If you’re reading this post, you’re probably feeling underpaid or undervalued at work, and you’re hoping to find a few tips on how to change that. Well, by reading this article, you’re already taking a step in the direction of earning a higher salary.

 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you start negotiating for your salary increase:

 

Put your mind to the task at hand

It’s important to prepare yourself mentally for the situation before you burst into your boss’s office demanding a higher salary. Ponder over the possible outcomes – how will you react if the desired outcome of the negotiations isn’t reached? Keep your thoughts as calm and collected as you can while preparing to negotiate for a better salary.

 

Be prepared for the meeting

Why do you deserve a salary increase? Prepare the answer to this question in as much detail as possible. Your boss will immediately know whether you’re there to talk facts, or to make up a story about why you deserve better.

Research what people get paid in positions that are similar to yours. Show your boss what you have achieved in your position over the past six or twelve months. Make sure you explain the link between your salary and your career trajectory so that your boss can see that you have put a lot of thought into this.

You can also do a bit of research on how much it would cost the company to replace you – but don’t mention this information if you don’t have to (you could seem defensive – and that’s not a good thing!). Rather keep this information in the back of your mind while you prepare for your meeting with your boss, as it might give you a clearer perspective.

 

Be willing to discuss other forms of benefits

An increase in your monthly paycheque isn’t the only positive outcome that you could expect from your salary negotiations. Many companies may prefer rewarding their employees in the form of extra leave days, opportunities to attend skills development courses or advanced training programmes (paid for by the company), improved year-end bonuses, or even a promotion. Other useful benefits you can negotiate for include things like a travel allowance and flexible working hours.

 

Avoid mentioning numbers

Shy away from any questions or suggestions regarding a specific salary amount that you would like to receive. Keep an acceptable (but narrow) salary range in mind (based on the research you did while preparing for the meeting) in case you are pressured to provide your boss with a number – but keep in mind that the lowest number should still be an acceptable increase from your current salary package.

 

Stay calm and confident

Keep your emotions at bay while meeting with your boss. Any feelings of fear, sadness, hope, neediness, or expectation should be kept at bay for the hour or so that you are busy with negotiations. Use facts, instead of your emotions, to guide the meeting.

 

If you feel (know) that you deserve a salary increase, your manager or boss probably knows it, too. So prepare, present, and have a little bit of patience – and luck could be on your side sooner than you think!

 

Do you have any salary negotiation tips of your own that you’d like to share with us? Leave us a comment in the box below!

 

Note: This article was originally posted on 29 July 2015, and has been updated for comprehensiveness and clarity. Updated by: Lungiswa Nyatyowa