Congratulations! You’ve been offered a new position or promotion. This is the perfect time to negotiate salary at your current company.
Negotiating a job offer at your current company can make even the most experienced professionals feel uneasy. The thought of entering a room to confront your boss or manager while trying to explain why you deserve higher pay can be daunting.
Emotions can easily escalate, leading to potential misunderstandings. Furthermore, many professionals question whether they truly understand how to negotiate their salary with their current employer effectively.
Real Life Example: Negotiate Salary At Your Current Company
I have advised clients on negotiating salary many times as a Career, Leadership, and Job Search Coach. Here is a recent real-life text exchange that I had with a former client who negotiated salary at her current company when she received a new position:
The Offer
A – Hi Donna, I hope all is well. Sorry for the late text but I was hoping to get your thoughts on something.
I was just offered a Director of Quality position from my current position of Lead Quality Inspector. They are only offering a 5% raise which seems too low. Given my previous history of forcing a 12% raise In Oct 2023 using a job offer from my previous employer as leverage, do you think it is acceptable to ask for 10% for this promotion? I’m not sure how my previous actions affect how I should approach this situation as I want the promotion and don’t want to piss them off too much.
Donna – I don’t think you’ll piss them off, as long as you’re respectful and indicate you’re willing to work with them on it. They know who you are, respectful, hardworking, ethical, a fast learner, a big contribution to their organization.
I would ask if they’d consider an X% increase for the added level of responsibility and the more strategic input you’d be giving (provide a list).
I would also create a list of bullet points on why you’re worth X%. The value they will get with you in that position.
If possible, name some things you could do that the last person holding the position couldn’t.
Or, list something that they may have not thought of that you could do that would add more value than what they’re already expecting.
I would let them know that you’d like to create a win-win, so that both parties in this agreement are happy with the agreement.
You may want to let them know that you’re open to exploring other forms of compensation, if you are (an increased bonus, more stock, a retention bonus, anything you can think of), or ask them if they have any other means of compensation to offer — maybe some other type of bonus.
Feel free to run the wording on any of this by me.
A – Great advice. Thanks for the help !
The Outcome
A – I asked for 10% and they didnt hesitate to give it to me. Should have asked for more ha. Thanks again for the advice
D – You’re very welcome. Glad it worked out.
Most people don’t realize that they can negotiate with their current employer.
I forgot one other tip: you can do a salary survey for like job titles in California and bring that to them. That worked for me once.
A – Awesome thanks! I looked at a few job titles at LinkedIn in and I’m in the ballpark m.
D – Ok. Good. I’m wishing you much success and happiness.
***Position titles have been changed to protect the client’s identity.
9 Tips for Negotiating a Job Offer at Your Current Company
If you’ve been offered a new position at your current company and would like to negotiate the salary and other benefits, here are tips to follow:
- Do Your Research: Before entering negotiations, gather information about industry standards for your role, including salary ranges and benefits. This will give you a solid foundation for your discussions.
- Assess Your Value: Reflect on your contributions to the company, including any projects you’ve led, skills you’ve developed, and goals you’ve achieved. Be prepared to articulate how your efforts have benefited the organization.
- Prepare Your Case: Create a clear, concise presentation of why you deserve a better offer. Use specific examples and data to support your claims, showing how your work aligns with the company’s goals.
- Set Clear Objectives: Know what you want from the negotiation. Whether it’s a raise, more vacation time, or flexible working hours, clearly define your priorities and be ready to discuss them.
- Practice Active Listening: During discussions, listen to the employer’s perspective. Understanding their constraints and priorities can help you find common ground.
- Be Professional and Patient: Maintain a respectful tone throughout the negotiation process. Understand that decisions may take time, and be patient while the company considers your request.
- Be Open to Compromise: Be prepared to explore alternative options that might meet both your needs and the company’s capabilities. Flexibility can be key to reaching a satisfactory agreement.
- Follow Up in Writing: After discussions, summarize the key points and any agreed-upon terms in writing. This can help prevent misunderstandings and provides a reference for future discussions.
- Plan for Different Outcomes: Be ready for different responses, including acceptance, counteroffers, or, in some cases, a refusal. Have a plan for each scenario to ensure you’re prepared no matter what the outcome.
