'63% of workers missing out in their careers because they’re afraid of negotiating'

Research by Salary.com has found that a staggering 63% of people don’t attempt to negotiate their salaries. Why? They’re afraid. Many people find negotiating a daunting prospect, and get overwhelmed just at the thought of it.

 

Career Ambitions writes:

If you accept an offer that you believe is lower than you’re worth, it is going to have damaging consequences. To start, a lower salary can have damaging long-term financial effects, including smaller pay rises and a smaller pension. More importantly are the negative psychological effects that this can instill, eating away at you and creating an underlying dislike for your job and your employers. 

Negotiating doesn’t have to be a scary prospect. There are a number of ways that you can prepare to succeed when the time comes.

Firstly, it’s important to bear in mind that you are negotiating over a job, not just a salary. Don’t fixate on money, but instead identify the other things that you value – perhaps the amount of responsibility you will be given, the location of the role, the opportunities for future promotion and training. In the long run these factors will increase your chances of a higher salary and improve your career prospects.

Step into the other party’s shoes for a moment. What are they looking for in a candidate and how could you fulfill their needs? Can they imagine you as part of their team? A key skill is learning “likeability.” At the end of the day, if they don’t like you, it’s unlikely they will fight for you.

As with most things in life, practice really does make perfect. Try out some practice scenarios with a friend; it will help to build your confidence so that you are prepared for the big negotiating moment. Finally, believe in yourself! If you don’t, why should anyone else…

 For more tips on how to negotiate your new job offer, visit the Career Ambitions website.

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