Don’t shy away from negotiating. Women statistically have more difficulty navigating this conversation. Whether the reason is that they lack experience or do not want to seem too pushy, women often end up settling rather than having the discussion to reach an agreement. It is generally easier to see someone else having this conversation — so put yourself in their shoes and think about whether you would advise a friend to take the offer. Stay positive and confident. 

You don’t have to already have the job to start negotiating. That is a misconception. According to Human Resource director Lisa Morris, the verbal offer is the best time to have that conversation.  Your potential employers will want to know if you are unhappy with the compensation and, if they are serious about the offer, will try to adjust until you both agree. If the subject has already been discussed but you still aren’t confident, look for alternatives such as a scheduled pay raise, defined benefits, or leave time. No job offer will be perfect.

Work with the facts and show your worth. When conferring about salary, don’t focus on the numbers but have a specific value in mind. Presenting facts encourages the employer to counter their original offer with a higher value. With the right conversation, you may reach a figure close to the one you had planned. Define your personal worth. If the job offer has been extended, skills you possess are in demand. Be concise and polite to show that you will make a great member of their team. Make sure to present yourself in a way that does not make you appear arrogant.

Don’t accept their offer right off the bat. If you do, you might take away the opportunity for negotiating. The phrase “selling yourself short” applies. Accepting the first number thrown your direction may decrease your value. Use phrases like, “I really appreciate the offer at $42,000, but I was expecting $45,000 based on my previous experience.” This will start the conversation on a positive note but let the employer know where you stand. 

Be prepared for rejection. While you are offered the position, chances are it is a “take it or leave it” situation. From the employer’s point of view, there are many factors that weigh in when making an offer with a precise value. Rarity of skill, economy, level of position, and several other things must be taken into consideration. Ultimately, the price offered may be the only one available in this situation.

After all is said and done, your acceptable pay rate is your decision. While this is a topic to approach with subtly, it is not impossible. The choice to navigate the conversation about your salary is not in the hands of your employer. 

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com