#JobInterview : 3 Psychology Hacks To Nail Your Salary Negotiation And Get A Big Raise. Question: Do You Negotiate OR Know How? GREat REad!
Your skills are top-notch; you might even be an expert. But are you being paid like one? If your current paycheck isn’t reflecting your worth or covering your expenses, it might be time to ask for a raise or explore new opportunities.
Sure, the idea of negotiating with your boss or a potential employer can feel nerve-wracking. It’s natural to be worried that things won’t work out in your favor. But there’s good news: you can use some psychological techniques to improve your chances of getting a better salary. Ready to level up? Start with these three tips.
Active Listening
When it comes to negotiating your salary, here’s a secret: the less you say, the more you gain. Let them do most of the talking, and you focus on listening. Stay calm, don’t interrupt or argue, and keep distractions like your phone or notes out of sight. Pay attention to their words, tone, and body language. Think about things from their point of view: what concerns they have and what motivates them. By being respectful and engaged, you’ll build trust and prove you’re someone worth investing in.
Asking open-ended questions is one of the best ways to show that you’re actively listening. It helps shift the conversation in your favor without being confrontational.
For example, imagine you’re negotiating salary, and the hiring manager says, “We usually offer $70,000 for this role because it aligns with the industry standard.” Instead of jumping in with a counteroffer right away, you could say: “I see, $70,000. Could you walk me through how you came up with that number and what else is included in the package?”
By letting them talk more, you’re inviting them to reveal more: maybe there’s flexibility in the budget, or they’ll mention additional perks like bonuses or equity. The more they share, the better prepared you are to respond strategically.
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Article continued …
Anchoring
People often make decisions based on the first bit of information they hear; this is called anchoring. You see it all the time: Businesses, like restaurants and online shops, often use anchoring in sales and discounts to get us to spend more money. They throw out a high price first, and suddenly, the “mark down” price doesn’t seem so terrible.
You can also use this trick while negotiating for higher pay. Let’s say the hiring manager asks, “What was your last salary?” or “What are you currently earning?” Ideally, they’ll share the budget first. But if not, here’s where you can use anchoring to your advantage. You could respond with something like, “I’m currently interviewing with three other companies, and the roles we’re discussing are in the $155,000 to $182,000 range.” By setting the bar higher, you’re more likely to get an offer closer to what you actually want.
But be smart about it! If your number’s too high, you risk making the other person lose trust in you or think twice about hiring you—definitely something that you don’t want to happen. And here’s a pro tip: be precise. Studies show that specific numbers work better than round ones at lowering the chance of a counteroffer. So, do your homework, set a reasonable ancho,r and let that first number work in your favor.
Scarcity
One of the most effective negotiation tricks in the book is leveraging scarcity: the idea that the harder something is to get, the more valuable it becomes.
When you talk about your qualifications, highlight what makes you unique. Emphasize your one-of-a-kind skills, certifications, and key accomplishments, just like when you mention you’re interviewing with other companies. That, combined with the higher salary range you dropped earlier, reinforces that you’re in demand. When employers sense that others are interested in you, they’ll start to feel that sense of FOMO, realizing how valuable and hard-to-replace you are. This can give you serious leverage in the negotiation.
You can also create a sense of urgency by referring back to those other opportunities, saying you’re actively considering them or have already received offers. It’s a subtle way to create scarcity and push your employer to act fast with a better offer.
However, take note that scarcity works best when used strategically. Overdo it, and you risk coming off as pushy. Be flexible, open to compromise, and ready to back up your claims with solid proof.
Incorporating these psychology hacks into your salary negotiation can be a game-changer. Getting a better offer isn’t the only goal; you’re also setting yourself up for long-term success. It’s not just about the numbers but about the value you bring and how you communicate it. So, give these tactics a try. Good luck with your next negotiation!
Forbes.com | September 11. 2024 | Sho Dewan
