Earning more than you're getting? Then get your act together and ask for a raise. Not sure how to go about it? Then our pro tips will help you negotiate at eye level and not get thrown out of the game. With a good strategy and convincing arguments, you'll come out on top.

1. research is key

Before you get into salary negotiation, look around on internet. What is the general salary for your job and position. Find out about industry salary ranges for similar jobs and consider regional differences. Look at various salary comparison websites, for example, the employment agency. They have their own salary atlas. This will give you a realistic idea of your market value. The better informed you are, the stronger you can build your argumentation during the negotiation. But even if the average is generally somewhat below your expectations, you need not bury your head in the sand yet. 

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 2.   Your performance counts 

The only argument for a salary increase is your performance. An absolute no-go in a salary negotiation is to complain about your rent being raised and your kids needing a bunch of stuff for school. What matters is your performance. Make a list of your accomplishments, projects and skills that are valuable to your employer. When negotiating, emphasize how your contributions have advanced the company, which of your special skills have saved the company money. Or maybe you managed to get a delivery date, which was thought to be lost, on time due to your excellent improvisation skills? That is the stuff from which salary increases are made. Every little thing you did well that had a positive impact on the company: write it down and mention it in the conversation. So you underline your added value and put your claims on a solid footing. 

 3.   Art in itself: proper timing  

The right timing for your salary negotiation is worth its weight in gold. Top is if you just finished a project successfully. Maybe you got a big praise from your boss or you were generally celebrated in the company for it. Then thumbs up!  

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Not a good time to talk üabout more money is when something has just gone super wrong that you are responsible for. Or if your boss has just had a difficult conversation with someone else or something has gone wrong in the company overall, even if you had nothing to do with it. Of course, you should not wait forever, but the right timing, has already brought some in a relaxed mood a juicy salary increase.  

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 4.     

A successful salary negotiation requires not only a good argumentation and the appropriate timing but also a üconvincing appearance. If you have backed up your salary demand with facts and put your experience, skills and contribution to the company's success on the line, you should also present yourself accordingly. Don't belittle yourself, don't say you understand there's not much to give out right now. Be self-confident, look your counterpart straight in the eye and avoid the pauses in conversation that often follow the whining that the company didn't make as much revenue. Sure, if you know that the company is struggling to survive, see point 3: Maybe not the right time? In all other cases, restate that you are a key contributor to the success. Again, emphasize the value you bring to the company. It is only fair and right that you also get an appropriate compensation. 

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 5.   Open minded and respectful 

A confident attitude is critical to a successful salary negotiation, yet be respectful and professional. Try not to react too negatively during the negotiation and do not build up pressure. Keep your tone calm and be open to constructive dialogue. Show that you represent your own interests, but also have the overall good of the company in mind. 

 6.   Be creative: fringe benefits are also money 

Salary negotiations are not limited to base salary. Think about other compensation components and benefits. These include annual bonuses, commissions, flexible working hours, training opportunities and a company pension plan. Maybe the company can't pay you more cash, but what about a four-day week? That's a pay raise, too, even if you don't see it directly in your account. The ability to think flexibly is a plus that will get you closer to your goal.  

 7.   Last but not least: undermine possible counterarguments 

Be prepared for your employer to raise counterarguments or concerns. Üconsider what might come from there? Something gone wrong recently? Or have you failed to meet agreed-upon goals? And once again, point 3 comes into play: Is now the right time? If yes, then prepare appropriate responses to such defensive attempts! For example, if you have meanwhile educated yourself somewhere or have learned your lessons from a certain fail and are now approaching things differently. Set against concerns always your latest successes.  

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At the end of the day, you make the match point with good preparation. If you know how much you can ask for, highlight your achievements, appear self-confident and can counteract possible counter-arguments, then nothing stands in the way of a reasonable salary increase. So then: Game on! 

 

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions about salary negotiation:

1. How do I best prepare for a salary negotiation?

When preparing for a salary negotiation, thorough research is the be-all and end-all. Find out about industry salary ranges for similar jobs and take regional differences into account. You can use various salary comparison websites to get a realistic idea of your market value. In addition, it is useful to make a list of your achievements, projects and skills that are valuable to your employer.

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2. What should I look for in a salary negotiation?

In a salary negotiation it depends on the right timing and a convincing presentation of your skills and contributions to the company's success. A self-confident and respectful manner as well as openness to constructive dialog are particularly important. Also remember that salary negotiations do not have to be limited to the basic salary. You can also bring other compensation components and benefits into play.

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3. How can I undermine possible counterarguments in a salary negotiation?

Be prepared for the possibility that your employer may raise counterarguments. Consider in advance what objections might be raised and prepare appropriate responses. For example, if you have missed targets in the past, you can argue that you have since educated yourself or learned from your mistakes and changed your approach. Use your most recent successes to dismiss any concerns you might have.