4 Qualities Of The Best Negotiators At Work

As seen on Forbes.

Negotiating for better pay and benefits could be expected when signing a new job offer, whether in a new company or a promotion. Successful negotiations enhance your sense of value and commitment to the company, as you have taken an active role in shaping your employment terms.

As a rule, don’t simply accept the first offer handed to you and try to negotiate it. A survey by Fidelity Investments shows that 85% of Americans who countered offers on salaries and benefits got at least some of what they asked for.

So, what does it take to be a good negotiator when discussing compensation packages at work? Here are 4 qualities you should keep in mind to achieve success in your negotiation efforts:

Know Your Skills And Value

When you know yourself best, you’re also self-aware of your skills and value as an employee. This means you can back up your salary and benefits requests with concrete examples of your achievements, experiences, and unique contributions you can bring to the company.

Knowing your market value also helps you benchmark your skills against industry standards, ensuring your salary expectations are realistic and competitive. This prevents you from undervaluing or overpricing yourself in the end.

During negotiations, highlight quantifiable successes you’ve had. For example, you’ve increased sales by 20% despite working on a limited budget. Present well-researched market data for your desired pay, showing that your request aligns with what others in similar roles and skills are earning.

Keep Practicing

Data from the Pew Research Center revealed that 60% of employed adults didn’t ask for higher pay the last time they were hired. This could have negative consequences for their career and financial well-being. Continuously accepting offers without negotiation can diminish their sense of worth and confidence in their professional value.

Some realize later that they could have negotiated for better terms, which leads to regret and dissatisfaction with their decision.

So, don’t make the same mistake and keep trying to negotiate. Approach job offers as opportunities to advocate for your worth, ensuring that you secure the best possible terms to further your growth.

Try To Work With Them Not Against

You’ll usually negotiate the job offer with the hiring manager or an HR representative, and this requires a strategic approach. Two things: never be aggressive and never be against them.

Maintain a professional demeanor throughout the process by showing respect and appreciation for the offer. Clearly and concisely articulate your request and the rationale behind it. It would be best to cite specific examples and data to support your points.

Also, be willing to compromise. Show flexibility by proposing alternative solutions, like if they can’t offer higher pay but can offer additional vacation days instead.

Aim For A Win-Win Situation

At the end of the day, good negotiations always strive for a win-win situation for themselves and the company they will be working with. To achieve this, you must balance your needs and expectations with those of the company or hiring manager.

When it’s getting difficult for the hiring team to offer you what you want, take a pause and respond to their objections calmly and respectfully. Understand their perspective and address their concerns. You can also offer solutions to bridge the gap. For example, you can propose a performance-based raise or a salary review after a certain period if the initial offer is lower than expected.

Make them feel like it’s not actually a negotiation. Frame your requests as needs rather than demands and emphasize how the adjustments will benefit both you and the company, suggesting how that particular change will increase your commitment to the role and the company.

Keep in mind that every action you take during job offer negotiations should be approached with respect and a willingness to compromise. This will foster a productive and harmonious professional relationship for the involved parties. It’s not about winning but mutual understanding and appreciation.

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