Confident salary negotiation

Confident communication isn’t about being right, or winning at the other person’s expense, or saying the right thing at exactly the right time.

It’s about remaining in dialogue until you can “get to yes.”

If you’re interviewing for a new role and the hiring or HR manager says something like, “Your expectations are a little bit too high for the budget of this position,” there are many ways to respond. Some more effective than others.

If you respond with something like…

I won't work for less.

Well, that's the minimum I'm only to accept.

If you don't pay me this, someone else will.

Can you reconsider? I really need the money.

…what do you think the effect on the other person will be?

You’re not going to get your needs met by focusing on yourself.

Instead, focus on mutual objectives:

• Can we dive deeper into the role's responsibilities and expectations to find a mutually agreeable salary?

• Are there any flexible options or performance space incentives that could help me meet my salary expectations?

• Can we discuss the potential for future salary reviews or growth opportunities?

• I'd be happy to discuss the overall conversation package in more detail to see how we can align our expectations.

Instead of framing your conversation like you’re on opposite sides of the table arguing against each other, come around to their side of the table to work on the puzzle together.

You might just get your needs met by focusing on both your needs.