Determine market value, document performance and set targets: Proceed as explained above.
A successful salary negotiation can be crucial for your career development and financial satisfaction. It's not just about recognizing your achievements and skills, but also about valuing your role in the company. However, the process can be challenging, especially if you don't know how to approach it. In this article, we provide tips and arguments that you can use to significantly increase your chances of a successful salary negotiation.
Salary negotiations are important because they provide an opportunity to properly reflect the value of your work and ensure that your salary is commensurate with your performance, experience and market conditions. They help to ensure fair compensation and increase motivation and job satisfaction. They also allow you to be recognized for your contributions and progress within the company. Salary negotiations are also a means of addressing inequalities and ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and equally. They provide an opportunity to discuss career goals and how these can be aligned with the company's objectives.
To prepare for a salary negotiation, you should consider the following steps:
Good preparation will give you the confidence and arguments you need to successfully conduct your salary negotiation.
A structured approach will help you go into a salary negotiation confident and well prepared, and increase your chances of a successful outcome. Here are the usual steps in the salary negotiation process.
The negotiation base in a salary negotiation refers to the starting point of the salary request, which should be based on sound reasoning. This basis is determined by a combination of your current salary, your benefits, the salaries of comparable positions in your industry and region, and the particular skills or qualifications you bring to the table. It's about finding a realistic and justifiable amount that reflects your appreciation for your work while taking into account the range of what your employer is willing and able to pay.
Typically, a premium of 10% to 20% on the current salary is considered appropriate. However, this range can vary depending on factors such as your professional experience, the industry you work in and the location of your company. In some cases, especially if you are underpaid or have added significant value to the company, higher demands may be justified.
It's important to be prepared for the fact that your employer may want to negotiate, so it's advisable to start with a slightly higher demand to leave room for compromise. At the same time, you should remain realistic and support your request with clear evidence of your performance and the market value of your position.
The right time for a salary negotiation depends on several factors and varies depending on the situation. These are the usual times:
| Timing | Reason |
| In the case of a new job | The ideal time to negotiate your salary is before you sign the employment contract. After you have been offered a job, but before you accept, you have the opportunity to negotiate the salary. At this point, the company is already convinced of your suitability and may be more open to negotiation. |
| After apprenticeship | If you have just completed your apprenticeship or study and accepted a job, this is a good time to negotiate your starting salary. Your newly acquired qualifications and knowledge can increase your value to the company. |
| During performance reviews | Many companies conduct regular performance reviews, often annually. These provide a natural opportunity to discuss salary increases, especially if your performance is above expectations. |
| After taking on additional responsibility | If you have taken on significantly more responsibility or new tasks without your salary being adjusted, this is a strong reason for a salary negotiation. |
| If your qualifications have increased | Further training, certificates or relevant courses can increase your market value. After acquiring such qualifications is a good time to talk about adjusting your salary. |
| If the market situation has changed | If salaries in your industry have generally increased or there is a shortage of skilled workers, this may be a good time for a salary negotiation as your market value has increased. |
It's not uncommon for even the most experienced professionals to make mistakes that hurt their chances of a successful salary negotiation. In this context, being aware of both tried and tested tips and common pitfalls is invaluable.
The arguments with which you go into a salary negotiation are the most important points you should prepare. These pave the way to a higher salary if you use them correctly. Good arguments focus on your value and contribution to the company as well as objective market comparisons, while bad arguments use personal needs or inadequate comparisons that have little to do with your professional performance. Here is a table that compares good and bad arguments for a salary negotiation:
| Good Arguments | Bad Arguments |
| Demonstrable performance improvements and goals achieved | Personal financial needs (e.g. mortgage, debt) |
| Assumption of additional responsibilities | Salary of a colleague, without reference to own performance |
| Standard market salaries for comparable positions | Length of service, without performance improvement |
| Special qualifications and further training acquired since the last salary adjustment | Threat of leaving the company without a concrete offer |
| Positive feedback from customers or colleagues | Dissatisfaction with the job, without proposed solutions |
| Contribution to increasing profits or reducing costs in the company | Comparison with salaries outside the industry |
Dealing with counterarguments in a salary negotiation is a key component to success. Here are some strategies to respond effectively:
By applying these techniques, you can effectively handle counterarguments in a salary negotiation and continue to actively work towards a solution that is satisfactory for both sides.
In the art of salary negotiation, little tricks and hacks can make a big difference and often make the difference to a successful outcome. Armed with these helpful tricks, you'll not only start your next salary negotiation with more confidence, but also maximize your chances of getting the success you want and deserve.
In salary negotiations, it is common to ask for between 10% and 20% more than the current salary. However, the exact amount may depend on the industry, experience, position and market conditions. It is important to set realistic expectations and to be well informed about the salary ranges in your field and region.
In a salary negotiation, you should base your arguments on your contribution to the company, your achievements, skills and the market value of your position. Emphasize particular achievements, responsibilities you have taken on and how you have contributed to the growth and success of the company. Also compare your salary to industry salaries to support your claim. Further training and additional qualifications that you have acquired since your last salary interview can also be strong arguments.
Conducting a salary negotiation requires preparation and strategy. Start with thorough research to justify your salary expectations based on your contribution to the company, experience, qualifications and industry salaries. Choose an appropriate time, such as during a performance review meeting or after successfully completing a large project. Communicate clearly and confidently your achievements and the value you bring to the company. Listen carefully and be prepared to respond flexibly to counter-offers, for example by negotiating additional benefits such as further training or flexible working hours. Remain professional and positive throughout the interview.
Salary negotiations are particularly appropriate if you have made significant achievements, during regular performance reviews, after you have taken on additional responsibilities, or if your qualifications have improved significantly through further training. Even if the market has changed and your salary is below the industry norm, this is a good time. Another opportunity is when you move to a new position within the company or when you accept a new job offer.
To approach a salary negotiation, ask for a formal meeting with your manager, expressing a desire to discuss your career development and compensation. Emphasize that you want to discuss your contribution to the company and how you can achieve future goals together. Be professional and direct, but not demanding. It is helpful to link this request to positive aspects of your work and your motivation for the future to keep the conversation on a constructive track.
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