Do you earn more than you get? Then get down to business and ask for a pay rise. Don't know how to go about it? Then our pro tips will help you to negotiate at eye level and not let yourself be thrown out of the game. With a good strategy and convincing arguments, you'll emerge victorious from the salary discussion.

1. research is key

Before you start negotiating your salary, take a look around the internet. What is the general salary for your job and position. Find out about industry salary ranges for similar jobs and consider regional differences. Take a look at various salary comparison websites, for example at 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 argument during the negotiation. But even if the average is generally a little below your expectations, you don't need to bury your head in the sand just yet. 

 2.   Your performance counts 

The only argument for a salary increase is your performance. The absolute no-go in a salary negotiation is to complain that your rent has been increased and your children need a lot of stuff for school. What matters is your performance. Make a list of your achievements, projects and skills that are valuable to your employer. When negotiating, emphasize how your contributions have helped the company, which of your special skills have saved the company money. Or maybe you managed to get a delivery date that was thought to be lost delivered on time thanks to your excellent improvisation skills? This is the stuff that salary increases are made of. Every little thing that you did well and that had a positive impact on the company: write it down and bring it up in conversation. This will emphasize your added value and put your claims on a solid footing. 

 3.   Art in itself: Correct timing  

The right time for your salary negotiation is worth its weight in gold. The best time is when you have just successfully completed a project. Maybe you've also received a big compliment from your boss or you've been celebrated in the company in general. Then thumbs up!  

Not a good time to talk about more money is when something has just gone super wrong that you're responsible for. Or if your boss has just had a difficult conversation with someone else or something has gone wrong in the company, even if you had nothing to do with it. Of course, you shouldn't wait forever, but the right timing has earned many a person a hefty salary increase in a relaxed mood. 

 4.   ¨convincing appearance 

In addition to a good argument and the right timing, a successful salary negotiation also requires a convincing appearance. If you have backed up your salary demand with facts and have put your experience, skills and contribution to the company's success on the line, you should present yourself accordingly. Don't belittle yourself, don't say you understand that there's not much to give out at the moment. Be self-confident, look directly at your counterpart and avoid the pauses in the conversation that often follow the whining that the company hasn't made that much turnover. Sure, if you know that the company is struggling to survive, see point 3: Maybe not the right time? In all other cases, explain again that you make a decisive contribution to success. Emphasize once again the value you bring to the company. It is only fair and right that you receive appropriate compensation for this. 

 5.   Open minded and respectful 

A confident attitude is crucial for a successful salary negotiation, but still be respectful and professional. Try not to react too negatively during the negotiation and don't build up too much pressure. Maintain a calm tone and be open to constructive dialog. Show that you represent your own interests, but also have the overall well-being of the company in mind. 

 6.   Be creative: fringe benefits are also money 

Salary negotiations are not limited to the base salary. Also think about other compensation components and additional benefits. These include, for example, annual bonuses, commissions, flexible working hours, training opportunities and a company pension scheme. The company may not be able to pay you more in cash, but what about a four-day week? This is also a salary increase, even if you don't see it directly in your account. The ability to think flexibly is a plus that will bring you closer to your goal.  

 7.   Last but not least: Eliminate possible counterarguments 

Be prepared for your employer to raise counterarguments or concerns. Think about what could come from there? Has something gone wrong recently? Or have you failed to meet agreed targets? And once again, point 3 comes into play: Is now the right time? If so, then prepare suitable answers to such attempts at defense! For example, if you've now trained somewhere or learned your lessons from a particular fail and are now approaching things differently. Always counter concerns with your latest successes 

 

At the end of the day, you make the match point with good preparation. If you know how much you can ask for, emphasize your achievements, present yourself confidently and are able to override possible counterarguments, then nothing stands in the way of an appropriate salary increase. So then: Game on! 

 

FAQ Frequently asked questions about salary negotiation:

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

When preparing for a salary negotiation, thorough research is the be-all and end-all. Find out about industry-specific 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. It is also useful to make a list of your achievements, projects and skills that are valuable to your employer.

 

2. What should I consider during a salary negotiation?

When negotiating a salary, it's all about the right timing and a convincing presentation of your skills and contributions to the company's success. A confident and respectful manner and 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 remuneration components and additional benefits into play.

 

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

Be prepared for the fact that your employer may come up with counterarguments. Consider in advance what objections might arise and prepare appropriate responses. If you have missed targets in the past, for example, you can argue that you have since trained further or learned from your mistakes and changed your approach. Use your latest successes to dispel any concerns you may have.