More Tips for Negotiating Salaries for Tech Jobs

From Patricia Pickett

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy

Former Tech Careers guide John Steven Niznik provided some initial tips on how to negotiate a salary for a technical position. Here are a few additional guidelines I've compiled to help you get through the negotiation process with minimal stress, and end up with a salary that is acceptable for both you and the employer.

The Best Time to Negotiate Salary

Most career experts will say you have the most leverage in negotiating a salary after you have been offered the job; at this point, the employer is certain they want to hire you.

However, avoid trying to negotiate immediately after receiving the offer and before getting additional details on the rest of the compensation package. You need to take some time to consider everything being offered.

Also, try your best to avoid bringing up salary or, if asked, giving specific figures during the job interview. That time should be used to find out more about the job and to determine whether you want to work for the employer.

Know the Job Description and Requirements

You can't be expected to negotiate fairly if you don't have all the information you need. If you have any outstanding questions about what you will be expected to do, the results you will need to produce, and any other benefits or perks the employer offers, find the answers to those questions before you start talking about how much you'll get paid.

Research is Key to Salary Negotiation

Make sure you do some background research to find out what the going salary is for the type of job you are being offered - one with similar responsibilities. Here are some places where you can find this kind of information:

• Payscale.com;
• Salary.com;
• Indeed.com;
• government census stats;
• salary reports issued by various tech job search firms;
• National Association of Colleges and Employers;
• postings for similar jobs;
• discussions with people who have a similar job.