreciation and interest in the opportunity. Avoid ultimatums, threats, or emotional appeals, as they can damage your rapport and credibility.

3 Listen and understand

Communication is a two-way street, so you should also listen and understand the employer's response and reasoning. They may have a different view of your worth, or they may have a limited budget or policy that prevents them from meeting your expectations. You should ask questions to clarify their position, and empathize with their challenges. You should also be prepared to negotiate other aspects of the compensation package, such as bonuses, benefits, or flexible work arrangements, that may add value to you.

4 Seek feedback and guidance

If you encounter resistance or rejection from the employer, you should seek feedback and guidance on how to improve your chances of getting a better offer in the future. You should ask them what skills, qualifications, or performance indicators they are looking for, and how you can demonstrate them. You should also ask them how often they review salaries, and what the process and criteria are. This will help you identify your areas of improvement, and also show your willingness to learn and grow.

5 Know when to walk away

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may not be able to reach a satisfactory agreement with the employer. In that case, you should know when to walk away from the negotiation, and look for other opportunities that match your expectations and goals. You should do this gracefully and professionally, thanking the employer for their time and consideration, and leaving the door open for future collaboration. You should also reflect on your experience, and learn from your mistakes and successes.

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?