The job market is competitive, and to survive in this competition, it is not only about having skills, but also about properly evaluating those skills. Especially when it comes to negotiating salary, many job seekers are in a dilemma. Some think that it is better to gain experience by working at a low salary in the beginning, while others think that you should demand a good salary from the beginning based on your qualifications. In fact, only by adopting the right strategy can you ensure a fair salary for yourself.
Many people do not worry much about salary in the first job. At any rate, getting a job is the main goal. But the reality is that the foundation of your career is built from the first job. If you start working at a low salary, it becomes difficult to increase that salary structure in the future. Therefore, it is important to negotiate salary properly at the beginning.
If you have little experience, it is better not to mention a specific salary figure directly. Instead, when the company asks you, "What is your expected salary?", you can give a strategic answer. For example—
"I'm new to the area, so I don't have a good idea of the cost of living here. However, I want my salary to reflect my living expenses and provide some financial support for my family. So I want to rely on the company's fair valuation."
This type of answer will portray you as a flexible and realistic employee, which will make a positive impression on the employer.
On the other hand, if you are an employee with four to five years of experience, you should highlight your previous job experience, responsibilities, and skills when discussing salary. For example, you could say—
"I worked at a previous company for [your previous salary] and my responsibilities there were [brief description of the main job]. Now I have become more skilled and I think my experience will be useful to the company. So my expectation is a fair and competitive salary structure that will match my experience and skills."
If the company asks for a specific salary, you can give a range instead of a single number. This will make you appear more flexible and open up room for negotiation. For example—
"Based on my experience and current market value, I am expecting a salary range of [minimum expected salary] to [maximum expected salary]. However, I am willing to negotiate based on the company's benefits and working environment."
Salary negotiation is very important because it is not just a number, but an assessment of your skills and experience. When you demand a reasonable salary, the employer will understand that you are aware of the value of your work. Also, if you do not get the right salary, it becomes difficult to be satisfied with the job in the long run, which can affect your performance.
Many times, job seekers think, "Let's start with a low salary first, and then maybe it will increase." But in reality, this rarely happens. If you agree to a low salary initially, it will be difficult to increase your salary structure in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to negotiate salary with confidence from the beginning.
However, it is important to look not only at salary, but also at other facilities. Many times, even if the company offers a low salary, it can compensate for it with other benefits, such as bonuses, health insurance, transportation facilities, career growth opportunities, etc. Therefore, during the negotiation, it is not only the salary amount that should be discussed, but also the overall benefits.
Discussing salary does not mean being arrogant, but rather it is an important part of determining your professional value. If you negotiate confidently and with reason, not only will you get a fair salary, but the company will also understand that you know the value of your skills. So do not be afraid to talk about salary in a job interview, but rather prepare and ensure a good future for yourself with smart answers.
