Negotiating 101
@thepariswilliams | vol 1.
Listen. I am not a writer. At all. Think about those folks you know who are passionate about their subjects — who research to inform you about a topic they believe in. All of the above is partially me. I have the drive but not an ounce of experience. I’m literally typing my thoughts out as they roll through my mind.
Anyway, my name is Paris; I’ve been a recruiter for the past five years across multiple companies. I recently became a Technical Sourcer, a part of recruiting, but not the part I’ve focused on. The role is a fresh start for me. At a new company, with a new team and a completely new process. I felt as if I was 18 year old P, the past week felt like I was back in college at my first track practice. I was used to being a big fish in a little pond. Now I’m in this ginormous ocean with many other big fish, sharks, whales, and whale sharks – a brand new lane. I love a good challenge. It’s been a while since I was pushed outside of my comfort zone in a professional setting. Soooo I’ve decided to document it all. Talk about some of my experiences and advice in areas where people struggle.
Beware! This new journey is not a career coach, head hunter, or human resource 101. This is more of a first-class seat through life in the eyes of a married overachieving, bossy, cute, bubbly black woman who will outwork you (and hopefully work with you in the future). I’ll also provide you with a few tips and tricks I picked up along the way.
LAST THING, this is all new. Please give me feedback! Let me know what you like. What was helpful, and which areas I can improve.
Okay, enough of that. Let’s get some money in your pockets.
Negotiating
I get it; negotiating is scary. Why wouldn’t the company make you the best offer? Unfortunately, that is not how the real world works. That is not how corporate America works. It is a business. Fight for what you won’t – fight for yourself. Ask yourself, do you want to book that flight to Dubai this summer or Nah?
Want to hear something that made me sad? In a recent survey by intuitmintlife.com, 1,000 millennials completed a study regarding negotiations. Of that group, 58% admitted they’ve never negotiated their salary, and 28% said they didn’t intervene because they didn’t know-how. Here are a few quick negotiation tips:
- Do your homework
- Say it with your chest.
- Listen, Linda, LISTEN
- Take yo time
Do your homework.
When negotiating, you want to be as informed as possible. No, seriously – do your research ahead of time. Take notes to write down what you find. Figure out what an acceptable range looks like to you. How? Google, silly! Know the market value range.
How much is the person in your position at your competitor’s company making? How much are people in other industries in your role making? These are the questions you need to find out, asIt will help you build your case. LinkedIn also has a bunch of articles, calculators, and general information. There’s so much free knowledge, don’t be lazy.
Invest in you.
Things to consider:
- Cost of Living
- Relevant Experience
- Certifications/Licenses
- Years of industry experience
- Education Level
Say It With Your Chest.
Now that you know what the market is offering, it’s time for you to come up with your range. Before we get into the market, I want to remind you to consider your worth. As you are coming up with your range, consider your skills and certifications – Know your worth! It is essential to have a realistic number for both you and the company.
Personally, I recommend asking at the higher end of your range. The worst thing that happens is they say no. A positive that can happen is you get your target number or MORE.
The biggest thing I’ve learned is to be assertive, not aggressive. Being assertive means asking for what you want. Assertion is when one won’t take no as an answer. You can be an assertive boss without being angry. Practice expressing your feelings without anxiety or anger.
Confidence is key. Own it.
Listen, Linda, Listen.
Learn how to stop talking. Don’t ramble yourself out of more money. Ask your question and allow the recruiter to answer. You want to understand the company’s wants, needs, and motivations. Be sure to ask open-ended questions and listen to the responses. For example, asking “Is that your final offer” doesn’t leave you much room to negotiate.
Approaching the recruiter with a phrase like “What would you say if I was unable to make this salary work for me? Is there any room to negotiate? I was hoping for XX.”
Then be quiet.
Shhhhh.
DO NOT SAY ANYTHING.
Allow the recruiter to answer. They’re more than likely going to tell you they’ll need to check with their team and get back to you. Be prepared to present your case and any relevant research you found. Only answer questions you were directly asked; this is not time to be a Rambling Ralph.
Take Yo Time.
You are the prize, always. You have received the offer, and you will not lose it if you choose to negotiate. If a company comes back to you with a revised proposal, do not feel like you HAVE to answer at that moment. Always ask for time to think things over.
Ask them when they need a response. Most companies will give you about a week. If they come back with a counteroffer that still does not meet your needs, COUNTER AGAIN. Come back with a number that aligns with what you’re looking for.
In some situations, companies may be unable to meet your salary requirements. Consider asking your recruiter about other negotiable benefits. An example would be requesting a sign-on bonus, additional paid time off, work schedule flexibility, or tuition reimbursement.
Sometimes you may have to walk away. Never accept a position because you think it is “the best you can do.” There is always another company out there that will pay you what you’re worth.
Good Luck!
You got this. I can’t wait to hear all of your success stories!!
Now I need your help. Would you mind sending me feedback? I want to know your thoughts! As the first run, was this helpful for you? Do you feel prepared to intervene for your new role? What thoughts and resources can you share to help out your fellow peers on the job market today?
Thank you so much for joining me on this journey. I look forward to connecting with each and every one of you.
xoxo,
P. Will
Hit Me Up:
Email: | IG: thepariswilliams | LinkedIn: Paris Williams
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