What do you do if your salary negotiation is not going as planned?

2 Reaffirm your value

One of the most important things you can do in a salary negotiation is to reaffirm your value to the employer. This means highlighting your achievements, skills, and contributions that make you a valuable asset to the team and the organization. You can also use external data, such as market rates, industry benchmarks, or peer feedback, to support your case and show that your expectations are reasonable and realistic.

3 Explore other options

If your employer is unwilling or unable to meet your desired salary, you can explore other options that can enhance your compensation package and satisfy your needs. For example, you can ask for more benefits, such as health insurance, vacation time, or stock options, or for more flexibility, such as remote work, flexible hours, or professional development opportunities. You can also propose a performance-based bonus, a deferred raise, or a review in a few months, to show that you are willing to prove yourself and earn your salary.

4 Communicate effectively

Communication is key to any successful negotiation, especially when things are not going as planned. You need to communicate effectively with your employer, using clear, respectful, and confident language, and listening actively to their concerns and feedback. You also need to communicate your interests, goals, and priorities, and how they align with the employer's vision and values. By communicating effectively, you can build rapport, trust, and mutual understanding with your employer, and increase the chances of reaching a win-win agreement.

5 Know when to walk away

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may not be able to reach a satisfactory agreement with your employer. In that case, you need to know when to walk away from the negotiation and pursue other opportunities. Walking away is not a sign of failure or weakness, but a strategic decision that reflects your self-worth and career aspirations. You should walk away when you feel that your employer is not respecting your value, meeting your needs, or offering you fair and competitive compensation.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?