Posted By: max on 2005-11-30

A job hunt ought to be a win-win situation, where you get
to work with the best employer in your field and recruiters
get candidates who will fulfill important functions in their
organisations.

When it comes to negotiating your salary, however, your
aim are likely to come into direct conflict with the employer's.
You, obviously, want to feel valued and get the best salary
possible, while your employer wants to engage you as cheaply
as he can, without making you feel exploited ad undervalued.

To get the best deal possible, follow these basic steps:

Step 1: Instead of putting all your eggs in one basket, it is
better to have other job offers under your belt.

This allow you to walk away, should one recruiter's offer
prove too low. And make sure the recruiter you're currently
talking to knows that you've other offers. This ought to put
him under pressure to give you a good deal.

Bear in mind too, that recruitment is a judgement-based,
tenuous activity.When employers see that others are interested
in you, they willfigure that you must be a good candidate, and
it gives them condidence to make you a better offer.

Step 2: Thoroughly research the type of salaries that are
on offer in your industry. Search the employment sections
in relevant trade or industry magazines, as these can help
you understand the salaries ranges for your job. If possible,
find out the salaries of people who work at the level above
and below you, so that you've a reference point when you
bargain and know what figure to aim for.

Step 3: Evaluate just how rare your skills and talents
are. Consider how many people are likely to have the
skills that your employer needs. The more you meet
those needs, the more negotiating power you have.

Step 4: Familiarise yourself with your "Batna" before
you go for the interview. "Batna" is a negotiating term
for "Best Alternatives To a Negotiated Agreement".

Consider and think through all your alternatives. For
example, you could opt to stay in your current job,
accept another offer, or wait for the "ideal" position.
BY knowing your "Batna", you will have a better idea
of the minimum amount you're willing to accept.

Bear in mind that if you begin to talk money before
your employer has assessed what you can offer, then
you have lost your negotiating strength. All you'll get
in this situation is either the standard rate for the job
or whatever you were paid in your last position.

The best time to broach the subject of money is as
soon as you are certain that the recruiter really wants
you, and once you have a clear idea of what you can
do for the employer.

Remember, recruiters will always lose interest in you
if you price yourself too high.So always leave room to
manoeuvre and you'll be likely to come on top in the end.

© Shroogle.com 2006