More salary in 7 steps

Men earn more than women. Yes, even in the same position. That is indeed quite bad. But assuming that you are always part of a situation, you are going to change that now. I will help you because if there is one thing I have always enjoyed, it was salary negotiations.

Make a good assessment of your chances
If you work at a small, friendly company where every penny is counted, then it is not very polite to ask for more money. That shows little understanding. In that case, you might be better off asking for a percentage of a deal that you bring in or a bonus scheme. Then profit for the company is profit for you. The employer is happy because he is assured of your commitment, and you are happy because your hard work is better rewarded.

Bluff a little (men do that too)
I once had a colleague who said to our financial director: “Nice, Peter, if you give me 250 euros a month on the spot, but then I’ll buy a dress with it and it’s gone. That doesn’t really excite me.”

She used her femininity (because with her reference to the dress, she did a little flirting) and in a strange way, it is very strong to say that a quite significant amount means little to you. This indicates that you are used to money, and for some inexplicable reason, people find it much easier to give money to those who are used to it than to poor souls.

Aim higher
What it is, is what it is, but people want to negotiate. When buying a house, I always think; ”We both know where we will end up, so why make it difficult?” But that’s not how it works. It gives people a sense of power if they can make a counteroffer. Keep that in mind. It has happened to me that my high salary request was fully approved. That’s fine too, of course.

Make a wish list
Think in advance about how your employer can accommodate you. Initially, of course, in gross salary. But a company car, that expensive seminar, or reimbursement for a new laptop might not be bad either. Items and training are tax-deductible for the employer and therefore also interesting for him (or her, of course).

Make sure to have change
Also write down on that list some things that are less important to you and that you can let go of in the negotiation. This shows that you are flexible and willing to compromise. You want to work together, so this conversation is constructive; you don’t want to ruin your collaboration.

Don’t compare yourself to others
Here I stand in stark contrast to the vision of many negotiation coaches who advise you to find out what your colleagues earn and use that as an argument. I think that’s nonsense. It’s about you. If you say that you believe you are worth more and you don’t care a bit what your colleagues earn, that makes you even stronger. I would want to give you a promotion right away.

Don’t shop around
I can imagine that it is tempting to flirt with other employers and throw their offers at your employer, but I think that is unwise. I would advise you to go work there instead. That way, you risk disturbing your working relationship, and that was not the intention. Fair play.

And make sure to wear a power suit during that negotiation. A faded sweater with baggy jeans doesn’t work.