The most effective way to negotiate your salary is to work with a recruiter in your job search. Having an intermediary with inside market knowledge is invaluable in securing top pay for your skills and experience AND starting your new employment relationship on the best foot.

However, if you’re not working with a recruiter and are looking to negotiate a higher salary after a job offer or renegotiate your current salary, we have some advice. 

Here are our top 7 tips on how to negotiate a higher salary.

1. Do Your Research 

Look at market data for comparable positions. Salary.com, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed all have salary data available. Bonus if you find job postings for your title that include salary ranges.

2. Quantify Contributions

Prepare a list of your accomplishments and achievements and, when possible, assign a monetary value to them (increased revenue, cost savings, etc.).

3. Goal Setting

Use your data to calculate your desired salary. Don’t be afraid to ask what you’re worth.

4. Be Creative

Brainstorm ways to increase your compensation beyond a base salary (benefits, PTO, remote workdays, bonus structures, etc.). Think outside the box to expand your negotiation options.

5. Practice Makes Perfect

Enlist a friend or family member to role-play with you. Get comfortable with your talking points and answering potentially hard questions.

6. Collaborate, don’t Confront

Approach salary negotiations with a cooperative mindset. Consider the employer’s needs and express your own clearly to foster a collaborative environment.

7. Don’t Rush

Don’t feel pressured to accept the first offer. Carefully evaluate the entire package before making a decision.

Negotiating salary effectively often starts with strong self-belief. Backed by research, preparation, and a collaborative approach, you can confidently secure the salary you deserve!