If you’re nervous about broaching the subject of your salary with your boss, take heart. You will become more comfortable with it the more you practice, and once you’ve had the first conversation with your boss, you’ll know exactly what to expect the next time you need to negotiate your salary.
The worst that can happen is that your boss simply refuses your request, in which case you may want to look for a new job. But unless your boss is a real tyrant, you’ll just sit down and have a conversation, meeting somewhere in the middle.
Here are 5 ways to negotiate a better salary when offering virtual accounting services .
- Do Your Research
Are you being paid on the low end or the high end of the typical salary range? You can use this information as a benchmark to assure yourself that what you are asking for is reasonable.
Note that average salaries will also depend on where you live. There will be not only a national average for your profession, but also an average for your state. Your state’s average may be higher than the national average, but take into consideration your state’s cost of living as well. In other words, pinpoint the average salary for someone not only in your profession, but also in your state or possibly even your city.
- Ask For Extras at the Same Time
Not happy with your benefits package? Bring that up too.
Want more frequent salary increases or performance reviews? Mention it.
If your boss balks at your request for a higher salary, you can lower your asking price but still get some additional value by negotiating for some extras or perks at the same time.
- Don’t Appear Overeager
It’s not a good idea to appear to overeager or desperate for the job, as employers will use this to their advantage. If you seem desperate for the job, unscrupulous employers will assume that you’ll settle for any kind of salary.
If you don’t appear too overeager (but be sure to remain confident), your potential employer will worry about losing you to the competition! Thus, salary becomes a more powerful bargaining tool.
- Be Confident
You have some amazing skills, have contributed to the success of the company and embody the company’s core values; you are worth every penny, and maybe even a few more.
Of course, theres a fine line between being confident and cocky. Don’t be demanding or rude. However, do be direct. Don’t skirt around the issue by trying to imply that you want a higher salary. Be direct and just ask.
Listen to a confidence-boosting playlist, practice self-affirmation, get your best friend to give you a pep talk, dress in your nicest clothes or do whatever else makes you feel confident and puts a pep into your step.
- Practice Beforehand
Practicing with friends and family is good, especially if they have experience with negotiating salaries and can give you a few pointers.
However, you should also consider seeking the help of local job success centres or organizations. Any group that helps individuals practice mock job interviews should be able to help you practice this tricky meeting as well. If you are a college graduate, your alumni association may have some resources to help you, including the job centre at your alma mater.
Professionals in this arena will be able to throw all kinds of scenarios your way and help you get through them. When it comes time to talk to your boss, nothing should surprise you.
