The Best Way to Successfully Negotiate A Salary

You just applied, interviewed, and were offered a new position that you couldn’t be more excited about. But after taking a look at the current salary offered, you decide that it may be in your best interest to try and ask for a little bit more.  

However, negotiating a salary can be a difficult and sometimes nerve-wracking task.  Negotiating or “bargaining” as it’s sometimes called, is not a skill that comes easy to many individuals. Those just starting off in a new position may feel like it is not appropriate, but in actuality it’s important to negotiate a little as it can be an opportunity to show your employer what you’re made of. Also, if you feel like your abilities do not reflect the amount you are being paid, there is no harm in having this type of conversation. Just be aware that if you decide to move forward with this to keep in mind the saying of “putting your money where your mouth is.” If you’re asking for more money, you better be able to back it up with those same skills.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and hold your own, remember that they came to you with an offer and you should not forget that! Use this negotiation time to shine, and prove that they made the right choice in hiring you.

To make sure you get what you deserve, here are a few vital tips to help prepare for the situation:

1)  Ask: Without asking you will get nowhere! Organize both your talking points and argument and go for it.

2) Do your research: Find out what others in your position make, talk to recruiters, and review similar job postings.

3) Know your worth: Be familiar with your own skills and if they exceed the job position you have been offered. If you know you can make a greater impact that is worth noting.

Good luck and let the negotiations begin! 

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Jenna Stern.

Mapping Your Next Steps

As summer comes to an end, many of us are thinking about what the next step in our professional lives should be. Some may be preparing for another semester at school, others may be preparing to graduate and enter the real world or are looking to take on a different job than the one they have now. Each of these phases can be scary, but are much easier to process and manage with a little planning ahead. Whether you are looking for your next internship, first job or are looking to switch jobs, here are some tips to get you started:

Remember your goals: Your long and short term goals should always be guiding factors when making new decisions. Make a list of short and long term professional goals that you would like to accomplish in the following weeks, months, and years. Nothing is too big or too small. A short term goal could be as simple as starting a blog or updating your portfolio, and a long term goal could be to get published or go to work for a large firm. 

Plan to take risks: Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zones when planning for your future. This may mean planning to take an internship in a different city that you're unfamiliar with, or relocating for a new job. You never know where opportunity can take you.

Get inspired: Sometimes it can be hard for us to think outside of the box. Sit and talk with friends and other professionals to see what some of their future plans and goals are. You never know when someone else's vision will inspire your own.

Don't get stuck: Life may cause us to take detours and veer off of our mapped out plan, and that's ok. All that matters is that we do not allow ourselves to get "stuck" in any place. If you aren't settled doing what you love, you should be planning a way to get there! You should be just as passionate about your professional life as you are your personal life.

Have you set future professional goals? Share them with us!