How to Negotiate Salary

How to negotiate salary if you're getting job offers but they tend to be for lower-level positions and for less money?

There are several ways to deal with lower offers, but first you have to assess your situation. How badly do you need a job? How long can you hold out for that “perfect” position? And, how flexible are you?

Obviously, the more flexible you are the better. If time, money, and location are not a problem for you then you won’t have a problem commanding what you want and need for a salary. If this is you, fantastic! Not all of us have that luxury, so if you’re not as flexible and you need to stay in a particular location and you need a position right now, let’s cover how to negotiate salary, especially when you're faced with low salary offers.

The most important thing to evaluate in ANY job offer (even if it is a good offer) is the potential for your career. In other words, potential is the most important part of any opportunity you come across regardless of the money or the position. In my career as a professional recruiter I have had candidates take less money and relocate for better opportunities. Sometimes this is the only way you can get that special position you were born to do. Is it risky? It can be if you don’t do your research, so make sure you research the company.

By the way, the less flexible you are regarding the location the more you will have to deal with these issues. Sometimes where you’re currently living doesn’t have the available opportunities for you. Don’t be afraid to take a lower-level position thinking it will hurt your career. It won’t. Especially right now in this economy. If you need a job and the offer is the best you can get, take it, prove yourself and get the position and money later. Again, make sure you do your research on the company.

At our firm I always recommend to candidates (if it’s a lower paying position) to always negotiate a salary review. But, and this is key, make sure you negotiate the salary review upfront! When you negotiate the salary review upfront, here's how you do it. Ask for a ninety days or six months salary review after your starting date of employment. You can stipulate to the company that you are willing to come on-board for a lower paying position with the understanding that after ninety days or six months (or whatever you can get) if you’re doing an exceptional job your salary will be raised to a certain level. Does this always work? Not always but it's worth a try, especially if you have to stay in a certain location. It will also show the company that you are flexible and willing to prove yourself.

So, if you’re getting job offers but they tend to be for less money you should always negotiate a salary review with the company upfront. You will be surprised how many companies will go for it. As far as dealing with lower-level positions, don’t get hung-up on it. Take it. You can always explain away your situation later with a potential employer. It won’t hurt your career. I hope this helps.

Good luck to you!