Here's how you can assess your value and negotiate a salary or raise.

- pay attention to what you're opting for - Checkout the JD and mentioned salary they're offering - give the interview well and bring up the salary topic if you're confident enough about your skillsets

HOT TAKE: It is easy to negotiate your salary- and guess what... you are the one that decides where this goes. I know it sounds crazy in the current market, plus we are constantly told to never talk about salary, etc... but you have the ability to make the hiring team know what you are worth. YES, it's you... Your Resume. Your LinkedIn/Personal Brand. Your Interview Presence. Your Conversation in the Interview. Those are the things that decide what you are worth. This is true if you are applying for a job or asking for a raise. What is your USP? Are you doing the minimum or excelling beyond? What have you achieved that brought the company ROI, or savings? Do yourself a favor-when it comes time to talk salary- BRAG about yourself.

Reinforce your quantifiable achievements and ask for money remuneration in the most straightforward fashion. Add the fact that you want to be paid as per industry standards and commensurate to your peers. Good luck!

Assessing your value and negotiating a salary or raise starts with self-awareness and market research. Begin by evaluating your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Compare your findings with industry standards using tools like Glassdoor or Payscale. In my career, I found it helpful to document specific achievements and their impacts on the organization. When negotiating, approach the discussion confidently but respectfully. Present your research and accomplishments as evidence of your worth. Remember, negotiation is a two-way street; be open to compromise while ensuring your value is recognized. This approach has consistently led to successful outcomes in my experience.

Start by understanding your strengths, skills, and accomplishments. Reflect on your career achievements and what you bring to the table. Ex-Recruiter Insight: Employers appreciate candidates who know their worth and can clearly articulate it. This confidence often translates into better negotiation outcomes. Specific Example: If you're a software developer, list your top skills like coding proficiency, problem-solving, and project management. Note specific instances where you've excelled, such as leading a successful project. Sample Script: "I excel in software development, having successfully led a team to deliver a complex project three months ahead of schedule, which saved the company $50,000."

Research the average salary for your role in your industry and location. Use resources like Glassdoor, PayScale, and industry reports to gather data. Contrarian Advice: Don’t rely solely on salary data websites. Reach out to industry peers and professional networks to get a more accurate picture. Actionable Tip: Create a range based on your research, with your target salary slightly above the midpoint to allow room for negotiation. Sample Script: "Based on my research and discussions with industry peers, the average salary for my role in this region is between $80,000 and $100,000. Considering my experience and skills, I believe a salary at the higher end of this range is appropriate."

Choose the right time to discuss your salary or raise. Ideally, this should be after a significant achievement or during performance reviews. Ex-Recruiter Insight: Timing your request after you've successfully completed a major project or received positive feedback can significantly improve your chances. Sample Script: "Following the successful launch of our new product line, which exceeded sales targets by 20%, I believe this is a good time to discuss my compensation."

Clearly communicate your contributions and the value you bring to the organization. Use specific examples and quantify your achievements where possible. Actionable Tip: Prepare a list of your key accomplishments and how they have positively impacted the company. Be ready to discuss these in detail. Sample Script: "In the past year, I’ve led three major projects that resulted in a 25% increase in productivity and saved the company $100,000 in costs."

Approach the negotiation with a collaborative mindset. Be prepared to discuss not just salary, but also other benefits like bonuses, flexible working hours, and professional development opportunities. Contrarian Advice: Don’t make it all about you. Frame your request in terms of how your continued contributions will benefit the company. Specific Example: If you’re asking for a raise, suggest a performance review in six months to reassess goals and achievements. Sample Script: "I’m excited about continuing to contribute to the company’s success. Based on my recent achievements, I believe a salary adjustment is warranted. I’m also open to discussing other benefits that would enhance my productivity and satisfaction in this role."