There are a few tips and tricks you can try when you are attempting to renegotiate your salary. Here we show you the top ten things to think about when you are attempting to renegotiate your pay packet.

1. Be Persuasive
You can’t force your boss to increase your pay and trying to be forceful can potentially damage your working relationsjip. Instead, tell him the ways it would benefit the company if they were to pay you more, but don’t go too overboard!

2. Be Realistic, but aim high
Start high because you can then both come to a compromise in the middle. If you start too low, you either won’t get the payraise you are after, or your boss won’t see the point in only giving you a tiny raise and not give you anything. Be realistic with what the company are likely to give you as a raise.

3. Use the right tone
Avoid threats and ultimatums. Be reasonable and try to see both sides – let your boss know that you understand his views and thoughts. Try to collaborate with your boss so that you can reach a suitable compromise.

4. Clarify Your Interests
Do not think just of money – there are other benefits which you might like. Profit sharing, stock, bonuses, greater work repsonsibilites, increased holiday, flexible work hours or better overtime rates are all things that you could negotiate with instead of or alongside a pay increase.

5. Anticipate Your Boss’s Interests
Just like you, your boss has needs and concerns. Try to find ideas which correlate with your boss’s – if you address things that are important to him, he is more likely to say yes.

6. Create Several Options
Remember that there isn’t always one answer – try brainstorming together to see if you can come up with a couple of alterntive solutions. You can then work through which one would be the best option for both you and the company.

7. Be Objective
People are more likely to agree to your proposal if the proposal has firm, realistic objectives. Do your research, such as what similar firms pay people in the same jobs, and what benefits they get.

8. What are the alternatives?
Assuming you boss says no, what is your backup plan? It is a good idea to have another proposal or plan in mind so that you know what you can say or do before you walk away from the negotiation table.

9. Prepare Yourself
Invest energy into preparing your facts and ‘speech’. If you are confident and you know your subject well, people are more likely to be on your side and agree to your proposal.

10. Learn
Learn from your experiences. Evaluate yourself after each negotiation and make a mental note of what went well and what didn’t. This way, you will improve your ability to negotiate and you can prepare yourself the next time you have to step up to the table.

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