11 Tips for Getting the Salary You Want

11 Tips for Getting the Salary You WantSalary negotiating can be terrifyingparticularly for entry-level workers who feel they have yet to prove their obvious worth to the profession and arent allowed to ask for what they want. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Here are 11 tips that will help you get the salary you want.1. Know thyselfKnow what a typical employee makes at that job level in that industry. But also weigh that against your particular skills and experience, and how much you know youre worth. Do you think you deserve the higher end of the starting range? Then ask for it. Know what you want and then give them the chance to give it to you. It never hurts to ask.2. Stay coolYou really need this job. But that doesnt mean you should just take the first salary offer they make. Opening the lines of negotiation will not cost you the job. Not opening them might, however, cost you the salary you deserve.3. Ask higherWant a 25% hike in sal ary? Ask for 35%. Theyll bring it down and think theyve won the day. And youll totenstill get what you need.4. Be popularThe best way to get what you want from one employer is to have a counteroffer from another one. Show you have many more options and offers. Make them sweat a bit that they wont land you. Show them how highly other companies value you.5. Think benefits and bonusesDont forget to take these into account when comparing the salary youre currently negotiating with your past salary package. And dont forget they can be useful extras to sweeten your deal if you cant get the dollar amount you asked for.6. Keep your headDont be petulant or pout. Dont be aggressive. Stay calm and logical and present your case like a grown-up. Act like a grown-up and HR will treat you like one.7. SnoopIts always good to have some idea what your colleagues are making before you go into negotiations. This gives you a great sense of range. If youre moving to a new company, see if you cant find so meone who knows someone who might know roughly what the salary packages are at that company for your position.8. Be thoroughMake sure you get all of the details. Talk through your salary breakdown line-by-line and avoid being surprised on payday.9. Dont be greedyAt the end of the day, salary isnt everything. If this is your dream company, you can probably afford to work for them for a little less than you would make at the sell-out company of doom and ennui. If theyre not being unreasonable with you, but just cant give you what youre asking, dont storm out without thinking it through. Remember youre playing the long game here.10. Be ballsyIf you can afford to, and this isnt your dreamiest of dream jobs, its okay to walk away sometimes. You can say no. Sometimes showing your back on the way out the door can be the thing that actually gets you what you want. Just dont bank on this happening. Only walk away from negotiations if you can be comfortable with the possibility of it ending t here.11. Know when to fold emDo all of these things before you get your offer letter. Once that thing hits your inbox, all typed up and official-looking on the company letterhead, thats the official number. HR isnt going to budge.Remember to do your homework, have a clear idea of what youre worth, and ask for something within the realm of fairness. Chances are, youll get it. Worst case scenario youll have learned a valuable skill that will serve you next timeand throughout your whole career.