So you’ve landed a pretty good job, but for you to stay, you need to make more money. It’s time to have that talk with your boss.
In this article, we’ll discuss some tailored salary negotiation tips to help you approach your boss to ask for a raise.
These tips are informed by my experience as a supervisor for a major media company and my up-to-date understanding of negotiation practices:
Salary Negotiation Tips
Research Market Rates Thoroughly
Why it matters: In big cities like Atlanta, salaries can range from $22.97/hour to $163,000/year, but these are starting points.
Knowing the market rate for your role and location ensures you don’t undervalue yourself. For example, Glassdoor reports a median Customer Success Manager salary of $84,506/year, with a total pay range of $105K-$187K, depending on experience and company.
How to do it: Use sites like Glassdoor, Payscale, or LinkedIn Salary to benchmark roles. Check the web results—e.g., companies like Buffer or GitLab publish transparent remote salary guides. If it’s a remote job, consider the employer’s headquarters location or employee distribution if available, as this can influence pay scales.
Tip: Cross-reference with the job titles and ranges for a particular job you’re interested in (e.g., Operations Coordinator: $54,500-$95,700) to set a realistic target.
Establish Your Value Before Negotiating
Why it matters: Employers pay for what you bring to the table. Doing what you can to prove your value can justify a higher offer—e.g., for a Customer Success Manager role ($109K-$163K), highlight past success in driving customer retention or revenue.
How to do it: Prepare specific examples of achievements (e.g., “Increased customer satisfaction by 20% in my last role”). Tailor this to your job description or the one you’re applying for.
Tip: Avoid mentioning personal financial needs (e.g., mortgage, debt) as negotiation leverage, as these typically come off as unconvincing to recruiters.
Don’t Accept the First Offer
Why it matters: 54% of candidates don’t negotiate, potentially leaving money on the table. For instance, a $70K-$75K Technical Operations Associate offer could be nudged higher with the right approach.
How to do it: Express gratitude, then counter with a range based on your research (e.g., “I’m excited about the role. Based on my experience and market data, I was hoping for a range of $75K-$80K. Could we explore that?”). The key is to avoid early internal concessions.
Tip: If the salary is fixed, negotiate for other benefits (e.g., remote work flexibility, bonuses).
Use the Salary Range as a Starting Point
Why it matters: Many job postings, for instance, a 100K-$120K Support Experience Coordinator role, provide ranges. Targeting the higher end of a band is appropriate as you can grow into the role within a year.
How to do it: Aim for the upper half of the range if you exceed the job’s requirements. If the lower end is offered, ask what it would take to reach the higher end (e.g., performance metrics).
Tip: If no range is given (e.g., Remote Medical Scheduling Specialist), propose one based on similar roles.
Leverage the Full Compensation Package
Why it matters: If salary negotiations stall, other perks can offset the offer. The LinkedIn article suggests considering benefits like health insurance, stock options, or extra vacation days.
How to do it: Ask about the total compensation package early. For example, if the job is for a Care Coordinator Associate ($22.97-$33.05/hour) offer is low, inquire about signing bonuses or remote work stipends.
Tip: Be prepared to compromise—e.g., accept a slightly lower salary for a robust benefits package.
Practice Your Pitch
Why it matters: Confidence comes with preparation. It’s a known fact that practicing reduces anxiety during real negotiations.
How to do it: Role-play with a friend or record yourself. Focus on articulating your value and handling pushback (e.g., “We can’t go higher than $75K”).
Tip: Time your negotiation after receiving the offer but before accepting, as recommended by LinkedIn.
Be Ready to Walk Away
Why it matters: If the offer doesn’t meet your minimum (e.g., below $54,500 for a job like Operations Coordinator), it’s better to decline than settle. The Harvard PON article warns against self-sabotage in negotiations.
How to do it: Set a personal minimum based on your research and life goals. Politely decline if unmet: “I appreciate the offer, but I’ll need to pass as it doesn’t align with my current expectations.”
Tip: Leave the door open for future opportunities by staying professional.
Final Word
Demand for remote roles remains high thisyear, potentially giving you leverage. However, companies may adjust salaries based on cost-of-living differences across remote worker locations.
As always, inflation and labor market conditions could influence salary offers. Stay updated about the job market and adjust your expectations.
If you’re looking to get hired in Atlanta right now, there’s a very real possibility that you can land your dream job.
Read more: Best Work From Home Jobs In Atlanta, Georgia
