The art of negotiating your value BY BETH COLEPEPER
So, you got offered the job you’ve always wanted… Congrats! Before you sign, it’s important to ensure the best possible salary – you do not want to end up feeling like you’re being paid less than you deserve.
A NOTE ON GRAD PROGRAMMES: If you’re going into a graduate programme, chances are you won’t be able to negotiate a raise in your pay, as most companies that offer graduate programmes pay all graduates the same amount, and that is non-negotiable.
Often, your next chance to improve your salary will only be at your annual raise, which can be hard to increase significantly – if your starting salary is R10K, you could wait many years before earning double that. Because of this, it is important to talk money upfront – you do not want to be a year into your job and realise that there are no financial growing opportunities.
Do your homework
Ask the right questions
Know your worth
Some companies will offer a significant increase after a probation period (or after a special programme offered to graduates). Others will keep your salary the same once you become a permanent employee. It will be up to you to find out early on which it is, and to make sure you can live off what the company will be willing to pay you.
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Before asking what your salary will be, or if you’re unsure of what you should be earning for the position you’re filling, you should know the benchmark salary for the position. Research whether there is a difference between what the industry pays someone performing this job, and what the company is going to be paying you.
Write down all the qualities that make you valuable. During this self-assessment, don’t be humble. Know what you are capable of and what you can contribute to the company. Answer the following: What will you bring to the table? Why are you worthy of being paid more? Are you able to do something for the company that other employees can’t? Do you work efficiently? How much income will you bring in for the company?