Use a positive tone
Don’t make salary negotiations only about yourself, because the manager is probably not having a jolly time negotiating either. That being said, he’s a potential future employer and it’s best to stay on his good side and maintain friendly and positive dynamics.
Use a positive tone to effectively navigate through the negotiation process. Employers are always keen on hiring fresh talent that brings valuable skills to the table. If you’re confident and honest, and you’ve done your homework, you’ll likely walk out of the room satisfied with the negotiation.
Simulate the interview
Preparation is key. It may sound a bit much, but it works pretty well. Ask a friend to interview you with a set of questions that you believe that the real interviewer might ask. Make these as direct and objective as you can.
An ideal friend for the job is someone who has good corporate experience who can share some pro tips on how to project confidence and tackle unexpected questions during an interview. Simulating the interview a few times can make you feel more confident about yourself.
Give the interviewer a good reason
If you’re asking for higher pay, the interviewer would want to see your potential or the substance of your claims. To do this, give the interviewer very specific instances where you’ve been able to provide substantial value to your previous employer(s).
Prepare yourself before entering the interview hall for answering the question “Why do you deserve a higher salary?” because this is precisely what the interviewer would want to know.
Also, be sure to agree when offered a reasonable salary amount during the negotiation. Find the sweet spot between firm and flexible as you go back-and-forth while you’re negotiating. If you refuse to give the interviewer any ground, it’s probably not going to end well for you.
