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When applying for a job or
during the initial interview, we do not recommend disclosing you current
pay rate or salary. Delay answering this question by saying something
like "I am sure we'll agree on a starting salary that's acceptable to both
parties" or "my starting salary requirements are negotiable"
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If you are earning higher than their budget, they may
eliminate you.
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If you are earning less than their budget, you may miss out
on a higher salary.
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Let the employer decide to hire you first, then
discuss the starting salary. You will be in a much better position to negotiate a
higher salary and to secure the position.
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Always negotiate after you are offered the job, but
before you accept the offer.
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Be decisive and very serious in your moves.
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Obviously if you have more than one job offer, you
will be in a better position to negotiate a higher starting salary & pick
the the better job. This can be tricky, so be genuine in your
discussions as you don't want to end up with no offers.
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It is easier to start with a higher starting salary
than to start with a lower starting salary & expect to get a high
pay rise in the near future to make up for it.
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Once you get the job offer show your interest, but it
is best not to give them an answer right away. Let them know that you
will get back to them later that afternoon or first thing in the
morning. This allows you to review the offer and prepare your negotiation
process. Be prepared by going through the two scenarios in our starting
salary
negotiation example.
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Start with the starting base salary negotiations first. Once
you agree on a starting base salary, start negotiating additional benefits.
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To get you to accept a job offer, some employers will
say we'll review your salary in six months. Be aware that while they
probably will, they usually will only give you a pay rise if your
performance is above their expectations. So once you start working for
a company the normal pay rise criteria will apply to you. So accept an
offer that you will be satisfied with in case you don't get a pay rise
in a few months.
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Keep in mind that most employers are happy to
negotiate your starting salary package as a whole.
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If you know that you will not be accepting a company's
offer regardless, do not waste the company's time or yours by making a
counter offer or negotiating starting salary.
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It is not uncommon for an
employer to negotiate a few extra paid holidays or annual leave in the
first year due to a pre-planned commitment... etc.
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Also, if you are currently working, it is best not
to resign, as you will be in
a better position to secure and
negotiate a higher starting salary for the new job if you are
currently working.
