Negotiating a salary can be tricky and sometimes extremely daunting for many people. Thoughts of uncertainty might creep into your head. “Will my employer be upset that I am asking for more money?”, “What do I do if they push back?”, “Should I try to undervalue myself just to make sure my job isn’t on the line?”

Salary negotiations may vary dependent on your current situation. Below we have shown a few cases of salary negotiations and how to attack each one.

1) You recently received the offer, but the offer is lower than you expected.

In this situation, you may be initially disappointed, discouraged, or even upset with your potential new employer for such a lower offer. It is important to remember that although the offer may be lower than you expected, you should be ecstatic that you received an offer in the first place! That means they want you on their team!

Although the offer may be lower than you anticipated, it is important to do a few things first before acting rash. You must remember, your prospective new employer is trying to save money however they can. You should first fully understand your value and worth. Knowing how much and what you specifically bring to the team is a critical component of the salary negotiations. After you figured out your worth, research what your specific job title, roles, and responsibilities are worth on the open market or at another company. Once you know and understand your worth AND the worth that the open market deems your position, you can approach your prospective new employer and defend your case. It is important to do so politely and professionally.

2) You received multiple offers from different employers, but unsure how to make the right choice.

Congratulations! You are in a situation that many do not experience throughout their entire working lives! That said, it is important to follow the steps in step 1 above. Once you have done so, it is important to understand which position YOU value more. If you want to work at a company but they are offering less in compensation, you are to decide if you are willing to take less to work where you want, especially if they will not budge on their offer price.

It is important to be open and honest with both companies that are offering you a position. If the employer truly wants you to join their team, they will do what they can not to lose you to a competitor.

3) You are asking for a raise in your salary after some time at your employer.

Many people get this topic confused. It is important to remember that time with a company is not what a company value most… it is the value YOU bring to the company that will dictate your compensation. If you believe that you are underpaid or underappreciated for your work, and you have proven time and time again that you deserve a raise, you need to professionally bring it up to your supervisor or Human Resources.

Remember, it is more costly for an employer to lose a valued employee to only try to replace them versus giving you the raise or bonus you deserve. If you believe you deserve the raise or bonus, you must illustrate to your employer quantifiable justification as to why you deserve the raise.

Above all else, it is important that you practice your negotiation tactics with a trusted family member or friend and to exude confidence when in your scheduled negotiation.