Written by Emiley Phillips
Image by @sarahlysander
In today’s world, it’s crucial to stand up for what you believe in, ask for what you deserve, and most certainly need. After all, the cost of living is only increasing – I mean, have you seen the price of fuel, energy, and even food lately? UK inflation has been rising at its fastest rate for 30 years! Shouldn’t your pay match? Not sure where to start? Do not stress – IALH has covered you with top tips to exercise negotiating your pay at work.
With skill shortages & job role competition rising, we are in the best position to ask for higher pay. So, you are in luck if you hold specialized skills in demand and have an impressive resume to compliment you.
Still not feeling deserving of that rise? If you have been working at your current job for a while, taking on additional tasks, or are just excelling overall, this is deserving of a pay rise.
When it comes to negotiating, confidence is key. You are your own best advocate, after all. Believe in yourself and your hustle. If you know you are worth more, you have the skills, attitude, and experience on your side, then …what are you waiting for? Go get that bag, hun!
Honesty is the best policy.
I am sure we have all considered leaving a job role or turning down a new opportunity because the salary was not what was hoped for. Don’t worry, sis. We are all in the same boat. As strange as it may seem, be honest and share your considerations with your current/future employer. Tell them what is holding you back.
Especially for a current position, if you are excelling but bring it to your employer’s attention that you are considering leaving and looking elsewhere for a job with better earning potential. They should rethink their offering. If they can, they will have to offer an increase, or some sort of negotiation, or else it would be their loss… And for a new position, there is no harm in asking for negotiation if the pay is not what you expected. Share your concerns and ask if there is any chance of an increase! You know you have the skills …..
How to build your confidence?
If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
Research indicates that most employees find it too daunting to initiate a conversation with their employer about negotiating pay. It may seem easier to wait for them to suggest it first but just think for a moment…why should you wait? If you do not take the leap, address the elephant in the room, and bring it to your employer, how will you ever know the outcome? What if they were waiting for you after all? Remember, no one can mind read, so how can your employer know what you want if you do not speak up? Use the voice you have been blessed with and use it wisely. After all, ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get’.
Research, research and more research!
Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.
State your case to your employer with research-backed evidence. Make sure to look around to see the average salary in the position you hold or are looking for. Understand the current, realistic rate so you can suggest a reasonable pay amount. There is so much information out there to locate the figures. Make it easy for your employer, have the hard evidence in paper form so you can present it in your meeting when the time is right. Be well-sourced; get your figures from three sources instead of one. Numbers do not lie, especially if the company in question is target-driven. Also, talk to your network and see if they can give any assistance – after all, you have your network for a reason.
Create a case for you
Know your true value
We have addressed stating your case from a financial standpoint, but non-financial is just as important. You cannot just ask for a pay increase without expressing your case – if only it were that simple! Your employer will need non-financial justification, even if they know that you deserve it. It always adds and helps when you can fight your case and be brave, know your true value and shout it from the rooftops.
Highlight your strengths and explain why you think it is necessary – what extra benefits can you bring to the organization if they follow through with the negotiation? Remember to think from a business point of view…what would sway the employer your way?
A tip here is to not be arrogant. There is a thin line between confidence and arrogance which you certainly do not want to cross. Know your case, advocate for yourself but at the same time, don’t overdo it, or that would be an instant no. Short, sweet, and to the point is the mantra here.
Practise makes perfect
When it is time for the meeting or phone call to ask – and yes – it is undoubtedly better to ask in person, face to face, and worst ways over the phone rather than over email (please, please, for your own sake, avoid this), exercise some positive self-talk to get you going. Get manifesting, girl!!! Tell yourself, ‘I’ve got this, ‘I can do this, ‘What have I got to lose, ‘I won’t know If I do not try, ‘I am worthy of more. Beginning the discussion with a positive mental attitude will reflect in how you come across…with confidence.
Take some time beforehand to practise, as, of course, practice makes perfect. Plan what to say, know your case, have some pointers written down to help guide you if you lose track. Get a relative, partner, or friend to do some roleplay with you (no, not that kind), practise how the conversation will go. Try different reactions, too, to be prepared for anything thrown at you. Trust me, you will be thankful.
Follow up
If you have built up that confidence, taken the leap, and asked…then girl, you better get the answer you have been waiting for.
Of course, do not expect it right there and then but set a deadline and follow up. Perhaps after a week or so, if you have not at least had an update, ask. An answer is deserved, even if not the one you hoped for, an explanation as to why, so you know where you stand. Maybe it is just not the right time to ask, but in that situation, persistence is key.
Remember, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. Even if the outcome is not what you hope, understand the reasons, take the feedback and act accordingly. Try again when the time is right, be persistent and never let anyone lower your worth. All the tips are in black and white, so put them in place and use them as you wish.
After all, you’ve got this!
