5 Tips For Negotiating Salary With No Experience

Navigating how to negotiate salary conversations can be a nerve-wracking topic for people, especially women.

Research shows that when women typically ask for raises or try to negotiate a salary at a new job, they are more likely than men to have to justify their request.

While it’s completely unfair to have to give reasons as to why you should be getting paid more, unfortunately, that is how the world still works in many workplaces.

To help you get over your fear of having the dreaded talk, I have crafted a list that will help you become a master of how to negotiate salary.

So regardless if you’re starting a new job and need to counteroffer to a fair wage or want a promotion at your current job, our tips will help you get what you deserve.

How to Negotiate Salary During an Interview?

When heading to a job interview, it is a good idea to be prepared for salary negotiation questions. If you’re not prepared, you may be caught off guard and settle for less than you actually want and deserve.

Make sure you do the market research for the job position in your city and know your facts on the range that would be fair and present that number.

If you have prior experience with a different company you can even push for a bit more and if you get any pushback, say that your salary expectations are on par with your experience and qualifications.

How to Negotiate Salary at Your Current Job? 

Learning how to negotiate salary at your current job can be somewhat easier than when you’re starting a new position.

Most places have annual reviews which assess your performance and this is the perfect place to bring up a raise.

If your employer doesn’t bring it up, it will not seem out of place for you to.

When bringing up a raise with your current employer, you should also do some prep work beforehand.

Knowing the last time you got a raise, how much the cost of living increased in your region, and also the market research for what your position is getting paid elsewhere are all great things to bring up.

You should also complete an honest self-evaluation of your work performance and bring it up to your boss.

If you have any special achievements, additional uncompensated workload, or anything that should be monetarily rewarded, make sure to bring it up.

5 Tips on How to Negotiate Salary With No Experience

1. Research

I know I already mentioned this above (twice) but knowing the local market’s pay range for a position similar to yours is key.

By pulling this number out, you will show your employer or potential employer that you are serious and it’s also a not-so-subtle hint that you have been looking elsewhere.

Find a few comparable options that you can bring to the table.

2. Be Confident

Practice your negotiation before you actually have to do it so you can calm your nerves.

Make sure you go into the meeting with good posture, speak with a clear, loud voice, and make eye contact.

This will show that you are serious about the conversation and are not scared to ask for what you feel you are rightfully owed.

3. Do Not Apologize

Many people feel bad about bringing up money talks because they were brainwashed to believe that it is not polite.

This is a story that the corporate world made up so you feel bad, but it is completely not true.

Asking for what you are worth when it comes down to the job you are doing is a completely justified question.

Do not ever apologize for bringing up your salary, your expectations, or asking for a raise.

Not only do you have nothing to be sorry for but it will make you look weak and you will be less likely to get the raise.

4. Be Specific

If you do know the salary ranges of comparable positions, you should still ask for a specific number.

If an employer, or potential employer, sees a range, you are basically giving them an option and they will most definitely lean towards the smaller number.

You should make sure you have an exact number in mind to present during the meeting.

5. Be Willing to Compromise

While it will be disappointing to receive a counteroffer instead of a yes to the raise, you should hear your employer out.

They may have valid reasons as to why you are not getting the full salary amount you are requesting.

If their reasons seem short-term, it would benefit you to request reviewing your salary in 3-6 months, rather than waiting for the next performance review which could be 1 year away.

What to do When They Decline

After all of your hard work prepping and going in with the utmost confidence, it can feel utterly defeating to not get a raise or your desired salary for a new position.

If your boss refuses to give you a raise, it’s important to stay calm.

If you are level-headed enough to continue the conversation, ask them why not.

If you have presented a valid case as to why you should be earning what you asked for, let them know and ask for an explanation.

Specifically, ask them about the main reasons for their decision and what they could be doing differently in order to qualify for a raise.

Sometimes you may get the vibe that they are just not appreciating you so it could be time to end your days with them or stop pursuing them all together.

As they say “Not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.” so take this as a blessing in disguise and find somewhere that is willing to pay you what you’re worth!

Hopefully, this list gives you the guidance you need on salary negotiations. Get started today by joining our NetWerk community! 

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Remember to be patient with your professional growth. Things will happen over time, not overnight.

Over to You

Have you ever had to negotiate your salary? Was it before you were hired or when you were already employed?

Tell us how it went in the comments section on our social @netwerkmovement.

If you have a friend who needs to build up courage and learn how to negotiate salary, share this post with them to help them with asking for the wage they want.