How to Negotiate a better Salary

(405 Words)
Palms sweating, you get ready to approach your boss for one of the most difficult tasks ever. You want to negotiate a better salary. The following tactics can help you achieve the compensation you desire.
Choose an ideal time
Do not barge into your manager’s office three minutes before closing time demanding his attention. You want to choose a time when you boss is in a good mood and not too busy to give the best chance of achieving your goal. If he or she is generally busy, then you may want to ask him or her to choose the time.
Go in with confidence
If you believe that you deserve a better salary then look and act the part. Stand up straight when you go in. Speak with confidence. Look your boss in the face. Try not to stumble through your words, twiddle your thumbs or betray any of the anxiety that you are likely feeling.
Talk about why you deserve a raise
Perhaps you have not gotten a raise in two years. Maybe you have produced amazing sales numbers for three years in a row. Perhaps you are their best employee. Maybe others in your field make more money than you. Talk about whatever factors warrant a higher salary. Be honest and earnest, explaining the situation. Sometimes bosses do not give pay raises because they get caught up and do not realize that it has not happened for so long.
Depending on the situation and the personality of your boss, you may also want to talk about any situational factors that may sway him or her. For instance, if you have a new baby or just got married, then you can explain your reasons for needing a little more money. Hopefully your boss will be empathetic to your situation.
Carefully navigate the numbers
You should have an idea of the type of raise that you want when you go in there. You may want to ask for a little more if you think that he or she will want to negotiate down. It is important not to go so far high that he or she outright denies you. Stay calm while negotiating. Remember that you may be able to work in other compensatory items in the negotiations such as vacation days or benefits.
If you are like most people, you would like a better salary. Try the above tactics to negotiate higher pay.