1. Pay negotiation begins before the proposal
Many people believe that the pay talks begin when they receive a proposal. But till then, the company has already given you a price based on two factors:
- Your resume starts and whether it highlights the effect of average status.
- Your application and the number you record in the “desired salary” box, which is a mesh.
For Amazon, I did not list my previous experience when I started again. I implicated it in such a way that my value became clear. I used some examples:
- I reduced the onboarding time by 30%, saving the company annually $ 500,000.
- I led a team that produced $ 2 million in sales in six months.
- I created a system that cut the cost by 20% in many departments.
By determining my impact, I presented myself as a high-value rent, which took more advantage of me when I had time to interact.
I learned from this experience to never lie my current salary on any application. If they ask, it says that it is confidential. And when asked about salary expectations, tell them that you first need to know more about job responsibilities.
2. Just talk more than salary
When Amazon sent the first proposal, I did not just focus on the base on the base. The smartest negotiaters look at the entire compensation package, including sign-on bonus, equity, relocation package and performance-based incentives.
I posted my countroofer in this way:
“I appreciate the proposal, and I am excited about the role. Given my experience, looking at the projects of the multimilian-dollar, I would prefer to align on the compensation package. If we can reach close to the Aadhaar pay ($ x), as well as a $ 54,000 sign-on bonus and $ 100,000, I will be happy to sign.”
This gave Amazon a clear number to work and made it easy for him to say yes.
3. Know what your counterparts are earning
Many job seekers do not know what the market pays for their role, so they close and interact. However, most companies have pay bands, internal pay data and industry benchmarks that you can use for your benefit.
Before talking, I made sure I knew my value:
- Talking with a friend who worked as a compensation analyst.
- Research on SEC filing for insight into executive salary.
- Using my LinkedIn network, and asking mentors and colleagues, “What is the rate for this role?”
When I went to my Amazon talks, I already knew that my equivalent was making more in similar companies. So I did not just talk, I targeted for the highest end of the range and structured my countroofer accordingly.
4. Talk to the place of strength, not frustration
When Amazon initially protested, I could not panic. instead:
- I reminded them of my value: “Depending on my influence in my previous company, I will bring much more revenue than this additional compensation.”
- I used silence as a strategy, knowing that most recruiting candidates expect to break before.
- I informed them that I had other proposals at the table.
Within 48 hours, Amazon returned with full sign-on bonus and stock package.
5. Be ready to walk away
Companies spend thousands of dollars of sourcing talent. Unlike the popular belief, I have found that they will go to a large length to meet your needs.
If a company is making a proposal to you, they have already decided that they want you. If they push back, it does not mean or not – it means they need a reason to say yes. Remember, your desire to walk away is your biggest length.
I once rejected a proposal from another company as they would not move on salary. Two days later, they received “additional $ 30,000”. When you know your ability, you are not organized.
Finally, that $ 54,000 sign-on bonus was not just a unique financial victory for me. This was the foundation on which I made my business.
Jasmine “Jazzy Mac” McCall A career expert and CEO and co-founder PaibampA career development platform that helps everyday people in remote, corporate roles. Follow it YouTube And Linkedin,
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