Negotiating salary is a very important skill to have to ensure that you are earning what you are worth. In the ever changing tech job market, you need to know the current market rate comparable with your skills. With that said, here are my top 5 rules for negotiating salary!

#1 Your Starting Salary Should Equal Market Rate

I know a lot of people who start a job earning less than market rate hoping to earn a raise after a year. I think people do this because they are desperate to get a job so they undersell themselves. You need to strike a balance between needing a job and earning what you are worth. Do your research and find out what the market rate is in your location. I like to compile salary data from the top 3 job boards and use the average in my salary negotiations. In the US, my top 3 job boards for salary data are Glassdoor.com, Salary.com, and indeed.com.

#2 Do Not Be Overzealous

There are times where you will see job ads for your skillset advertising well over market rate for a short term contract. These are few and far between and you should throw them out of your salary average for market rate.

#3 Do Not Provide Your Salary Requirement Until Requested

When I was younger, I used to provide a target salary range spanning $10,000 in my cover letter. Of course every employer would start off the salary negotiation using the lowest number in my salary range and I would negotiate up to the middle of my salary range. When you do this, you shoot yourself in the foot because the employer already knows the least amount you are willing to earn. Unless the job description specifically requests your salary requirement, do not include this in your cover letter.

#4 Keep Your Emotions in Check

Of course we all want to make as much money as we can but business is business. It is not personal. Employers will always try to find the best talent at the right price for them. Do not get upset if they cannot meet your salary requirement, you need to strike a balance between what you think you are worth and what the employer is willing and/or able to pay.

#5 Include Benefits in Your Negotiation

Remember that benefits are a part of your salary. They are also a part of the employer’s cost of having you as an employee. If an employer offers a terrible healthcare plan, you want to know that up front. That way, you can negotiate a higher salary because you will not enroll in their healthcare plan and they will not pay your premiums.

Have a great week and Happy Coding! #LearnLoveLiveCode