How to negotiate a salary

sare88

I'm coming to the end of an internship and will need to negotiate a salary for the job when it becomes full time. Any ideas on how to do this? I'm expecting 'the converstaion' in a few weeks so want to be prepared.

I know my boss has said he will offer something in the range of 18,000 - 24,000 but as the role is based in central London, and I'm nearly 25 with a few years experience under my belt already, I'm hoping for something towards the top end of this!

Any tips/suggestions/advice welcome!

Also, what do you think a reasonable figure would be to ask for?

Firefox1975

hahahah

Well, this is impossible to answer if you don't tell us what you do!

I agree that for a fighter pilot with 5 years exp, £18,000 would be low, however, working in a corner cafe making tea and coffee all day £18,000 would be brilliant.

?

-sparky-

sare88 wrote: »

Also, what do you think a reasonable figure would be to ask for?

Like the other poster pointed out, this will depend on your particular role. Research the going rate for similar positions - any of the job sites out there is a good starting point.

Try to be the first one to mention a figure and quote something towards the far top end of what is reasonable for that position. Avoid giving an unreasonably high number because it will put the other person on the defensive, and possibly annoy/insult them. On the other hand, don't say something very low just to be polite - you'll just undersell yourself and look like a tool.

In negotiations, the person who makes the first offer has the upper hand because that number will be used as the benchmark going forward (both consciously and unconsciously). If your employer makes the first move, he will (inevitably) give a lowball figure and you will have to fight your way up from there. If you go first with a high demand, the negotiation will consist of the employer trying to justify giving you a lower salary. He will be the one on the defensive instead of you. You probably won't get what you asked for but you'll get more than if you started by asking for more than the employer's initial offer.

When asked to justify your number avoid giving reasons focused on your needs and wants - your employer could care less how much money you need for this and that. They want to know if you will be an asset to the business. The fact that you have a big car loan does not carry any weight in a salary negotiation.

Focus on demonstrating that your offer is just (as in it reflects what the market will pay for an equivalent position). Note on London: highlight the fact that employers will typically pay a premium to people who work in the area compared to other parts of England.

If possible, try to show how employing you with that salary will generate a net gain for the employer. This is a bit hard with non-sales or executive positions but try to give a reasonable argument about how them employing you with salary X will generate value for the company Y, where Y is greater than X.

Also, don't fall for the trap of "take this low offer and we'll raise it as you gain experience". They won't, and negotiating a raise when you're already working in the said role will be much harder.

Russe11

central london, less than 24k, sure theres people on here that will say thats easy and it can be done.

will anything less lead to a better propect in the future thats the question?

sare88

Doh! Sorry! My job title is Social Community Manager - it's a marketing role in a small agency.