As long as I've been working, I've heard around me that it's much more difficult for women to negotiate a good salary than for men. They often don't know how to deal with that and they are 'too nice'. Of course an employer makes use of this. Not abuse, I wouldn't call it that, but use. In the vein of 'if you don't have to, then don't'. Rightly or not, in itself it is not so strange of course. It will be one of the explanations for the differences between the salaries of men and women, even if they do the same job.
I can say that I have a hard time with that. With equal effort and performance, you are just as entitled to the same salary as your male colleague. We have listed the necessary tips for every woman who wants to become proficient in salary negotiation. You can use this to properly prepare your next salary meeting. Good luck !
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Negotiation only makes sense if you know what you want and what you are willing to be satisfied with. Take a look at the following example for a salary discussion.
Suppose the salary scale for your position starts at step 0 (gross 2400 euros) and ends at step 11 (2950 euros). Anyone who does not do it particularly well within the company will most likely be classified in step 0. However, your employer has the freedom to offer a salary of 2,950 euros. So every reason to think about what you actually want to earn and what you think you are worth.
Think about what really matters to you. Are you looking for more pay, is it a company car or perhaps a mobile phone? Or do you go for a bonus for good work, fewer hours, a thirteenth month or more flexibility in connection with your growing children? There are many ways in which you can enter your salary negotiation and it really doesn't have to be all about extra money. Then make a top 5 of your wishes and make sure these are the ingredients you will focus on.
This way you are well prepared, and that already saves half. You do not want to be blown away by your manager during your year-end interview. It is better to be strong and to know what you are worth so that you can also give examples of this.
Knowledge is power. At least when it comes to salary negotiations. In addition to what is important to you, also carefully map out what you currently earn. Take the whole picture, from the gross salary to the travel allowance and any other extras. If you know exactly what you earn, then you cannot be put in front of the block and you will always receive a well-founded answer.
In addition, take a look at the salary scales that correspond to the position you hold. To do this, you can take a look at the collective labor agreement to which you fall or – very popular these days – consult the wage guide on the internet.
Look further in vacancy texts and listen to friends and former colleagues. What do they earn? In addition, collect information about the company itself. The annual report that can be requested from the Chamber of Commerce usually offers a wealth of information for this.
How is the employer doing? In companies where profit is made, there is usually extra room for more salary. If the company you work for is not doing well, you can ask for more money during your salary negotiation, but that will probably not be honored. Yet it feels different when you get a 'no' than a possible 'no' while your company is facing a golden future. Finally:gather ammunition for the conversation by charting your own performance over the past period. What are demonstrable scores? Do you sometimes already do more than is actually expected of you? Matters that may be important when you enter the discussion of your negotiations for a higher salary.
Above all, be yourself. Do not exaggerate, but keep it to reality. As long as you can really stand behind that, you will also come across as strong and you have a better chance of success.
Above you have been able to read that proper preparation of your salary negotiation is essential. In the announcement you indicate that you see a reason to talk about your role in the organization. This may be related to, for example, the departure of a colleague, the completion of a project or recent successes. Determine the right approach why you are coming up with your request now. You can also have your salary discussion at a completely different time than during the year-end interview, remember that!
In addition, make sure that the meeting is not scheduled 15 minutes before the end of the working day. In most cases, your conversation partner (boss or HR manager) wants to leave quickly after five o'clock to be home when dinner is served, and that obviously does not benefit your conversation. Do you notice that your boss doesn't have time for it today? Then arrange that you really put a meeting on the agenda for the two of you, preferably as early as possible so that you don't have to struggle with it all day.
Furthermore, it certainly doesn't hurt to practice a few laps on dry land before jumping into the deep end. You also help your children with a presentation they have to give, right? I can still hear myself saying 'repeat, repeat, repeat'. This also applies to your own salary negotiation, especially if you are normally not so sure of yourself. So ask your partner or a friend to step into the shoes of the interlocutor and make sure you are well prepared!
Negotiation is different from arguing. Therefore, do not be afraid to take a firm stand during the conversation and defend it. Do not blindly accept the other's arguments as truth. 'No, that is not in the collective labor agreement' is a frequently heard reason. A lot can be arranged in addition to the text in the collective labor agreement.
And does your job description prevent a higher salary? Just ask for a different description. Because you have obviously done your homework and are therefore able to parry the defense of your employer if he or she starts talking about a salary in line with the market.
In any case, always remain calm and polite, even when your conversation partner tries to upset you with complicated terms that supposedly indicate that there is no plus sign.
And feel free to ask. The LSD formula can help you with that. LSD stands for Listening, Summarizing and Inquiring. By the way, don't talk too much, but let your manager do the talking. It is not without reason that people sometimes say:whoever talks pays. By listening and asking the right questions, you achieve much more. Of course, do not push your employer into a corner, always leave room to come back to a previously taken position. Because remember, you are negotiating! That is why it is wise to bring change with you. You a higher salary, he, for example, the certainty that you will commit yourself to a project at least for the coming year. Or find another 'means of exchange' that you know will make your boss happy.
Your salary is the total package of secondary and primary employment conditions. Start with part 1, the sum of travel expenses up to the thirteenth month and the bonus part. These matters are usually arranged at corporate level and are therefore subject to limited negotiation. But once all these separate frameworks are clear, you also know how far you should (and can) go with the primary part.
Your employer will undoubtedly ask the question 'What are you thinking about?' Try turning that question around and let him make the first 'offer'. In this way you can see where he is and determine your own position.
Also, do not immediately respond to the first offer your employer makes. Even if this is what you were hoping for beforehand. There's probably something more in the barrel. Ultimately, you are the one who has to put an intended amount on the table. Always assume the most defensible. By doing research you now know your own market value. You have prepared yourself well and are therefore able to defend this amount with good arguments. Please note:with an unfounded high demand you will crumble your own credibility.
The end of the negotiations is in sight. Time to take stock. Do you immediately agree with the proposal on the table? It's very possible that you haven't quite figured out all the numbers yet. That's no problem at all. Suggest a break if you feel the need. A night's sleep to think about it is fine. No one forcing you to say yes or no right away. Getting into something too quickly could mean you'll regret it later. And it seems very eager to your employer to say the least. This gives him the feeling that he has handled the negotiation smartly, after all, you immediately agree.
If you want to think a little more, then just be honest about it. In any case, this clearly indicates that you want to approach the conversation and its offer seriously. Discuss that you will consider the proposal and indicate when you will come back to this.
Always record agreements made and preferably on paper. Of course you expect your employer to indicate this on its own initiative. Doesn't he? Then imagine it yourself. If you're asked, "Why don't you trust me?" Explain that it's not a matter of lack of trust. You just want to avoid any misunderstandings. The more specific, the better. Oral agreements are legally valid, but are difficult to prove later.
If necessary, email them and ask for confirmation. Your negotiations are only completed when all agreements are on paper and confirmed.
Did you manage to have a nice end-of-year interview and good salary negotiation? Congratulations! Celebrate it with your partner, your children, your girlfriend or anyone else. It's okay to tickle yourself if you've had a good conversation and have received confirmation that you are indeed worth a lot to the company <3 .
