In a highly capitalistic labor market where we work to make a living, salary negotiation skill is a top priority skill to have. Having a decent wage has a positive impact on your mental wellbeing which ultimately trickles down to improved productivity at work.
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Negotiation skills are a vital component that when mastered, will see you earn your worth. However, failure to master the skill, or failure to say the right things during negotiation, may cause you to miss out on the bigger picture as you settle for less. You cannot afford that. For tips on how to win a negotiation, check out part 1 of this article - salary negotiation tips and what you should focus on.
Here are 5 things that you should never say in a salary negotiation.
1. Never take the first offer and never make the first offer.
Accepting the first offer renders the negotiation process obsolete. Where is the fun in negotiating when there isn't anything to negotiate on? Accepting the first offer locks the possibility to negotiate for a higher salary or other benefits. If the first offer is good, ask for time to think about it before giving in. Remember that there is always the option of counter-offering. During a negotiation, the value can always go high or below.
Negotiating your salary implies that you know the value of your skillset. Most employers would find this attractive even if they do not meet your salary range. The fact that you attempted to negotiate your salary also puts you in the line for a future raise when the company reaches the level that it can offer more salary to its employees.
2. Do not disclose your current salary
Disclosing your current salary is unwise and should be avoided as much as possible. Most interviewers ask about your current salary and your salary expectations. It is a trick question and the wise thing to do instead is to state your expected salary. You are under no obligation to disclose your current salary to a prospective employer. Do not simply say 'no' to disclosing your salary but demonstrate that your previous salary is not important to the value you are to offer the organization.
3. “That’s all you have to offer?”
Saying this comes across as rude even if the offer is extremely undesirable. You would not want to anger your employer lest you get fired, or not hired. By all means, find a polite way of countering their offer. For instance, “I will be more comfortable if you offered me [amount]” can work better in your favor. It shows both respect and positivity. Your employers are more likely to listen to you and abide by your wishes when you are respectful.
4. “My desired salary is…”
Disclosing your desired salary is a really bad idea. Recovering from this situation is a hassle, like locking yourself in a box. Instead, let the employer make the first offer, then counter. Salary negotiation is just a game of numbers. If the allowances are underwhelming, the candidate can ask for a higher salary to make up for them.
Moreover, do not disclose the minimum amount you would accept. This is a rookie mistake that you should never make. The employers are likely to give you that minimum even if they had planned to give you a higher amount. You might also walk away with nothing in case the employer cannot afford to pay your minimum target. Do not give ultimatums. Play your cards wisely.
5. “I know [specific person] makes [amount] and I work harder than them”
Simply put, do not make comparisons.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when negotiating salaries is comparing what they earn to that of another employee. Never utilize gossip as a negotiation tool and never use comparison to ask for a raise. Such traits are unprofessional and your employer will not be pleased with you. It is acceptable that you want to get paid the right amount but don’t do it based on gossip. Do your research from reliable sources to know the worth of your skills before booking an appointment with your manager.
Conclusion
When you are uncertain during a negotiation, maintain your confidence to prevent the employer from taking advantage of the situation. Do more research on your industry standards of wage payments before getting into a negotiation room.
