Successfully Negotiating a Pay Increase Is Better than Winning the World Series

One of the most awaited sporting events of the year has kicked off a couple of the days ago. With the start of this year’s World Series games, whose side are you on?

Negotiating your salary is just like baseball. Everything is fast-paced and three strikes could get you out of the game. Human resources books have wonderful insights on getting the job of your dreams and the salary you truly deserve.

But what about the changing times? You may ask. Well, that’s what the World Series is for. Here’s what the game has taught me so far about negotiating my salary:

Ready with research

Before dropping any hint that you’d want a pay increase, make sure to start gathering facts. Ask around for the standard industry rate of professionals in your industry who have the same years of experience and skills. In thinking through how much your services are worth, always factor in your certifications, post graduate education as well as the industry awards you’ve received.

Accomplishments on the bat

This is the best time for you to brag (nicely) about what you’ve accomplished throughout your career. In listing your achievements, start with the success stories you’ve created for your current employer. Make a list of previous projects and tasks that made a big impact on the company. Whether it won your current employer an award or closed a big deal under your wing, make sure to take credit for it. When the negotiations begin, this list will serve as your cheat sheet in reminding your boss of how much you're worth in the company.

“It can be done” attitude

With the current worldwide economic downturn, salary increases have moved down the priority lists of companies. But this shouldn’t rub you off staying hopeful and aiming for the salary increase that you deserve. Keeping the right frame of mind is the key to getting passed through this setback. Seeing the situation in a positive light can greatly boost morale in negotiating your salary even in these trying times. Remember to take the possibilities of failure as signs for you to take caution.

Survive through persuasive arguments – not through deception

Negotiating is the art of friendly persuasion. So in putting forward your points as to why you deserve a pay increase, always remember to bring the spotlight to your achievements and the advantages the company enjoys with having you around. Clearly state the perks in black and white to allow your current employer to see how increasing your salary can benefit the organization as a whole. Keep in mind that though you would be the one receiving a higher pay every month, your employer considers it as an investment. Let them know how investing in you can give them the extra mileage over competitors.

Expect the unexpected

If all else fails, you might want to consider other opportunities with another employer or perhaps offering your expertise as a consult to companies who might be needing assistance.

Aiming for the big salary win?

Take the first step by being bold to negotiate your salary. Let me know how strike the bat by leaving a comment below. Oh by the way, I guess all of us want to be a manager so here are some tips on Becoming a Manager if not Today Tommorow